Class Definitions
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
RANCHERS/RANCHERS BOXING Open to any horse and rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA bit. No training devices. Commit to one or two hands when entering the arena. NRCHA reining pattern will be used. Your choice to rope or circle. Rope is to be affixed to saddle when entering the arena. Two loops allowed, one of which must go over the cows head. Each missed loop will consist of a -1½ points, for a total of -3 points for both missed loops. Subject to re-run cattle.
ROOKIE Non-pro rider who has not earned more than 30 points in NCRCHA rookie points system. Rider who has not ridden down the fence more than three times in any working cow horse competition. Any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena for the duration of his pattern with the exception of boxing. Points only class unless sponsored money is donated for this class. In the case of sponsored money, the sponsored money will constitute the payout. The entry money in this class will not be part of the jackpot. Once a rider earns 30 points, they earn a rookie buckle, and the rider moves out of this class. Rookie buckles will be awarded as earned. No fence run, boxing only, judge will blow whistle at 50 seconds to signal end of cow work. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Points class only. Subject to re-run cattle.
*** Special Rookie Class bonus points, see General Rules - “Rookie Points System” for details
JUNIOR YOUTH Horses may be shown in any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena with the exception of boxing. No fence run, boxing only, judge will blow whistle at 50 seconds to signal end of cow work. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat. Subject to re-run cattle. Jackpot class.
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Classes Ranchers, Rookie, and Junior Youth non-pro rules apply with the exception of the ownership rule, which NCRCHA is relaxing for these classes.
RANCHERS/RANCHERS BOXING Open to any horse and rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA bit. No training devices. Commit to one or two hands when entering the arena. NRCHA reining pattern will be used. Your choice to rope or circle. Rope is to be affixed to saddle when entering the arena. Two loops allowed, one of which must go over the cows head. Each missed loop will consist of a -1½ points, for a total of -3 points for both missed loops. Subject to re-run cattle.
ROOKIE Non-pro rider who has not earned more than 30 points in NCRCHA rookie points system. Rider who has not ridden down the fence more than three times in any working cow horse competition. Any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena for the duration of his pattern with the exception of boxing. Points only class unless sponsored money is donated for this class. In the case of sponsored money, the sponsored money will constitute the payout. The entry money in this class will not be part of the jackpot. Once a rider earns 30 points, they earn a rookie buckle, and the rider moves out of this class. Rookie buckles will be awarded as earned. No fence run, boxing only, judge will blow whistle at 50 seconds to signal end of cow work. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Points class only. Subject to re-run cattle.
*** Special Rookie Class bonus points, see General Rules - “Rookie Points System” for details
JUNIOR YOUTH Horses may be shown in any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena with the exception of boxing. No fence run, boxing only, judge will blow whistle at 50 seconds to signal end of cow work. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat. Subject to re-run cattle. Jackpot class.
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Classes Ranchers, Rookie, and Junior Youth non-pro rules apply with the exception of the ownership rule, which NCRCHA is relaxing for these classes.
NATIONAL CLASSES WITH 3 GOs will pay 10% to each go if the added money is greater than or equal to $1000
NATIONAL CLASS WITHHOLDING will be 25% for all classes that have added money greater than $0 and 0% for all classes with $0 added money.
NATIONAL CLASS WITHHOLDING will be 25% for all classes that have added money greater than $0 and 0% for all classes with $0 added money.
General Rules
Western show attire required. See definitions on each class or NRCHA rules.
For safety, a helmet may substitute as a western hat.
Two handed riders may switch to one hand during cow work to hold the horn during the class with no penalty.
No severe bits, training devices, or mistreatment of any horse will be tolerated on any show grounds.
No disrespect to judges or fellow members will be tolerated. Any issues may be brought up with the posted show representative.
All current NCRCHA members in good standing are encouraged to help work at these shows. Please volunteer to do so. Your help is appreciated!
Please clean up after you and your horse: manure, hay, trash, etc.
For safety, a helmet may substitute as a western hat.
Two handed riders may switch to one hand during cow work to hold the horn during the class with no penalty.
No severe bits, training devices, or mistreatment of any horse will be tolerated on any show grounds.
No disrespect to judges or fellow members will be tolerated. Any issues may be brought up with the posted show representative.
All current NCRCHA members in good standing are encouraged to help work at these shows. Please volunteer to do so. Your help is appreciated!
