Bridle Classes

Open to horses of any age, to be ridden in an approved bit. Reins with romal required. Only one hand may be used on the reins and hands must not be changed.

Open Bridle - open to any rider.

Limited Open Bridle - open to any rider that has not won more than $10,000 in reined cow horse shows and limited age events (lifetime earnings in reined cow horse events). To be eligible to compete in this division, contestants must have a valid Limited Open designation on their membership card and a current application on file in the office. The Open and Limited Open shall have a common draw.

Non Pro Bridle - open to approved Non Pro riders. (Non Pros are individuals who do not train horses for the public; see the NRCHA rulebook or call the NRCHA office at 580.759.4949 for a complete definition.)

Novice Non Pro Bridle - open to approved Non Pro riders who have not earned a total of 200 points or more than $5,000 in this or any other approved NRCHA class in lifetime earnings, except Youth Bridle, Non Pro Limited and Youth Limited classes as of December 1 of the current show year. These points and dollars earned are cumulative from year to year. The Non Pro Bridle and the Novice Non Pro Bridle will have a common draw at the shows.

Youth Bridle - open to riders 18 years of age and under as of December 1 of the current show year (may be divided: 14 & under, 15 through 18, however only one year end award is given). For safety reasons, Youth are not allowed to show stallions in any Youth class.

Bridle Spectaculars

This class, which may also be divided into open and non-pro divisions, gives NRCHA bridle horse competitors a chance to show their 6 years or older horses in all three aspects of reined cow horse (herd, reined, and fence work). Previously horses who were too old for aged events did not get to show in herd work.

Hackamore Classes

Open to horses 5 years of age and under as of January 1 of current show year that have never been shown in a bridle or two-rein down the fence at any judged classes or events with the exception of horse sales. The rider shall use closed reins. Two hands must be used on the reins, except in the herd work.

Open Hackamore - open to any rider.

Limited Open Hackamore - open to any rider who has not won more than $10,000 in reined cow horse shows and Limited Age Events (lifetime earnings in reined cow horse events).

Non Pro Hackamore - open to approved Non Pro riders only.

Two-Rein Classes

Open to any rider and only horses not shown in the bridle down the fence at any judged reined cow horse event at any judged classes or events with the exception of horse sales, prior to December 1 of the given year. This class is open to horses of any age. These horses can be shown only one year in this class. The rider must use one hand on the reins. Any number of fingers between reins will be permitted. Earnings in this class are counted as bridle earnings for purposes of Merit awards. (See the NRCHA rulebook for more information on Merit awards.)

Open Two-Rein - open to any rider. Not to run concurrent with Non Pro Two-Rein.

Non Pro Two-Rein - on a provisional basis for 2007 show year. This class is open to approved Non Pro riders. This class will not count for Regional Standings, World Show Qualification, or National Standings. Earnings will count toward lifetime earnings, eligibilities and Merit awards. Not to run concurrent with Open Two-Rein.

Non Pro Limited & Youth Limited Classes

Work to consist of reining pattern and single cow work (boxing) on the end of the arena. Amount of time to be at the judge's discretion once the rider has shown control of the cow. Horses 5 years of age and under as of January 1 of current show year may be shown in either a snaffle bit or hackamore. Horse of any age may be shown in the two-rein (for one year only) or bridle. Riders cannot have shown down the fence 3 actual runs down the fence in any judged classes or events with the exception of horse sales. Being entered in a class which includes the fence work will be counted as going down the fence regardless if the rider boxed the cow and pulled up before the run was completed. The responsibility for eligibility lies with the competitor. If an individual feels a competitor is not eligible for a class, the burden of proof lies with the person who protests.

Non Pro Limited - open to approved Non Pro riders who have not earned more than $5,000 in lifetime earnings. For purposes of determining eligibility for this class, all Non Pro Limited earnings shall be computed at zero as of January 1, 2002. After Non Pro competitors reach the age of 60, they may fall back into the Non Pro Limited class. However, they may not go down the fence again at any judged classes or events with the exception of horse sales and remain in the Non Pro Limited Class. Competitors may fall back to the Non Pro Limited Class only one time.

Youth Limited - open to riders 18 years of age and under as of December 1 of the current show year. Youth may not show stallions in Youth classes.

Limited Aged Event Classes

The following divisions may be used at Limited Aged Events. NRCHA Affiliates may use divisions which fit their needs.

Open - open to any rider who possesses a current NRCHA membership card.

Intermediate Open - Open to any rider who is not on the Top 30 open rider listing; based on Open and Non Pro money won in the past three years at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Age Events or Special Events and is not on the top 10 Non Pro rider listings; based on Open and Non Pro money won in the past three years at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Age Events or Special Events. To be eligible to compete in this division, contestants must have a valid Intermediate Open designation on their membership card and a current application on file in the office. There will be added money to the purse. Entry in the Open division must be paid to show in this class.

