Rule 1: The National Ranch cutting Horse Association (NRCHA) has as its

basic purpose the public exhibition; breeding of, and constant

promotion of the ranch cutting horse.

1A: NRCHA approved contest are restricted to NRCHA members only.

The only exception will be NRCHA approved shows held jointly

with other organizations or associations (as provided for in Rule

1C) whose members may not be members of the NRCHA.

1B: All owners and riders must be members in good standing with the

NRCHA to compete in an approved show. In the event that a

person competes in an NRCHA approved contest and is not a

current NRCHA member, said person may be fined in the amount

of $100.00. Failure to pay the assessed fine will be cause for

denial of membership. In addition, a $100.00 fine (per occurrence)

will be assessed any show management that allows an entry to

show without the current required membership. The foregoing to

be interpreted and enforced in conjunction with Rule 8A.

1C: The NRCHA may, within its discretion, approve shows sponsored

or conducted by a non-affiliate or conducted jointly by the

NRCHA with other organizations or associations.

Rule 2: Any individual or affiliate conducting a cutting horse contest

sanctioned by the NRCHA must follow the Standing Rules of the

NRCHA, unless modified in conjunction with contests held jointly

with other organizations or associations.

2A: All references hereinafter contained providing for compliance with

the standing rules of the NRCHA shall be enforced with the

understanding that exceptions or modifications may be approved

by the Board of Directors in connection with contests held in

conjunction with other organizations or associations.

Rule 3: A horse does not have to be registered in a breed registry to show

in a NRCHA approved contest. But if a horse is not registered a

veterinarian statement on the age of the horse and a notarized

statement from the owner stating that the horse has never been

registered or shown must be provided to the NRCHA. If a horse is

registered it must be shown under the name assigned to the

respective horse by their breed association.

Rule 4: The term “Show Management” as used herein is the organization

or individual acting as sponsor of a cutting horse contest for which

said organization or individual sought and received the approval of

the NRCHA to conduct the same.

Rule 5: Show Management may take any actions necessary which it feels

are in the best interest of the show, in compliance with NRCHA

Standing Rules. In the event that a member feels that Show

Management has not acted in the best interest of the show or has

violated NRCHA Standing Rules the member may file a protest

with the NRCHA Board of Directors.

Rule 6: Membership in the NRCHA is a privilege, not a right, application

for which shall be made on forms and by fees and procedures

prescribed from time to time by the NRCHA. Membership, or

application thereof, may be cancelled or denied by the Executive

Board or Board of Directors for any cause detrimental to the

interest of the NRCHA, its programs and policies, or harmonious

relationship of its members as determined by the Executive Board

or Board of Directors. Membership cancellation or application

denial proceedings under this rule shall provide for prior notice and

hearing. Any person whose membership is cancelled or denied

may request a hearing before the Board of Directors within ten

(10) days of receiving notice that membership in the NRCHA has

been cancelled or denied. Such cancellation or denial becomes

final unless the NRCHA receives such request within the time

period. The effect of membership cancellation or denial may be

denial of privileges, including show privileges, of the NRCHA.

Every member, by joining the NRCHA, or non-member, by

participating in NRCHA approved events, does hereby agree:

6A: If unsuccessful in an attempt to overturn NRCHA decisions,

actions, rules or regulation, to reimburse the NRCHA for

reasonable legal fees, court costs and other expenses in defense of

such suit; and

6B: If legal action is undertaken against the NRCHA, whether in law or

equity, such action must be taken in Federal and State Courts

located in Burnet County, Texas.

Rule 7: Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability

company, limited partnership, trust or any other legal entity

organized or approved by the State of Texas, or organization of

good character and reputation (collectively “Entity”) interested in

cutting horses may become a member of the NRCHA by applying

to the NRCHA and paying the required fees. To be eligible for any

NRCHA premium awards or prizes, both owners and riders must

be current NRCHA members in good standing. In the event of

membership application of an Entity, one (1) person shall be

named as its voting member at the time of membership application.

Changes in the name of such voting member shall be submitted in

writing to the Secretary by the Entity.

Rule 8: Membership shall be in three categories: Annual Membership,

Affiliate membership and Life Membership. Membership in the

NRCHA is non-transferable.

8A: Annual Membership: An annual fee of $100 shall be paid for

each annual membership; said fee to become due on January 1 of

each year and to be considered delinquent if not received within

thirty (30) days from date of invoice shown on the membership

records of the NRCHA. The annual membership fee for a minor

child under the age of 18 residing in the same household as a

member in good standing shall be $25.

8B: Affiliate Membership: Organizations consisting of at least ten

(10) members who are also NRCHA members in good standing

and interested in cutting horses may be designated as Affiliates of

the National Ranch Cutting Horse Association upon acceptance of

their application and payment of an annual fee of $100, said fee to

become due on January 1 each year. Affiliate memberships may

be denied or canceled at any time by the Board of Directors.

8C: Life Membership: Any qualified individual, firm or partnership

may become a life member of the NRCHA by payment of a Life

Membership fee of $500. No annual fees are required. Life

Memberships are non-transferable.

Section III – Approved contests

Rule 9: To be NRCHA approved, a signed Show Application form must be

month preceding the month during which the show is held. All

approved shows must appear on the NRCHA’s website at least

fourteen (14) days prior to a contest. If Show Management

subsequently determines that any change is necessary, Show

Management must request and obtain written approval of the

change from the NRCHA. Any approved change concerning an

approved show, including but not limited to: added money, entry

fees, payout schedule, office charges, dates, location or start time

of a contest, must appear on the NRCHA’s website at least

fourteen (14) days prior to the contest. After the change has been

approved by the NRCHA, if the NRCHA determines that written

notification must be provided to its membership, written

notification of the change must be mailed by the NRCHA

Executive Secretary to the entire NRCHA Membership ten (10)

days prior to the scheduled event. The affiliate must reimburse the

NRCHA within twenty (20) days after the date of billing,

reflecting postage, printing, stationary, or any other related costs.

Rule 10: A show that is approved by the NRCHA must comply with all

NRCHA Standing Rules or as may be modified pursuant to Rule

1C.