Please clean up after you and your horse: manure, hay, trash, etc.
Rider Responsibilities
Please Ask If You Are Not Sure About Any Of This Information!!!
All contestants and owners must be current NCRCHA members in good standing to participate in any NCRCHA events. In the event of NRCHA sanctioned classes, all participants and owners must be current NRCHA members in good standing to compete in a sanctioned class. In the event of AQHA Sanctioned classes, all participants must be current AQHA members in good standing to compete in the sanctioned classes.
Contestants must sign NCRCHA Waiver (annually, to be kept on file with NCRCHA show office) Contestants must sign Arena Waiver, if requested.
Copies of horses Registration Papers showing current ownership and Coggins must be made available to the show office prior to showing. Copies of transfer papers are NOT sufficient to prove ownership.
When registering for classes:
Know and understand legal equipment. See NRCHA rule book.
Any and all limited earnings per class (rider or horse) refer to all monies won at any working cow horse event (NRCHA, NCRCHA club shows).
Contestants must sign NCRCHA Waiver (annually, to be kept on file with NCRCHA show office) Contestants must sign Arena Waiver, if requested.
Copies of horses Registration Papers showing current ownership and Coggins must be made available to the show office prior to showing. Copies of transfer papers are NOT sufficient to prove ownership.
When registering for classes:
- Complete one Class Registration form per Horse Shown.
- Must have: Riders Name, Horse's Registration Name, if registered (Please no nicknames), Owners name on the papers, Responsible Party, Back Number, and Classes Entered for each rider.
Know and understand legal equipment. See NRCHA rule book.
Any and all limited earnings per class (rider or horse) refer to all monies won at any working cow horse event (NRCHA, NCRCHA club shows).
Rookie Points System
Points are tracked based on horse/rider combination. See substitution rule if necessary. Records will be maintained based on horse/rider combination until the Rookie buckle is earned by the rider or if there is a lapse in membership for more than 1 calendar year (Jan-Dec) or by appeal made to the Board of Directors for special consideration. NCRCHA Substitution rule does NOT apply to the Rookie Class.
Points will be awarded based on the number of horses actually entered in the Rookie class for each show. First place receives one point for every horse defeated. Each succeeding place will receive 2 points less than the place before it. Example: 10 horses in the class, 1st place is 9 points, 2nd place is 7 points, 3rd place is 5 points, etc. Every entry receives a minimum of 1 point for competing.
Once a rider earns 30 points, they earn a Rookie buckle and the rider moves out of this class. Rookie buckles will be awarded at the show or as soon as points are verified, then the rider will be recognized at the year end banquet.
*** Special Rookie Bonus Points ***
If you enter and show in the #7-Rookie Class, you may also enter and show in the #4-$1000 Non Pro Limited (boxing) club class and have the points earned from either of those classes applied to your rookie points. Points will be calculated based on the Rookie Points System in the same manner as the rookie class points are determined for all horses in the class (See the example below as this is different than previous years calculations). Those riders who are rookies will have those points earned added to their total Rookie points.
Example:
10 horses in the #4 $1000 Non Pro Limited class. The following will be the point assignments. If the 3rd place and 8th place riders are rookies, then the Rookie who came in 3rd place would earn 5 rookie points and the rookie who came in 8th place would earn 1 point,
1st place, if a rookie, receives 9 points
2nd place, if a rookie, receives 7 points
3rd place, if a rookie, receives 5 points
4th place, if a rookie, receives 3 points
5th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
6th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
7th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
8th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
9th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
10th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
Every Rookie entry receives a minimum of 1 point for competing.
Points will be awarded based on the number of horses actually entered in the Rookie class for each show. First place receives one point for every horse defeated. Each succeeding place will receive 2 points less than the place before it. Example: 10 horses in the class, 1st place is 9 points, 2nd place is 7 points, 3rd place is 5 points, etc. Every entry receives a minimum of 1 point for competing.
Once a rider earns 30 points, they earn a Rookie buckle and the rider moves out of this class. Rookie buckles will be awarded at the show or as soon as points are verified, then the rider will be recognized at the year end banquet.
*** Special Rookie Bonus Points ***
If you enter and show in the #7-Rookie Class, you may also enter and show in the #4-$1000 Non Pro Limited (boxing) club class and have the points earned from either of those classes applied to your rookie points. Points will be calculated based on the Rookie Points System in the same manner as the rookie class points are determined for all horses in the class (See the example below as this is different than previous years calculations). Those riders who are rookies will have those points earned added to their total Rookie points.
