•    Herd Work: Competition Rules per NRCHA Rulebook Section 19.1 –

  • Herd of cattle will be located in the center of back wall of the arena. Judging will begin at the timeline. The contestant shall approach the herd with no hesitation, weaving or reluctance on the part of the horse to enter the herd sufficiently deep enough to show his ability to make a cut. The horse shall work quietly, but alertly, causing very little disturbance to the herd or the animal brought out. Credit will be given for driving cattle, clearing the herd by a sufficient distance and setting up a cow while holding it in a working position as near the center of the arena as possible. The degree of difficulty, eye appeal and the amount of courage in staying tough on a cow will be taken into consideration. The amount of time actually spent working cattle in the two and half minute period will also have an effect on the total score. The horse should show a great deal of expression but no ill will toward the cattle.

  • Judging will end at the whistle.

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• Divisions of Open, Non-Pro, Green Rider, and Green Horse will be held. Some divisions may run concurrent at the discretion of the board; however, they will still be placed by division. Equipment Rules for Open and Non-Pro will follow NRCHA Rules for Equipment, Section 5.2 - 5.83, while Green Rider and Green Horse will follow equipment rules stated in respective division rules as listed below.

  • Open Herd Work: Open to all levels of horse and riders.

  • Non-Pro Herd Work: Must meet all requirements of and sign the non-pro declaration.

  • Green Rider Herd Work: Must meet all requirements of and sign the herd work section of the green rider declaration ($500 limit on rider herd work earnings - sanctioned OR unsanctioned, in any association). If a rider wins year-end champion in the division once, the rider is no longer eligible for green rider herd work.  Equipment: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA approved western bridle, hackamore or snaffle regardless of horses’ age. Rider may use two hands or one. Rider who chooses to start ride one-handed may go to two hands; however, the rider must return to one hand after the correction is made.

  • Green Horse Herd Work: Horse may not have more than $500 in herd work earnings (sanctioned OR unsanctioned, in any association); if horse wins year-end champion once in the division, they are no longer eligible.  Equipment: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA approved western bridle, hackamore or snaffle regardless of horses’ age. All horses may be ridden two hands regardless of bridle. 

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• The Classes in our Green Program are also club classes.