Conditions of the Show · 2027
Rules & Conditions
NCHA rules govern. Below that, these are the show's own conditions — who's eligible, how many advance, and how the money pays. 2026 conditions shown, pending 2027.
Eligibility
Who rides where.
By rider lifetime NCHA earnings. Non Pro and Amateur riders may also enter the Open. Novice is a horse condition: horses that had not won $25,000 before January 1 of the show year.
| Division | Rider lifetime earnings | Card |
|---|---|---|
| Open | $750,000 and up | Any |
| Intermediate Open | $200,001 – $749,999 | Not on any Top 100 list |
| Limited Open | $0 – $200,000 | Within the Intermediate |
| Non Pro | Any | Non Pro or Amateur |
| Limited Non Pro | $0 – $100,000 | Non Pro or Amateur |
| Amateur | $100,000 and up | Amateur |
| Intermediate Amateur | $25,001 – $99,999 | Amateur |
| Limited Amateur | $0 – $25,000 | Amateur |
The 2026 rules listed Limited Non Pro at both $200,000 and $100,000 in different places · office to confirm for 2027
The Conditions
How it runs.
Open · Advancement
60% → 20%
60% of the first go advances to the second go. 20% of the first go advances to the finals, maximum 30 finalists.
Intermediate Open
One go · 20%
One go round; 20% advances to the finals.
Non Pro & Amateur
30%
30% of the go round advances to the finals in every Non Pro, Amateur and Intermediate Amateur class.
Payout
100% in finals
All of the jackpot pays in the finals, and every finalist receives a check.
Minimums
3 entries
No class runs with fewer than three entries. Fewer than 20 horses in a major class may mean pencil finals.
Show Days
6 AM / 8 AM
Practice pens open at 6:00 AM. Show begins at 8:00 AM each day.
Fresh Cattle
60 works
Pre-work Monday, March 1, limited to 60 works.
Stalls
$240
Entire show, five bags of shavings included.
Payment
No late fees
Payment due at the deadline. NCHA rules apply throughout.
Ready to enter?
One form per horse, per age group. Entries close in late February.