Limited Open - Open to any rider who is not on the Top 30 open rider listing; based on Open and Non Pro money won in the past three years at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Age Events or Special Events , has not earned over $10,000 in Open and Non Pro money at the NRCHA Futurity, Derby, Hackamore Classic, Stakes, World's Greatest or Maturity through 2001, and after 2001 at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Age Events or Special Events, and is not on the top 10 Non Pro rider listings; based on Open and Non Pro money won in the past three years at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Age Events or Special Events. To be eligible to compete in this division, contestants must have a valid Limited Open designation on their membership card and a current application on file in the office. There will be added money to the purse. Entry in the Open division must be paid to show in this class.

Non Pro - Open to any rider who possesses a current NRCHA Non Pro card.

Intermediate Non Pro - Open to any rider who possesses a current NRCHA Non Pro card and is not on the Top 12 Non Pro rider listings; based on Open and Non Pro money won in the past three years at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Age Events or Special Events. To be eligible to compete in this division, contestants must have a valid Intermediate Non Pro designation on their membership card and a current application on file in the office. There will be added money to the purse. Entry in the Open division must be paid to show in this class.

$50K Non Pro - Open to any rider who possesses a current NRCHA Non Pro card and has not earned over $50,000 in lifetime Open and Non Pro money at Limited Aged Events or Special Events. To be eligible to compete in this division, contestants must have a valid $50K Non Pro designation on their membership card and a current application on file in the office.

Amateur - Open to any rider who possesses a current NRCHA Non Pro card and has not won more than $5,000 in lifetime earnings in Open and Non Pro money at the NRCHA Futurity, Derby, Hackamore Classic, Stakes, World's Greatest or Maturity through 2001, and after 2001 at any NRCHA sanctioned Limited Aged Events or Special Events.

Ladies - Open to all female Open and Non Pro riders.

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The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is an international breed association offering multi-event competition for registered American Quarter Horses. Be sure to check with your local AQHA affiliate, as not every show offers cow horse competition. Of those that do, some or all of the classes listed below may be available. Competitors may show up to two horses in each class, with exceptions noted below. Click here to learn about legal equipment for AQHA working cowhorse classes.

Horses in AQHA competition accumulate points which translate into awards recognition. Prize monies are available through the AQHA Incentive Fund - see the AQHA web site for more information.

Junior Working Cowhorse

Only junior horses five years old and younger may be exhibited in junior classes. If the show does not include a hackamore/snaffle bit class, horses shown in junior working cowhorse can be shown in a bit, snaffle, or hackamore at the discretion of the exhibitor.

Senior Working Cowhorse

Only senior horses six years old and older may be exhibited in senior classes, with a legal AQHA western bit. (See AQHA legal equipment for more information.)

Hackamore/Snaffle Bit Working Cowhorse

Only junior horses five years old and younger may be exhibited in this class, which can be held in addition to a junior working cowhorse class and never as a substitute. Horses must be shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore, while horses exhibited in the junior working cowhorse class at the same show must show in a legal bit.

All Ages Working Cowhorse

Junior and senior classes, junior and hackamore/snaffle bit classes or all three classes (senior, junior and snaffle bit/hackamore) may be combined only when there are two or less entries in one or both divisions, or all-age classes split at the direction of the judge and the show management with the unanimous consent of all exhibitors involved in the class (or classes) in question. If a show wishes to combine a junior and senior bit reining class and has a hackamore/snaffle bit reining class, the hackamore/snaffle bit class still will be recognized as an approved class. Entries will be accepted after a class is combined. If classes are combined and additional entries are accepted such that there are now three or more entries in both open classes or youth divisions, classes must be split back the way they were originally offered. A competitor may exhibit three horses in an all-age class as long as two are junior and one is senior; or two are senior and one is junior. Up to four horses in an all-age class may be exhibited by a single rider as long as two are junior and two are senior horses.

Amateur Working Cowhorse

Open to riders meeting AQHA's Amateur eligibility rules.

Novice Amateur Working Cowhorse

Open to riders meeting AQHA's Novice Amateur/ Novice Youth eligibility rules.

Youth Working Cowhorse

Open to riders meeting AQHA's Youth eligibility rules.

Novice Youth Working Cowhorse

Open to riders meeting AQHA's Novice Amateur/ Novice Youth eligibility rules.

Limited Rider Program

AQHA has an excellent limited rider program for exhibitors just starting out, with the opportunity to compete for year-end recognition. This is not a separately run class.

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The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is another international breed association offering multi-event competition for registered American Paint Horses. Be sure to check with your local APHA affiliate, as not every show offers cow horse competition. Of those that do, some or all of the classes listed below may be available. A competitor may show a maximum of four horses (up to two Junior and up to two Senior horses) in individual working events, which includes working cowhorse.

Horses in APHA competition accumulate points which translate into awards recognition. See the APHA web site for more information of the different types of awards for Paint performance horses.

Junior Working Cowhorse

Open to horses five years old and younger. Horses shown in a snaffle or hackamore must be ridden with two hands.

Senior Working Cowhorse

Open to horses six years old and older.

