The tradition lives on at the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity, a premier event highlighting the Spanish Vaquero’s time-honored horse training methods from the early American West. This is an action-packed competition featuring three-year-old horses competing in herd work, rein work, and fence work.

I’ve covered this event a number of times over the years, but I was surprised to see a change last year in the rules for photography. It was such a drastic change that I thought that maybe it was geared directly at me. Restricting the type of camera and lens. No professional cameras with lenses longer than 4 inches. And any photos taken with an approved device could only be used for personal use. No Social Media or personal website use. They started offering Media credentials, but there would be a ridiculous $200 fee for that privilege. I emailed the person listed on the website and asked her if this was being done just because of me. I had done this event a number of times in years past. Even though the event is open to the public, I was usually the only one in a scant crowd taking photos. She claimed it wasn’t and that all sanctioned events had similar rules. Not true at all. Yes, some sanctioned events have photography rules, mostly because they have an official photographer. But they certainly don’t charge for a Media Credential. I mentioned I had done the Reno Rodeo 6 years, but never paid for the privilege of a credential.

I thought I’d share some of my previous years images since I won’t be photographing the event again this year. Or won’t I? Thinking about taking my “Professional” camera and a 35mm lens, which is just shy of the 4 inch limit, just to test the rule. This is a fun event to watch. I just happen to like to watch through my lens.

The action starts on 6 September through 14 September at the Reno Sparks Livestock Event Center