Rule 11: All judges for an NRCHA approved show must be approved by the

Board of Directors.

Rule 12: When a Show Application is submitted for show approval by a

current NRCHA affiliate, show approval will be considered for

that particular show, provided; (1) The show is directly sponsored

or conducted by the affiliate requesting show approval; (2) The

added money does not exceed $200 in any one class, unless

specifically approved by the Board of Directors or Executive

Board; and (3) There is no other NRCHA approved show within a

one hundred (100) mile radius.

Rule 13: Show Management of all NRCHA approved contests must use

official Judges Cards provided by the NRCHA and shall post same

in a conspicuous space immediately following each class and goround.

Show Management must forward Judges Cards to the

NRCHA along with completed NRCHA Show Results and fees

with ten (10) days of the closing date of the show(s).

13A: In the event NRCHA Show Results are not received in the

NRCHA office within ten (10) days of the closing date of the

show, the NRCHA affiliate which sponsored the show will be

fined a $100 late charge, unless waived by the NRCHA Board of

Directors upon determining just cause for late submittal of show

results. Failure by an affiliate to pay the assessed fine will be

cause for cancellation of future NRCHA approved shows.

Rule 14: The NRCHA reserves the right to deny approval or cancel the

approval of a show which it deems not to be in the best interest of

the Association.

Rule 15: All NRCHA approved contest may be video taped. The video cost

may be passed on to the contestants. Video tapes must be retained

by the Show Management or video service provider for not less

than thirty (30) days after the closing date of the contest and shall

be available to the NRCHA upon request at no cost to the

NRCHA.

Rule 16: All members of the NRCHA are responsible for determining class

eligibility for themselves and all horses they own or exhibit as

determined by the combined records of all cutting and cowhorse

associations of the first day of the current NRCHA point year

16A: Upon determining that a horse or rider has won money in a class

for which the horse or rider is ineligible, the NRCHA records will

be adjusted to remove the ineligible horse or rider, with the

ineligible earnings to be reallocated among the remaining class

participants to establish the correct class standings. Any member

in violation of this rule shall be subject to the disciplinary

procedure of Rule 40.

16B: To be eligible for any NRCHA earnings or awards, both owners

and riders must be current NRCHA members in good standing.

16C: There are six (6) classifications of NRCHA approved contests:

1. NRCHA Junior Cutting Horse Class:

Open to any horse, regardless of breed, sex, color,

conformation, or appearance that is six (6) years of age or

less. Any horse competing in this class must have lifetime

earnings of $500 or less as determined by the combined

records off all cutting and cowhorse associations on the

first day of the current NRCHA point year, NRCHA

earnings do not count toward a horse’s eligibility. Riders

may elect to ride two (2) eligible horses in this Class.

a. Participants in this class must comply with the NRCHA

eligibility rules. (See Section IX.)

b. Any horse exhibited in this class must be owned by the

contestant showing the horse, by the contestant’s

spouse, by the contestant’s minor child, or by the ranch

that the contestant is employed by.

Open to any horse, regardless of breed, sex, color,

conformation, or appearance that is seven (7) years of age

or more. Any horse competing in this class must have

lifetime earnings of $1,000 or less as determined by the

combined records off all cutting and cowhorse associations

on the first day of the current NRCHA point year, NRCHA

earnings do not count toward a horse’s eligibility. Riders

may elect to ride two (2) eligible horses in this Class.

a. Participants in this class must comply with the NRCHA

eligibility rules. (See Section IX.)

b. Any horse exhibited in this class must be owned by the

contestant showing the horse, by the contestant’s

spouse, by the contestant’s minor child, or by the ranch

that the contestant is employed by.

3. NRCHA Youth Cutting Horse Class:

Open to all members of the NRCHA who are eighteen (18)

years of age or younger on the first day of the current

NRCHA point year.

a. A contestant in the NRCHA Youth Cutting Horse Class

may ride any NRCHA eligible horse, regardless of a

horse’s sex, breed, or ownership; unless stallions are

prohibited from the contest at the time show approval is

requested.

b. No points shall be awarded in a Youth Class having less

than two (2) entries.

c. If the class has eight (8) or more then the class shall be

divided into a Junior and Senior Youth Cutting Class

with the Junior Class being thirteen (13) years and

under and the Senior Class fourteen (14) thru eighteen

(18) years of age. If by doing this it causes one class to

have less than two (2) entries, then the class shall not be

divided.

4. NRCHA Novice Cutting Horse Class:

Open to all riders and horses having lifetime earnings of

$1,000 or less as determined by the combined records of all

cutting and cowhorse associations on the first day of the

current NRCHA point year. Any horse exhibited in this

class must be owned by the contestant showing the horse,

by the contestant’s spouse, or by the contestant’s minor

child. NRCHA earnings do not count toward a horse’s

eligibility. Riders may elect to ride two (2) eligible horses

in this Class.

a. NRCHA eligible contestants are not eligible to

show in this class.

b. Participants in this class are not eligible to compete

in the NRCHA eligible classes.

Open to any horse, regardless of breed, age, sex, color,

conformation, appearance, or previous record. Horses are

to be judged on performance only. Open riders in this class

are not restricted to earnings or eligibility. A NRCHA

eligible contestant may exhibit a horse in this class

provided the horse is owned by the contestant, the

contestant’s spouse, or the contestant’s minor child, or by

the ranch that the contestant is employed by. An NRCHA

eligible contestant must pay all entry fees and charges in

relation to the entry. Riders may elect to ride two (2)

eligible horses in this class.

Open to any stallion, mare, or gelding that is competing in

an NRCHA Approved Cutting Horse Contest. This class

will be conducted following the Junior, Senior and Youth

Cutting Horse Classes and prior to the Open and Novice

Cutting Horse Classes. Stallions will compete against

stallions, mares against mares and geldings against geldings

in all NRCHA halter Classes. All horses entered in the

classes will be placed. A Grand and Reserve Champion

Halter Horse will be chosen from the first and second place

horse in each class. The Grand Champion shall receive

five (5) more points than the highest point earning entry

from any class and the Reserve Champion shall receive

three (3) more points than the highest point earning entry

from any class. A contestant at an NRCHA Cutting

16D: No horse may be shown twice in the same class on any single day.

