April 30-May 2, 2026
May 3, 2026
Jan 30-31, 2026
Show #1 Patterns
NRCHA 3 Lope Toward
Reining AQHA pattern 6
Ranch Riding AQHA pattern 6
March 13-14, 2026
Show #2 Patterns
NRCHA Pattern 10 Lope Away
Reining AQHA pattern 10
Ranch Riding AQHA pattern 10
Frequently Asked Questions
NVRCHA Class Guidelines and Eligibility
What are NRCHA classes?
The National Reined Cow Horse Association is the main organization for reined cow horse shows. In these classes you can earn money and regional points. NVRCHA is an Affiliate of NRCHA, and offers a variety of their classes. See class descriptions and eligibility in the 2026 National Reined Cow Horse Association Rule Book. or on their website: www.NRCHA.com
What are the Spectacular classes?
A judged herd work/cutting score is added to a rein and cow work score to arrive at a three event total. Scores for the reined work and cow work may be used from a concurrently run class or the exhibitor may enter the spectacular alone and may run concurrent with his or her eligible class. (Not NRCHA approved.)
Horses to be shown in the bridle or two rein.
New in 2026: NRCHA Derby classes
Open to horses 4 & 5 years for Open & Non Pro, and 4/5/6 years for NP Boxing. Horses may be shown in snaffle or bosal hackamore, with two hands.
Derby classes are NRCHA approved and offer higher purses than the horse show classes:
Open = $3000
Non Pro = $1500
NP Boxing = $1000
What is Box Drive?
Work to consist of reining pattern and single cow work. Exhibitors are allotted one minute and forty five seconds to complete the cow work. Time shall begin when the gate closes behind the cow after being let into the arena. When there are 30 seconds left, the announcer will announce, 30 seconds remaining. At one minute and forty five seconds, the announcer will call for time. Exhibitors are not required to use all of the allotted time but must ride until the judge ends the run with a whistle or time expires, whichever occurs first. There are four parts to the work: boxing the cow; setting up the cow and driving / rating it down the fence to the opposite end of the arena; and boxing it at the opposite end of the arena, and then driving / rating the cow past the middle marker again. There is no expectation that the exhibitor will make a ‘fence turn,’ rather the drive down the fence demonstrates correct position and control around the corner. Open to approved Non Pro Boxing riders and who comply with all Non Pro eligibility rules. Non Pro riders in this class must meet the requirements of the 2.4 ownership rule.
What Boxing classes do you offer?
Non Pro Boxing, Intermediate Non Pro Boxing, Limited Non Pro Boxing and Youth Boxing Classes consist of a reining pattern and single cow work (boxing) on the end of the arena. Each contestant upon receiving a cow in the arena shall hold that cow on the prescribed end of the arena for 50 seconds, demonstrating the ability of the horse and rider to control the cow. Time shall begin when the gate closes behind the cow after being let into the arena. The announcer or judge will signal the completion of the 50 seconds with a whistle or horn. Horses 5 years of age and under as of January 1st of concurrent show year may be shown in either a snaffle bit or hackamore. Horses of any age may be shown in the two-rein equipment (for one year only) or bridle. The NRCHA rules and guidelines will apply. (No chain curb straps, NRCHA legal bits and chaps.)
How can I win a buckle?
The Never Won A Buckle Boxing class is open to riders who have never won a buckle in ANY equine competition. The winner will receive a Champion Buckle upon completion of this class. Work will consist of a reining pattern and single cow work (boxing) on the end of the arena. Each contestant upon receiving a cow in the arena shall hold that cow on the prescribed end of the arena for 50 seconds, demonstrating the ability of the horse and rider to control the cow. Time shall begin when the gate closes behind the cow after being released into the arena. The announcer or judge will signal the completion of the 50 seconds with a whistle or horn. The rider can choose to ride with one or two hands. The rider can choose to perform either simple or flying lead changes. Ownership requirements do not apply. Standard AQHA rules apply for legal bits and attire (long sleeve shirt, hat /helmet, boots, western saddle and western bridle) apply. Chaps are optional and NRCHA legal bit is not required.
What if my horse and/or I are really green?
Then try the Green As Grass Boxing class. It is open to riders who have no AQHA working cow horse points or NRCHA earnings for the cow horse class. This NvRCHA class is for riders who are new to reined cow horse. Work will consist of a reining pattern and single cow work (boxing) on the end of the arena. Each contestant, upon receiving a cow in the arena, shall hold that cow on the prescribed end of the arena for 50 seconds, demonstrating the ability of the horse and rider to control the cow. Time shall begin when the gate closes behind the cow after being released into the arena. The announcer or judge will signal the completion of 50 seconds with a whistle or horn. The rider can choose to ride with one or two hands. Rider must complete the reining pattern portion of this class holding the reins in the same manner as which they entered the arena. (If the rider enters the arena 1 handed, they must complete the pattern 1 handed) Switching hands on the reins will result in a score of 0. Once the reining pattern has been completed, the rider may switch hands on the reins. There will be no penalty for holding the horn, during the cow work. The rider can choose to perform either simple or flying lead changes. Ownership requirements do not apply. Standard AQHA rules apply for legal bits and attire (long sleeve shirt, hat /helmet, boots, western saddle and western bridle) apply. Chaps are optional and NRCHA legal bit is not required.