Example:
10 horses in the #4 $1000 Non Pro Limited class. The following will be the point assignments. If the 3rd place and 8th place riders are rookies, then the Rookie who came in 3rd place would earn 5 rookie points and the rookie who came in 8th place would earn 1 point,
1st place, if a rookie, receives 9 points
2nd place, if a rookie, receives 7 points
3rd place, if a rookie, receives 5 points
4th place, if a rookie, receives 3 points
5th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
6th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
7th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
8th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
9th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
10th place, if a rookie, receives 1 point
Every Rookie entry receives a minimum of 1 point for competing.
Jackpot Open and Non Pro Herd Work Classes
When the show cattle permit the club to offer the Jackpot Herd work, it is to run concurrently (all one draw) the first class of the club show. The combined draw will be limited to 20 total Open and Non-Pro horses.
A single rider may not pre-register more than 3 horses to allow each participant a chance to get a slot. Pre-registration will close the day before the show start date. On the day of the class, any rider may register any number of horses to fill any remaining slots. Slots filled the day of the show will go at the end of the draw.
Jackpot Open Herd Work Class – Open to any rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. NRCHA score sheets will be used and all other NRCHA rules apply. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, then the rules and score sheet will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Jackpot Non Pro Herd Work Class – Open to any non pro rider. NCRCHA Non pro ownership rules apply. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. NRCHA score sheets will be used and all other NRCHA rules apply. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, then the rules and score sheet will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Retain: (25%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
Herd Practice - The Open and Non Pro Herd work classes will be offered the first horse show of the event. The second horse the herd work will be classified as cattle practice.
Retain: (100%)
Must be NCRCHA member
******************************************************************************************************************
Jackpot Open, Non Pro and Open Youth Reining Classes
To run as the first class of each club show (except when the Jackpot Herd work is offered, then it will run immediately after the Jackpot Herd Work with the exception of the Spring Derby and Fall Futurityshows where the Jackpot classes may or may not be offered).
Jackpot Open Reining Class – Open to any rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. NRCHA reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Jackpot Non Pro Reining Class – Open to any non pro rider. Non pro ownership rules apply. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. NRCHA reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Retain: (37.5%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Jackpot Youth Open Reining Class – Any non-pro rider 18 years of age and under as of January first of the current year who meets non-pro status. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in youth class. Horses may be shown in any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat. NRCHA reining pattern will be used.
Retain: (0%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Short Stirrup to run after the Jackpot Youth Reining of each club show (when offered).
Youth Short Stirrups Reining Class – Any non-pro rider 10 years of age and under as of January first of the current year who meets non-pro status. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in youth class. Horses may be shown in equipment with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat.
The "Short Stirrups" class is for the youth rider not yet comfortable showing in the youth or Jr Youth classes. It is designed to give the beginner youth rider an opportunity to show their horse or pony in a very relaxed atmosphere and to foster enthusiasm for the horse and the sport.
The class consists of a short, simple reining pattern with no lead changes or rollbacks, a couple of circles, and stops, a backup, and no boxing. The pattern can be ridden at a pace the rider is most comfortable with; walk, trot, or lope with an emphasis on control and safety of horse and rider. Helpers and lead lines will be allowed for those riders not yet ready to go it alone.
Small prizes will be given and each rider will receive something in recognition of their efforts. All placing will be at the judge’s discretion. The NCRCHA Short Stirrup #1 reining pattern will be used at each show.
Retain: (100%)
Must be NCRCHA member
Short Stirrup Year End awards available only if an outside class sponsorship is secured for the year. The eligibility for any award is based on participation in at least 50% of the shows offered. If NCRCHA holds 10 club shows in the season, participation is required in at least 5. If NCRCHA holds 9, then participation in 5 is still required to achieve at least 50%
Sponsor driven buckle program: Each short stirrup participant who competes in the Short Stirrup class at least 10 times is eligible to receive a short stirrup recognition buckle.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************
JACKPOT OPEN, NON PRO, and OPEN YOUTH RANCH RIDING CLASSES
To run after the reining in each club show with the exception of the Spring Derby and Fall Futurity shows where the Jackpot classes may or may not be offered).