(See Rule 23.)

16E: Unless a class has two (2) or more horses entered, earnings or

points will not be considered for year end NRCHA awards.

Rule 17: Any owner who shall permit his horse to be entered or exhibited by

an ineligible rider in NRCHA classes shall be subject to

disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.

Rule 18: The designated contestant representative has the option of either

making a decision on or conducting a contestant vote on the

number of cattle bunches for the class. Show Management shall

then determine how many horses will be worked in each cattle

bunch. The decision on the number of cattle bunches and the

number of horses per bunch must be made before the draw for

working order of horses.

Rule 19: Judges must draw for working order of horses in all classes that

have any added money. Show Management may elect to designate

a contestant not entered in the class involved to draw the working

order of horses in those classes with no added money. Any draw

must be witnessed by the designated contestant representative for

the class involved. All draws must be made before each class or

go-round. The draw will be conducted by using numbered tokens

or balls. A numbered token for each entry shall be placed in a

container, and a blind draw shall be conducted by the judge or the

designated contestant.

19A: In the event that a horse which was properly entered is left out of

the draw, a complete redraw of the class will not be held. In order

to establish a working order for the additional entry, the judge will

draw one numbered token from the tokens originally drawn. The

additional entry shall work after the entry originally drawn in that

position. For example, if the number six (6) is drawn for the

additional entry, that additional entry will work as entry six (6) A.

19B: If a horse is drawn twice, the judge shall draw to determine which

draw position is to be used. The original cattle changes are not

affected.

19C: If a horse is drawn which is not in that class, the entry shall be

scratched. The original cattle changes are not affected.

19D: Each affiliate will be required to conduct a mandatory bit check of

at least two (2) horses per show day. The manner of selecting the

horses can be determined by the judge or the show secretary. The

judge will inspect the bridle at the end of the run in the show arena.

The affiliate will be fined $100 per day for violation of this rule

Rule 20: NRCHA Fee and Payout Schedule:

20A: In all cutting horse contestants approved by the NRCHA, six

percent (6%) of the total entry fees paid in a class shall be

deducted by Show Management and forwarded to the NRCHA

office. This deduction shall be sent along with all completed

NRCHA Show Results and signed Judges Cards to the NRCHA

office, so as to be received within ten (10) days of the closing date

of the show. (Note: This deduction shall be made from entry fees

only and shall not include any portion of added money or other

charges or fees.) Affiliates will also remit to the NRCHA office a

$2.00 per horse fee based on the number of horses entered at their

show. If NRCHA fees, Show Results and Judges Cards are not

received within ten (10) days, Show Management and/or the

affiliate which sponsored the contest will be fined a $100.00 late

charge, unless waived by the NRCHA Board of Directors upon

determining just cause for late submittal of show results.

20B: Entry fees and added money will be determined by Show

Management. If any charge is to be made other than an entry fee,

such as a cattle charge, office charge, handling or stall fee, video or

grounds fee, it must be stated and separated from the entry fee.

20C: No deduction, other than as specified above, shall be made by

Show Management, an affiliate or sponsor. Failure to comply with

this rule will result in show approval being withdrawn.

20D: The number of horses in a class determines the number of monies

to be paid. This number is based on the original draw, excluding

late entries. Late entries do not affect the number of monies to be

paid. If a payout other than the NRCHA recommended payout is

used by an affiliate, the payout schedule must be listed on the show

application and published in the official NRCHA publication the

NRCHA recommended payout schedule for all classes is as

follows:

1 – 4 1 100

5 – 8 2 60, 40

9 – 12 3 50, 30, 20

13 – 16 4 40, 30, 20, 10

17 – 20 5 30, 25, 20, 15, 10

21 – 24 6 30, 24, 18, 12, 9, 7

25 – 28 7 26, 21, 17, 13, 10, 8, 5

29 – 32 8 25, 20, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4

33 – 36 9 24, 18, 47, 41, 9, 8, 7, 6, 4

36 – up 10 22, 16, 13, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4

20E: NRCHA will not recognize any classes with fewer than two (2)

horses in order to be an approved NRCHA class.

Rule 21: Show Management may accept late entries until one-fourth (1/4) of

the horses in the class concerned have worked. Late entries do not

affect the number of monies paid, the added money, or the number

of cattle in a bunch. Any late entries must work last in the first

available bunch of cattle. When two (2) late entries arrive

simultaneously, a draw will be held and said entries inserted I the

next subsequent bunches of cattle with one (1) entry being placed

in number of cattle bunches, additional late entries will be added to

the first available bunch.

Rule 22: Each horse’s scores from all go-rounds will be added together to

determine which horses advance to the finals.

Rule 23: An exhibitor may enter one (1) or more horses in an NRCHA

approved show; however, a rider may ride only one (1) horse per

class except in a NRCHA Cutting Horse Class in which a rider

may show two (2) eligible horses. Each horse must have the same

rider throughout any contest with more than one (1) go-round or a

finals. Under no circumstances can the same horse be shown by

more than one (1) rider in any one (1) class at an NRCHA

approved show.

Rule 24: At all NRCHA contests, announcers are required to make known

the name of each horse and the horse’s owner and rider at the time

of their performance. The winners are also to be recognized in a

similar manner after each class.

Ruler 25: The time allotted each horse to work is two and one-half (2 ½)

minutes; the time will start when a contestant crosses a time line

designated by Show Management. If the clock has not been started

or if it malfunctions, the Show Secretary or timer shall notify the

judges(s). the judge(s) has the sole right to terminate a horse’s

performance.

25A: A contestant will be awarded a complete rework if in the judge(s)

opinion two and one-half (2 1/2) minutes was not allotted for the

work or if excessive disturbances had been created by factors other

than those created by the Contestant or his/her help and the

judge(s) has stopped the time. These factors would include gates

coming open, fences falling down, and objects entering or falling

in or near the working portion of the arena, but would not apply to

cattle scattering through wildness or normal arena activities. Any

rework must take place within the bunch of cattle drawn by the

contestant and must occur before a change of cattle is executed. At

the contestant’s option, the rework may occur immediately or as

the last work in that bunch of cattle. After a contestant has

completed a two and one-half (2 ½) minute work, if in the

contestant’s opinion, a situation has occurred of sufficient

seriousness to warrant a rerun, the contestant may immediately

make a request for a rerun to the contestant’s Representative who

shall report this fact to Show Management before the next horse is

called to work. Show Management shall make such facts as are

available known to the judge(s) and if the judge(s) agrees that due

cause did exist, a rerun may be granted provided the original work

was free of a three (3) or a five (5) point (major) penalty prior to

the disturbance. Reworks shall not be granted in the event a

contestant’s equipment breaks during a horse’s performance.

