top of page

SERCHA Green Program

The purpose of the Green Program is to provide beginning riders with the opportunity to become acquainted with the basic reined cow horse skills in a competitive, yet non-threatening environment. Once the Program has been completed, riders should have developed the skills necessary to be a competent NRCHA exhibitor.
Rules:

  • Exhibitors must enter the show arena in western attire - boots, jeans, button down long sleeve shirt, and cowboy hat. Chaps are not required. 

​

  • There are no restrictions placed on horse ownership, breed, age, or training level.

​

  • Green riders cannot have previously shown in a fence class in a sanctioned NRCHA or AQHA event. I.E. a green rider cannot have shown down the fence.

​

  • Horses must be shown in NRCHA or NRHA approved headgear. (Headstall, bits, reins, curb strap, etc.) Also, a snaffle bit will be allowed with no age limit.

​

  • Exhibitors in the Green Program pay an entry fee and are scored based on the execution of maneuvers as sanctioned by the NRCHA and as modified below. Points toward graduation from the Program are accumulated by subtracting 120 from the total score (Reined Work & Cow Work) of each class the horse and/or rider show in. Points begin accruing with entry in their first show. Green Rider Point Example: A green exhibitor scores 68 in reined work and 67 in cow work - 68+67=135, 135-120 = 15 points earned

​

  • The Green Rider Program has two levels- Green I and Green II. Each level increases in complexity and builds on the skills practiced each time the rider and horse enter the pen. Accumulation of 100 points in Green I will automatically move rider or horse/rider from Green I to Green II. Accumulation of 200 points in the Green Rider Class (Level I and Level II Boxing Only) earns the rider a buckle. In order to be eligible for the buckle, the rider must be a member of this association and 75% of the points must be from the Green Program. Only one buckle per rider can be earned. Points can only be earned by showing in this association’s approved shows. Entrants may continue to show in their class for the remainder of the year in which they earn enough points to graduate out.

 

GREEN HORSE/GREEN RIDER (BOXING ONLY) 

  • GREEN I (up to 100 points)

    • Reined Work is the same as NRCHA except:

      • Rider may use two hands.

      • Rider does one or one & half spins only instead of the pattern specified number.

      • Rider may break down to a trot for a lead change without penalty.

      • Rider may break down to a trot before stopping with no penalty. A sliding stop is not required.

    • Cow Work (Boxing Only) is the same as NRCHA except:

      • The same penalties apply except the no score for losing the cow a second time. (The 3 point penalty will apply.)

​

  • GREEN II (100-200 points)

    • Reined Work is the same as NRCHA except:

      • Rider may go to two hands, if necessary. Rider then must return to using one hand. (The exception to this rule is for riders competing on horses five years and younger. They may show in a snaffle bit or hackamore, and the rider may remain two-handed. The two-handed rule does not apply to horses shown in a bridle.)

      • Rider does two or two & half spins only instead of the pattern specified number.

      • Rider must attempt a sliding stop.

      • Rider must do a flying lead change. 

    • Cow Work (Boxing Only) is the same as NRCHA except:

      • If the rider looses the cow 2 or more times, the 3 point penalty will continue to apply instead of the rider receiving a no score. 

bottom of page