High School Division Events

• Fastest time wins
• Run a cloverleaf pattern starting with either barrel first
• 5-Second Penalty for every down barrel
• One/Horse rider combo
• Time starts and stops when horses nose crosses the timer line

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 63)

• Must ride one handed for 8 seconds to receive score
• Highest score wins
• Score is based 50 off the horse and 50 off the rider
• Feet of rider must be on point of shoulder when animal’s front feet hit the ground leaving the chute
• If fail to do so, that marks as a no score
• Can not touch horse with free hand

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 77)

Roughstock Saftey Checklist

• Horse and Rider scored event, as team, while cutting cattle from the herd
• Start out with a base score of 70 and go up or down from there, 70 being average
• Allowed 2 ½ minutes to work cattle
• If you leave the pen early you are DQ’ed
• 24/25 NCHA Judges Card

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 119)

• Horse and Rider scored event, as team, while cutting cattle from the herd
• Start out with a base score of 70 and go up or down from there, 70 being average
• Allowed 2 ½ minutes to work cattle
• If you leave the pen early you are DQ’ed
• 24/25 NCHA Judges Card

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 119)

• Fastest time wins
• Rope is tied to saddle horn with string
• Calf is roped, as calf continues to run, horse and rider stop
• Which causes the rope tied to horn to break
• When the rope is set free, time is stopped
• 10-Second time penalty for broken barrier
• Horse must clear box before loop is thrown
• If contestant carries two ropes, two throws are acceptable

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 69)

• Must ride one handed with bull rope, for 8 seconds
• Highest score wins
• See rulebook for equipment rules
• Score is 50 off of the bull and 50 off the rider
• Can not touch bull with free hand

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 93)

Roughstock Saftey Checklist

• Fastest time wins
• Goat is tied to a stake with a ten foot rope
• Horse and rider pass starting line
• Rider dismounts
• Catches goat
• Flanks goat
• Ties any 3 legs, with piggin’ string
• Time stops when contestant throws hands up and walks away from goat
• After goat sits for 6 seconds, time is finalized

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 74)

• Fastest time wins
• Serpentine through a set of six poles
• Start on either left or right side
• Each pole is 21-feet apart, including from timer line
• Time starts and ends when horses nose crosses the timer line
• 5-Second penalty for every downed pole
• One/Horse rider combo

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 66)

• Must ride one handed, with riding rein for 8 seconds to receive score
• Highest score wins
• Score is based 50 off the horse and 50 off the rider
• Feet of rider must be on point of shoulder when animal’s front feet hit the ground leaving the chute
• If fail to do so, that marks as a no score
• Can not touch horse with free hand

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 85)

Roughstock Saftey Checklist

• Fastest time wins
• Steer is given head start
• Hazer keeps steer in straight line
• Contestant on horseback tracks down steer
• Dismounts atop the steer, makes it to the head
• Scoops the right horn in his arm, then grabs the left
• After fully dismounted, the contestant places feet in the dirt stopping motion
• The point is to turn the steer flat on it’s back
• All four feet facing same direction and time stops
• 10-Second penalty for broken barrier

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 94)

• Fastest time wins
• Cowboy ropes calf
• Dismounts horse
• Throw calf by hand (flanking)
• Tie any 3 feet
• If calf is down upon cowboy’s arrival it is required to pick up before flanking
• Tie must hold for 6 seconds after roper calls for time, usually hands thrown in air
• 10-Second time penalty for broken barrier

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 104)

• Judged event by NRCHA rules and regulations in partnership with NHSRA
• Two judged aspects: (separately scored) (combined for total)
• Rein work (set pattern)
• Fence work (include cow)
• Rider starts with an average score of 70 and goes up and down from there based on performance
• Safety for contestants, livestock and horses is a priority in all aspects of reined cow horse
• RCH Rules for 2024 NHSFR – Revised 5.13.24
  • If you are using new rules please use these updated judges cards
  • 2024 NHSRA Cow Card
  • 2024 NHSRA Rein Card
• 2023 NRCHA/NCHA Judge Card Cow
• 2023 NRCHA/NHSRA Judge Card Rein

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 126)

• For queens from each state
• To make it to nationals girls must win their state competition
• Judged on Categories:
  • Modeling
  • Written Test
  • Appearance
  • Personal Interview
  • Prepared Speech
  • Impromptu Speech
  • Horsemanship
• If interested please contact the national headquarters and we can get you in touch with your state’s Queen Coordinator

For a full list of event rules see the rulebook, (PG. 137)