Rule 26: The NRCHA World Finals Cutting Horse Contest will be held

annually in compliance with NRCHA Rules established by the

Board of Directors. Entry fees, any additional charges, and

schedules for the NRCHA Championships will be established by

the Board of Directors and distributed to NRCHA members.

26A: Qualifications for the NRCHA World Finals Cutting Horse Contest

in all classes are based on the contestant’s participation. For any

exhibitor to qualify for the NRCHA World Finals, he or she must

be an NRCHA member in good standing and be in the Top Twenty

in each class:

1. The Top Twenty in each class will be invited to the World

Finals Contest.

2. Points earned during the year and points earned at the World

Finals will be added together to determine the official NRCHA

Top Ten Year End Standings.

26B: No entry fees will be refunded after the draw.

26C: Should a contestant be unable to compete at the World Finals

Contest, the number twenty-one (#21) horse in the standing of that

class would be invited to compete. A qualifying contestant must

notify the NRCHA office as soon as possible of the fact that they

cannot compete, to give the substitute horse as much notice as

possible.

26D: NRCHA World Finals qualifying and points/earnings will begin on

January 1 of each year and will end on November 1 of that same

year.

26E: Earnings won at any NRCHA World Finals Contest will be

counted toward contestants and horses total lifetime earnings.

However, these earnings will not be counted in determining

eligibility for the subsequent point year.

Rule 27 Designation as an NRCHA approved judge is a privilege, not a

right, bestowed by the Judge’s Committee, according to procedures

formulated by it, to individuals having shown cutting expertise and

good character. An individual’s conduct as a member, contestant

and/or judge must be exemplary. A judge’s conduct and ability is

subject to the continual review of the Judge’s Committee.

Designation as a judge is revocable by the Judge’s Committee with

or without notice and formal hearing, subject only to the ultimate

review by the Board of Directors.

27A: Any judge that has a valid complaint lodged against him may be

put on probation by the judge’s committee for a period in which

said judge is to complete four consecutive entire shows without

any valid complaints being made, at which time the judge’s

committee shall remove the judge from probation. If said judge

has another valid complaint during the probation period, the

judge’s committee will review and may revoke the judge’s card

immediately. Any complaints filed by any member of the NRCHA

will remain anonymous to the Board of Directors/NRCHA

membership and the judge whom is being reviewed. The judge’s

committee shall adopt procedures for the implementation of Rule

27A, such procedures to be approved by the Board of Directors.

Rule 28: Individuals over the age of twenty-one (21) may be designated as

an NRCHA judge upon approval by the Judge’s Committee,

subject only to the ultimate review by the Executive Board or

Board of Directors.

28A: No individual will be approved as a judge who has a record of

suspension, probation or other disciplinary action with the

NRCHA for the two (2) year period immediately preceding the

date a Judge’s Application is received by the NRCHA office.

28B: No person appearing on the published ACHA, NCHA, American

Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), or American Paint Horse

Association (APHA) suspended lists shall be permitted to judge an

NRCHA approved cutting horse contest.

28C: All of the foregoing requirements being in addition to the condition

of Rule 11.

Rule 29: Judges in all NRCHA approved contest must use official NRCHA

Judges Cards and sign each card. The following criteria must be

met in regard to judging at any NRCHA approved contest.

29A: Each judge(s) shall indicate penalties assessed in the spaces

provided on the Judges Cards. Also, it is mandatory for each

judge(s) to fill in “credit” columns on the Judges Cards with the

following symbols:

29B: There must not be any consultation between judges until after

judges Cards are turned in. After the Judges Cards are turned in,

there will be no changes made, OTHER THAN in monitored

events approved by the NRCHA. In such event all changes MUST

be signed by the Judge.

29C: When two (2) or more individuals are judging a cutting horse

contest or go-round and one (1) or more judges cannot complete

judging a contest or go-round, the score or scores of the remaining

judge(s) who complete the contest or go-round will be the sole

basis of computing the contest or go-round results. Each judge

must score each horse individually, and if any one (1) of a judge’s

scores is counted in a contest or go-round, all of that judge’s scores

must be counted except as provided herein.

29D: When two (2) or more individuals are judging a cutting horse

contest of more than one (1) go-round and one (1) or more judges

becomes unable to continue between the go-rounds or before the

finals, the said judge(s) shall be replaced by an alternate judge(s)

designated by Show Management.

29E: Where four (4) or more individuals are judging the cutting horse

contest, the highest and lowest scores for each horse may be

discarded and the accumulated scores of the remaining judges used

to compute the contest or go-round results. This rule shall also

apply to finals.

Rule 30: A judge may not judge his parents, children, spouse, spouse’s

parents, employer, employee or relatives of either the judge or his

spouse. A judge may not judge anyone who lives in the judge’s

household. If in the event at least two (2) judges scores are

dropped from a contestant’s score, Rule 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, and

30D do not apply.

30A: Furthermore, a judge may not judge a horse that he has owned,

exhibited, trained, managed or sold for direct or indirect

remuneration within the sixty (60) day period immediately

preceding the NRCHA approved contest at which said judge is

officiating either in full or in part.

30B: A Judge may not judge any rider, or a horse owned by said rider,

who has had lessons from said judge or given lessons to said judge

within the sixty (60) day period immediately preceding the

NRCHA approved contest at which said judge is officiating either

in full or in part.

30C: A judge may not judge any rider, or horse of any said rider, who

has trained or assisted in training the judge’s horse within sixty

(60) days preceding any NRCHA approved contest at which said

judge is officiating either in full or in part.