Jackpot Open Ranch Riding Class – Open to any rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. AQHA Ranch Riding pattern, rules and score sheets will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the Ranch Riding pattern, rules and score sheet will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Jackpot Non Pro Ranch Riding Class – Open to any non pro rider. Non pro ownership rules apply. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. AQHA Ranch Riding pattern, rules and score sheet will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the Ranch Riding patterm, rules and score sheet will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Retain: (37.5%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
Jackpot Youth Open Ranch Riding Class – Any non-pro rider 18 years of age and under as of January first of the current year who meets non-pro status. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in youth class. Horses may be shown in any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat. AQHA Ranch Riding pattern will be used.
Retain: (0%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
Jackpot Open Reining Class – Open to any rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. NRCHA reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Jackpot Non Pro Reining Class – Open to any non pro rider. Non pro ownership rules apply. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. NRCHA reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the reining pattern, rules, and score sheets will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Retain: (37.5%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Jackpot Youth Open Reining Class – Any non-pro rider 18 years of age and under as of January first of the current year who meets non-pro status. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in youth class. Horses may be shown in any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat. NRCHA reining pattern will be used.
Retain: (0%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Short Stirrup to run after the Jackpot Youth Reining of each club show (when offered).
Youth Short Stirrups Reining Class – Any non-pro rider 10 years of age and under as of January first of the current year who meets non-pro status. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in youth class. Horses may be shown in equipment with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. Must use NRCHA legal curb strap. No training aids. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat.
The "Short Stirrups" class is for the youth rider not yet comfortable showing in the youth or Jr Youth classes. It is designed to give the beginner youth rider an opportunity to show their horse or pony in a very relaxed atmosphere and to foster enthusiasm for the horse and the sport.
The class consists of a short, simple reining pattern with no lead changes or rollbacks, a couple of circles, and stops, a backup, and no boxing. The pattern can be ridden at a pace the rider is most comfortable with; walk, trot, or lope with an emphasis on control and safety of horse and rider. Helpers and lead lines will be allowed for those riders not yet ready to go it alone.
Small prizes will be given and each rider will receive something in recognition of their efforts. All placing will be at the judge’s discretion. The NCRCHA Short Stirrup #1 reining pattern will be used at each show.
Retain: (100%)
Must be NCRCHA member
Short Stirrup Year End awards available only if an outside class sponsorship is secured for the year. The eligibility for any award is based on participation in at least 50% of the shows offered. If NCRCHA holds 10 club shows in the season, participation is required in at least 5. If NCRCHA holds 9, then participation in 5 is still required to achieve at least 50%
Sponsor driven buckle program: Each short stirrup participant who competes in the Short Stirrup class at least 10 times is eligible to receive a short stirrup recognition buckle.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************
JACKPOT OPEN, NON PRO, and OPEN YOUTH RANCH RIDING CLASSES
To run after the reining in each club show with the exception of the Spring Derby and Fall Futurity shows where the Jackpot classes may or may not be offered).
Jackpot Open Ranch Riding Class – Open to any rider. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. AQHA Ranch Riding pattern, rules and score sheets will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the Ranch Riding pattern, rules and score sheet will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Jackpot Non Pro Ranch Riding Class – Open to any non pro rider. Non pro ownership rules apply. Ride with any legal AQHA equipment (including curb chain) or NRCHA legal bit. No training devices. Horses through the age of 5 may be shown in a snaffle or hackamore, two hands must be used on the reins. All horses six years of age and up must be shown in the bridle. Any horse shown in a leverage bit must be ridden one handed. AQHA Ranch Riding pattern, rules and score sheet will be used. In the event the Jackpot class is being run concurrently with another sanctioned organization class, the Ranch Riding patterm, rules and score sheet will be that of the sanctioning organization.
Retain: (37.5%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart
Jackpot Youth Open Ranch Riding Class – Any non-pro rider 18 years of age and under as of January first of the current year who meets non-pro status. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in youth class. Horses may be shown in any bit with the exception of severe bits, twisted wire, or chain bits. No training aids. Rider will commit to one or two hands when entering the arena. Western show attire required, romal reins and chaps are optional. Helmets may be substituted for western hat. AQHA Ranch Riding pattern will be used.
Retain: (0%)
Must be NCRCHA member
No year end awards, jackpot only
Payout according to the NRCHA payout chart