All Ages Working Cowhorse

All ages, junior and senior horses combined.

Amateur Working Cowhorse

Open to riders meeting APHA's Amateur eligibility rules.

Youth Working Cowhorse

Open to riders meeting APHA's Youth eligibility rules.

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The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is an international breed association experiencing growth and excitement in its working cowhorse events for registered Appaloosas. Below is a listing of approved classes which may be offered at ApHC shows. Check the breed's web site for more information.

Junior Working Cowhorse

Only junior horses may be entered in a junior or hackamore/snaffle bit classes. Junior horses are five years old and younger and may be shown in a snaffle bit, hackamore, curb bit, half-breed or spade bit.

Senior Working Cowhorse

Only senior horses may be entered in senior classes. Senior horses are six years old and older and may only be shown in a curb bit, half-breed or spade bit.

Hackamore/Snaffle Bit Working Cowhorse

Open to horses five and under shown in acceptable hackamore or snaffle bit working in the same manner as prescribed for bridled horses, except must be shown two-handed. No cross entry will be allowed between Hackamore/Snaffle Bit Working Cow Horse and Junior Working Cow Horse at the same show. Once a horse has been shown in anything other than an acceptable snaffle bit or hackamore/bosal, it is ineligible to compete in hackamore/snaffle bit classes. This is an optional, non-pointed class.

All Ages Working Cowhorse

All ages, junior and senior horses combined.

Non-Pro Working Cowhorse

All individuals entering approved non-pro classes must hold a current ApHC non-pro card. Click here for eligibility rules.

Youth Working Cowhorse

Open to individuals 18 years of age or younger as of January 1 of the current year. (Age to be retained throughout the calendar year). Married or divorced individuals are ineligible for membership in the Appaloosa Youth Association. A one-time youth membership fee is also available. Youth may only exhibit one horse, which may not be a stallion. See the ApHC Handbook for complete rules.

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“The purpose of the Foundation Quarter Horse Registry is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the working cow horse bloodlines of the Foundation Quarter Horse...” So begins the statement of purpose of the Foundation Quarter Horse Registry (FQHR), and in keeping with that statement, the FQHR offers many cattle-related class divisions at approved shows. Working cowhorse is covered on DownTheFence.com.

Open Working Cowhorse

Horses registered in good standing with the FQHR are eligible to compete in this division. See the FQHR web site to see if your horse qualifies to be registered.

Amateur Working Cowhorse

A person is considered Amateur when he/she has not shown, judged, trained, or assisted in training a horse for remuneration, either directly or indirectly, nor received compensation for instructing another person in riding, training or showing a horse in competition for five (5) previous years. Any approved Horse Show Judge shall not be eligible. Points will be awarded following the same point system used in the open division. Classes are open to both youth and adults when meeting the criteria above. No youth (under age 18) may show stallions.

In order to compete in the Amateur division an exhibitor must present at the time of entry an amateur card which shall be obtained from the Registry prior to the time of entry. In order to receive the card the application along with the appropriate fees should be submitted to the Registry at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of entry. No horse may be shown by more that one exhibitor in any class. In individual events, one exhibitor may show two (2) horses. Any points or awards earned in the Amateur Division at any show (Roundup or Affiliate) when said points are earned by an Amateur competing under false pretenses shall be revoked.

In the Amateur Division the exhibitor must either be the sole owner of the horse or owner of the horse under a joint membership as stated under the membership criteria.

Novice Amateur Working Cowhorse

In addition to the above conditions for Amateur status, the following conditions apply: rider may not have won $250.00 lifetime earnings in any event, may not have earned a combined total of (10) or more points in recognized associations (AQHA, APHA, FQHR, NBHA, NRHA, USTRA, etc.,) in any event prior to January 1 of calendar year. When a rider becomes ineligible he/she will be moved out of the Novice Amateur division as of December 31 of that year and must surrender his/her novice amateur cards to FQHR within 30 days of notification. Approved horse show judges are not eligible.

Youth Working Cowhorse

The age divisions shall be junior youth exhibitors age 13 and under and senior youth 14-18. All FQHR approved classes may be offered to senior youth exhibitors, however; junior exhibitors are excluded from participating in... Working Cowhorse. Youth may not exhibit stallions. No married youth may exhibit in youth events.

Points are awarded on a one horse/one rider combination using the same criteria as the open division and they cannot be transferred or applied to any other horse/rider combination. Two youth in one family may exhibit the same horse on a one horse/one rider basis, but not in the same class. Any horse exhibited by a youth in a FQHR approved youth class must be owned by the contestant or one of the contestant’s parents, grandparents, brother, sister, or legal guardian as evidenced by records on file with FQHR for FQHR points to be awarded. Leased horses that are owned or leased by any person other than those listed above are ineligible for FQHR points in approved youth classes. Lease agreements must be on file with the Registry prior to the show for FQHR points to be awarded. Horses owned by ranch, farm, etc. are ineligible to compete for FQHR points in FQHR approved youth classes.