30D: If such a horse, owner, or rider as specified in Section V, Rule

30A, 20B, or 30C, is entered in a class, the entry fee shall be

refunded and the entry not shown. A judge may be suspended

from the Approved Judges List for an infraction of this rule.

Rule 31: Show Management shall report to the NRCHA office any judge

who is absent from his duties after accepting an assignment. The

judge shall be removed from the NRCHA Approved Judges List

until the judge submits a written statement to the NRCHA office

explaining his absence and requesting reinstatement to the

NRCHA Approved Judges List. A judge will be reinstated to the

NRCHA Approved Judges List only after the Executive Board or

Board of Directors determines that a judge’s absence was for just

cause.

Rule 32: Complaints and/or protests regarding an NRCHA judge may be

made by current NRCHA members only.

Rule 33: Any contestant may protest a judge’s decision regarding a class in

which the contestant participated, if the alleged protest involves a

major penalty of three (3) points or more, or, three (3) or more (1)

point penalties in the same run by submitting to the NRCHA

Judge’s Committee a written statement requesting a review of a

judge’s performance. Said statement must be filed (postmarked,

faxed, or hand delivered) within seven (7) days of the closing date

of the show involved and must be accompanied by a personal

check, money order, or cashier’s check in the amount of onehundred

dollars ($100.00) made payable to the National Ranch

Cutting Horse Association. If after review by the Judge’s

Committee, the protest is found to be valid, the fee will be returned

to the contestant. When protests are not found to valid, the fee will

be retained by the NRCHA.

33A: In the event an NRCHA approved judge’s membership is

suspended by the National Ranch Cutting Horse Association for

any reason, the judge’s approved status shall be cancelled and all

rights and privileges forfeited until otherwise determined by the

NRCHA Board of Directors. (See Rule 28A.)

Rule 34: A judge(s) must present in writing any grievance that he/she may

have against contestants or Show Management to the NRCHA

Board of Directors. A complaint by a judge must be filed

(postmarked, faxed or hand delivered) within seven (7) days of the

alleged violation.

Rule 35: Once an NRCHA approved cutting has commenced, Show

Management is not authorized to dismiss a judge for any reason

relating to the actual performance of his judging responsibilities.

Show Management, however, may dismiss a judge for blatant

misconduct while on the show grounds, such as using abusive

language, consuming alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs

immediately prior to or during a contest, etc. A judge may be

dismissed for any reason by the NRCHA Executive Board or

Board of Directors if, in their opinion, it is in the best interest of

the NRCHA to do so.

Rule 36: A judge shall conduct himself in a manner fitting and proper to one

afforded the honor of officiating at any NRCHA approved contest.

Any misconduct on the part of the judge at any NRCHA contest,

such as consuming alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs

immediately prior to or during a contest, the use of abusive

language, showing obvious favoritism to, or discrimination against

either an individual or a horse performing in a contest, or any

misconduct unbecoming a judge, will make him subject to

disciplinary action following a complete and impartial hearing

before the NRCHA Board of Directors or Executive Board

regarding an alleged rule violation.

36A: A judge should not appear on the show grounds before the stated

time for entries to close except as may be required by Show

Management. Judges shall not visit, beyond the exchange of

normal greetings, with owners, trainers, exhibitors or agents

before the show and shall talk only with representatives of Show

Management, until the entire contest or show is completed.

36B: Under no circumstances will a judge be permitted to enter a contest

for which said judge is officiating.

36C: A judge shall not discuss with any contestant previous scores,

classes, or related happenings during a show or within thirty (30)

days after a contest at which the judge has officiated. A judge

shall not intimidate, or attempt to intimidate, a contestant. The

penalty for violating this rule will be a six (6) months suspension

from the NRCHA.

36D: A judge may review any run prior to the announcement of the

official placing of the class. If there is doubt, the benefit of doubt

goes to the rider.

Rule 37: There are four (4) classifications of NRCHA Contestants:

37A: Ranch Rider: Any person that meets the NRCHA Eligibility

Requirements as set out in Section IX.

37B: Novice Rider: Any person who has lifetime earning of $1,000.00

or less as determined by the combined records of all cutting horse

associations.

37C: Open Rider: This classification is open to any NRCHA member

in good standing.

37D: Youth Rider: Open to any member of the NRCHA who is

eighteen (18) years of age or younger.

Rule 38: Rules governing contestants:

38A: Show Management has the right to disqualify or refuse entry to

any contestant for actions of misconduct, unsportsmanlike conduct,

or harassing the judge(s), Show Management, employees, or other

contestants. If a contestant is disqualified for violating a Standing

Rule of the NRCHA, all entry fees and premiums pertaining to said

contestant shall be forfeited.

38B: A contestant may drop out of any class due to injury to the

contestant or the contestant’s horse, or due to serious injury,

sickness or death in the contestant’s family and receive all monies

won in go-rounds. A contestant shall not at any time withdraw

from any class in which the contestant is participating due to

dissatisfaction or grievance with the judges(s), Show Management,

or other contestants without forfeiting all money won in previous

go-rounds. In no event will entry fees, or any part thereof, be

refunded after a class starts. A class will be considered started

when the draw is completed by Show Management.

38C: All contestants must work at the appointed time so designated by

the Show Management or be disqualified for that class or go-round

with no score. A contestant who fails to work at the appointed

time will receive no score for that class or go-round.

38D: Training activities of any kind while on the show grounds, other

than in designated practice facilities, are prohibited. A contestant

shall not be allowed to abuse or mistreat any horse in any manner

in the show arena or on the show grounds. Show Management or

the judge at an NRCHA approved contest may disqualify a

contestant if that contestant violates this rule and all premiums

pertaining to said contestant shall be forfeited. A contestant shall

not enter the show arena at any time at an NRCHA approved

cutting horse contest with any kind of training device or gimmick

of any nature. However, martingales may be used on helping

horses and breast collars that are attached to the swells of the

saddle are legal.

38E: After the buzzer sounds, the contestant will discontinue working

and ride his/her horse forward past the time line before

dismounting, except to retrieve a lost article. Once the lost article

is retrieved, the rider must remount and continue riding the horse

forward past the time line. Failure to comply with this rule will

result in disqualification from a class or go-round with no score.

38F: A contestant or member shall not talk with the judge(s), beyond

the exchange of normal greetings, before the show or until the

entire contest or show is completed or make any comments within

a judge’s hearing about any performance during the contest or

show. A contestant or member is prohibited from making

comments to a judge(s) regarding the manner in which a class was

judged until at least thirty (30) days after the class involved.

38G: A contestant, or member, shall not engage in any form of

misconduct or harassment toward Show Management, judges or

NRCHA employees at any NRCHA approved show or event.

Infraction of this rule will result in a fine and possible suspension

by the NRCHA Board of Directors or Executive Board.

38H: Unsportsmanlike conduct in the show arena or on the show

grounds is prohibited.

38I: A contestant shall not intimidate, or attempt to intimidate, a

judge(s). The penalty for violating this rule will be a minimum of

sic (6) months suspension from the NRCHA.

38J: No dogs are permitted in the show arena or designated warm up or

practice areas while an NRCHA approved cutting horse contest is

taking place. Dogs anywhere on the grounds must be on a leash at

all times.

38K: No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs may be consumed or

brought into the show arena or designated warm up or practice

areas while an NRCHA approved cutting horse contest is taking

place. Anyone found consuming alcoholic beverages or illegal

drugs in any of the areas defined above shall be asked to leave by

Show management. Members shall be disqualified from the

contest and will be subject to disciplinary procedures by the

Executive Board or Board of Directors for violation of this rule.

38L: Inhumane treatment or abuse of a horse in any manner in the show

arena or on the show grounds is prohibited.

1. If Show Management or a judge at any NRCHA approved

show discovers inhumane treatment or abuse of a horse, they

may immediately bar the responsible party and horse from

further competition in the show. Show Management must

notify the NRCHA Board of Directors of any action taken

regarding enforcement of this rule within seven (7) days of the

closing date of the show involved. After further review, the

NRCHA Executive Board or Board of Directors may impose

additional disciplinary action for violations of this rule.

2. Inhumane treatment includes, but is not limited to, the

exhibition of a crippled or injured horse, or a horse with any

other health abnormality, which could thereby result in the

horse’s undue discomfort or distress. The decision of Show

Management or a judge as to inhumane treatment should be

based upon consultation with a veterinarian. If Show

Management or a judge determines, at the sole discretion of

either, that the welfare of the horse requires immediate action,

and a veterinarian is not available, Show Management or a

judge may implement any action allowed by this rule.

3. Abuse includes, but is not limited to, excessive jerking,

spurring, whipping or any other act which could cause trauma

or injury to a horse. Any act of abuse, or intent to abuse a

horse, in the show arena or on the show grounds which could

also potentially endanger the safety of other persons or animals

will be dealt with in the strongest possible manner as provided

by this Standing Rule.

38M: After the start of any NRCHA approved or sponsored show, any

person in the working area in front of the judge’s stand must wear

western attire, including a western hat. Long sleeved shirts with

collars must be worn. Long sleeves must be worn rolled down.

Shirts must be buttoned or snapped down the front. T-shirts and

slipover knits are not permissible. Show Management may waive

the required western hat rule under extreme weather conditions.

Chaps are optional. Failure to comply with this dress code will

result in disqualification from a class or go-round with no score.

This rule may be set aside by show Management for practice

sessions.

38N: Any NRCHA member or non-member whose check given in

connection with the exhibition of cutting horses is returned by the

maker’s bank shall result in the contestant being assessed a fee of

$25.00 per occurrence. Full restitution for the face value of the

check plus the $25.00 fee must be received within thirty (30) days

from date of notice. Notification shall be in accordance with

Standing Rule 45.

1. Any check given by the owner, contestant or on contestant’s

behalf in connection with the exhibition of cutting horses that

is returned by the maker’s bank and the payor or contestant

fails to make full restitution within thirty (30) days of date of

notice, or any owner of contestant who fails to pay entry fees

and/or related show expenses, shall forfeit all winnings and

such winnings shall not count for any NRCHA special or year

end awards until full restitution, including all fees, are

received.

2. Failure to make full restitution, including all fees, within thirty

(30) days of date of notice will result in an automatic

suspension with no disciplinary hearing necessary. Suspension

will be sustained until full restitution, including all fees, are

received. Suspension will be in accordance with Standing Rule

42.

3. In the event, after written demand upon the payor or contestant,

an affiliate has not received restitution for an NSF check, the

affiliate may forward the NSF check and evidence of written

demand upon the payor or contestant to the NRCHA office.

Upon receipt of the above items, which must occur within

ninety (90) days from date of the NSF check, the NRCHA will

reimburse the affiliate in the amount of the NSF check.

38O: The responsibility for reporting violations of Standing Rule 38

rests with, but is not limited to, Show Management, NRCHA

Officers, Directors, officials and the judge(s).

38P: Any member desiring to file a complaint regarding any alleged

violation of any NRCHA Standing Rule may do so by submitting

the complaint in writing to the NRCHA Board of Directors,

together with a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check in

the amount of $100.00 made payable to the National Ranch

Cutting Horse Association. A complaint must be filed

(postmarked, faxed, or hand delivered) with the NRCHA secretary

within seven (7) days of the closing date of the contest or incident

involved. The NRCHA Board of Directors retains the right to file

a complaint within one (1) year of the contest or incident involved.

Upon receipt, all complaints will be referred to the Executive

Director or appropriate committee for investigation and

consideration. If after review and investigation of the complaint,

the Executive Director or the committee is of the opinion that a

rule violation has occurred, the Executive Director or committee

shall report it findings to the NRCHA Board of Directors and

request a hearing by the NRCHA Board of Director or Executive

board. After said hearing, the board of Directors or Executive

Board may take disciplinary action consistent with the provisions

of these rules as it deems appropriate. The decision of the Board

of Directors shall be final and binding unless a written notice of the

member’s intention to appeal that decision is received in the

NRCHA office within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the letter

notifying said member of the disciplinary action taken against him

or her. If notice of appeal is timely received in the NRCHA office,

a hearing will be scheduled to determine whether or not a rule

violation occurred; and if so, what disciplinary action, if any,

should be taken against the member. The hearing will be

conducted pursuant to the provisions of NRCHA Standing Rule 40.

Rule 39: A Contestant Representative shall be designated for each NRCHA

approved class to serve as sole liaison between contestants and

Show Management.

39A: Provided a Contestant Representative has not been appointed by

the Show Management, it shall be the duty of Show Management

to hold a meeting of all contestants in each class prior to the draw

of that class for the purpose of electing a representative for the

duration of the show. In the event the Contestant Representative

has to leave the show for any reason, he shall appoint a

representative in his place for the duration of the show. Any

Contestant Representative so appointed or elected must be a

contestant in the class involved.

39B: The Contestant’s Representative, or any appointed alternate, must

submit a Confidential Contest Report if he observes any actions by

a contestant, Show Management or judge detrimental to the best

interests of the NRCHA. Such action includes, but is not limited

to, the following: any horse being abused, abusive language,

intoxication, use of an illegal drug, use of a prohibited training

device, or any other infraction of NRCHA Standing Rules.

Rule 40: Any NRCHA member may be disciplined, fined, placed on

probation or suspended from the NRCHA and any member or nonmember

may be denied all privileges, including show privileges, of

the NRCHA by the NRCHA Executive Board or Board of

Directors whenever it shall have been established by a

preponderance of the evidence that such member or non-member

has violated any rule of the Association. When the rule in question

contains a specific punishment provision, any disciplinary action

taken must be consistent with that provision.

40A: When a member or non-member shall be accused of any violation,

the individual shall be given not less than fifteen (15) days notice

of a time and place for a hearing such accusation by the Executive

Board or board of Directors. At the designated time and place of

the hearing, the individual shall have an opportunity, in person or

by counsel, to be heard and to present evidence in his/her behalf

and to hear and refute evidence offered against the individual.

Notification of such hearing will be issued in accordance with

Standing Rule 45.

40B: No continuance shall be granted unless requested in writing at least

seven (7) days prior to the hearing and good cause is shown. A

continuance shall be granted or denied at the sole discretion of the

NRCHA President or in his absence or if unavailable, by the

Executive Director.

40C: The decision of the NRCHA Executive Board or Board of

Directors shall be final and binding on all parties.

40D: A suspended member of the NRCHA will not be allowed to

participate in any NRCHA approved cutting horse contest as an

owner of a horse, a rider, or an agent. In the event such suspended

member enters an approved contest during the period of the

member’s suspension either as an owner, rider, or agent, an

additional six (6) months will be added to the member’s

suspension.

Rule 41: Any member of the NRCHA who threatens or actually inflicts

bodily harm or injury to another person based upon that person’s

action, conduct, or decisions while acting in an official capacity for

the NRCHA or for any NRCHA approved contest shall be

suspended from membership in the NRCHA for a period of not

less than one (1) year.

Rule 42: Any member may be suspended and denied privileges of the

NRCHA, and any non-member, approved show or official thereof

may be denied privileges of the NRCHA for the failure to pay

when due, any obligation owing to the NRCHA or an NRCHA

Affiliate or for giving a check (or one given on contestant’s behalf)

returned by the maker’s bank for entry fee, stall fees, office

charges, stock charges, premiums or any other fees or charges

connected with the exhibition of cutting horses; provided,

however, that the member or non-member subject to suspension

shall be given thirty (30) days written notice of the amount due and

the intention of the NRCHA to suspend or whit hold privileges.

Any suspension and denial of privileges under this section shall

terminate upon full payment of the obligation due the NRCHA.

Rule 43: If any member institutes litigation in which the NRCHA is

included as a defendant in an effort to recover damages, to

overturn enforcement or interpretation of the Constitution, Bylaws,

Rules or Regulations, or for any other reason what so ever, and

does not prevail in said litigation by the recovery of all relief

requested, said member shall be liable to the NRCHA for its

attorney’s fees, costs of courts, and other expenses incurred in

connection with such litigation. Venue for any litigation in which

the NRCHA is included as a defendant shall be Burnet County,

Texas.

Rule 44: No person shall make a derogatory remark, nor take, or threaten to

take, adverse actions against an NRCHA sponsor its agent,

servants or employees, relating in any manner to the sponsor’s

involvement with the NRCHA or an NRCHA approved contest.

Any person who violates this rule is subject to disciplinary action

and is also responsible to the NRCHA for any loss or damage

caused by a violation of this rule.

Rule 45: Every notice required by these rules and regulations may be served

by delivering a copy of the notice to the person to be served, or

his/her attorney, either in person or by mail, postage prepaid, to his

her last known address as it appears on the NRCHA records and

upon mailing, such notice shall be deemed received by such person

when it is deposited in the United States mail.

Rule 46: A horse will be given credit for his ability to enter a herd of cattle

quietly with very little disturbance to the herd or to the cow being

brought from the herd. One (1) deep cut must be made into the

herd, or a three (3) point penalty will be assessed.

46A: When an animal is cut from the herd, it is more desirable that it be

taken toward the center of the arena, and credit will be given for

same. Additional credit will be given the horse which drives a cow

a sufficient distance from the herd to insure that the herd will not

be disturbed by the horse’s performance.

46B: Credit will be given for the ability of the horse to hold a cow in the

center of the arena, although no penalty should be imposed if a

cow goes to a fence on either side of the arena.

Rule 47: During a run, a rider will not be penalized for light or normal

contact while reining a horse; however, setting a horse down hard,

jerking a horse, stopping a horse excessively on the ends, or a

horse that clearly must be held or started to keep from quitting a

cow will be penalized. A one (1) point penalty will be assessed for

each occurrence. No credit will be given for riding with a loose

rein throughout a performance.

47A: The rider shall hold the bridle reins in one hand. A three (3) point

penalty shall be assessed if the rider’s second hand touches the

reins for any purpose other than to straighten the reins while

returning to the herd after working a cow.

47B: If a rider or the rider’s horse creates a disturbance at any time

throughout the working time, penalties will be assessed as follows:

1. Any noise directed by the contestant toward the cattle will be

penalized one (1) point.

2. Any time that cattle enter the working area through the fault of

the horse or contestant, the contestant will be penalized three

(3) points. If, at no fault of the horse, additional cattle leave

the herd, no penalty will be assessed.

3. The judge shall stop any work because of training or abuse of

the horse by the contestant or disturbance of the cattle. Any

contestant failing to stop immediately when requested or upon

a whistle blown by the judge will be subject to disciplinary

action by the NRCHA.

47C: A horse will be penalized three (3) points each time the back fence

actually stops or turns the cow being worked within one (1) step or

three (3) feet of the back fence. The “back fence” is to be agreed

on and designated by the judge(s) before the contest starts,

meaning the actual fence only, no imaginary line from point to

point to be considered. If any of the contestants voice an objection

to the proposed back fence before the contest starts, the judge(s)

shall take a vote of the contestants and a back fence acceptable to

the majority shall be designated and used.

Rule 48: If a horse lets a cow that he is working get back in the herd, he will

be penalized five (5) points.

Rule 49: If a rider changes cattle after visibly committing to a specific cow,

a five (5) point penalty will be assessed.

Rule 50: If a horse turns the wrong way, with his tail toward a cow being

worked, an automatic score of sixty (60) points will be given.

Rule 51: If a horse quits a cow, a penalty of five (5) points will be assessed.

Rule 52: If a horse clears the herd with two (2) or more cows and fails to

separate a single cow before quitting, a five (5) point penalty will

be assessed. There is no penalty if time expires before a single

cow is separated.

Rule 53: Unnecessary aggression, such as a horse pawing, biting, or kicking

a cow, will result in a three (3) point penalty being assessed.

Rule 54: If a horse is spurred in the shoulder, a three (3) point penalty shall

be assessed for each occurrence. Spurring behind the shoulder is

not considered a visible cue, and should not be penalized.

Rule 55: A rider’s use of a toe, foot, or stirrup on the horse’s shoulder is

considered a visible cue, and a one (1) point penalty shall be

assessed for each occurrence.

Rule 56: When a horse goes past a cow to a degree that the horse loses his

working advantage, a one (1) point penalty will be assessed for

each occurrence.

Rule 57: A contestant may quit a cow when it is obviously stopped,

obviously turned away, or is behind the turnback horses and the

turnback horses are behind the time line. If the cow is quit under

any other circumstances, a penalty of three (3) points shall be

assessed.

Rule 58: All horses in the show arena, including horses ridden by herd

holders and turnback help, must be ridden with a bridle having a

bit in the mouth or with a hackamore. A bridle shall have no nose

band or bosal, and hackamores shall be rope or braided rawhide

with no metal parts. A judge must be able to freely pass two (2)

fingers completely around the horse’s nose between the hackamore

and muzzle. Choke ropes, lip wire or lip string,, tie downs, wire

around the horse’s neck, nose, or browband, tight nose bands,

quirts, bats or mechanical devices giving the rider undue control

over a horse will not be permitted in the arena where an NRCHA

approved contest is being held. Breast collars may be used, no

portion of which may pass over the horse’s neck. Chaps and spurs

may be worn. A competing horse’s tail must not be braided or be

tied in any manner. A judge has the right to have a contestant

report to him if he is suspicious of any infraction of this rule. Any

time a contestant is guilty of an infraction of this rule, the

contestant shall be disqualified. (See Rule 38D.)

Rule 59: At any NRCHA approved or sponsored show, any person in the

working area in front of the judges stand will be required to adhere

to the dress code as outlined in Standing Rule 38M. Failure to

comply with this dress code will result in disqualification from a

class or go-round with no score. This rule may be set aside by

Show Management for practice sessions.

Rule 60: Any rider who allows his horse to quit working or leave the

working area before his allotted time is up will be disqualified for

that class or go-round with no score.

Rule 61: When a contestant falls or is thrown from a horse, or a horse falls

to the ground, an automatic score of sixty (60) points will be given.

A horse is considered to have fallen to the ground when the horse

is on its side and all four feet are extended in the same direction.

Rule 62: Each contestant is limited to a maximum of four (4) helpers.

Rule 63: A judge marks each performance from sixty (60) to eighty (80)

points. One-half (1/2) points may be used.

Rule 64 When a judge is in doubt about a penalty, the benefit always

should go to the contestant.

Rule 65: A contestant will be awarded a rework under circumstances

outlined in Standing Rule 25 and Standing Rule 25A.

Rule 66: In any contest judged by two (2) or more judges, any inconsistency

in assessing a major penalty, that penalty and that penalty only,

shall be reviewed by all judges (or the monitor when applicable),

and a determination made immediately following the completion

of the class. No review may be conducted subsequent to the

announcement of the official placing of the class.

Infraction Points Deducted

Excessive Reining or Jerking 1

Noise directed toward the cattle 1

Cueing on the horse’s shoulder 1

Losing working advantage (a “miss”) 1

Failure to make a deep cut 3

Second hand on reins 3

Disturbing the herd (picking up cattle) 3

Backfence 3

Horse’s unnecessary aggression 3

Spurring on the shoulder 3

Hot quit 3

Losing a cow 5

Switching cows 5

Horse quitting a cow 5

Failure to separate cows 5

Horse turns tail to cow automatic score of 60

Contestant falls or is thrown automatic score of 60

Horse falls to the ground automatic score of 60

Dismounting in working area disqualification

Improper equipment disqualification

Horse’s tail is braided disqualification

Failure to adhere to dress code disqualification

Leaving arena before time is up disqualification

Failure to stop after judge’s whistle disciplinary action

Rule 67: The Executive Board or Board of Directors of the NRCHA shall

have the sole and absolute right to determine qualifications of

applicants relative to membership and participation in NRCHA

events. The Executive Board or Board of Directors, by majority

vote, shall make such determinations as:

1. Rancher – Any operation which continuously owns fifty (50)

or more breeding animals throughout the year of membership.

Any operation that owned or pastured at least one-hundred

(100) head of livestock for at least six (6) months in the twelve

(12) months prior to the commencement of the membership

year. Any operation that has fed at least one-hundred (100)

head of livestock in confinement for the intent of fattening for

slaughter, pre-conditioning for pasture, or growing for some

specific purpose for at least six (6) months on the twelve (12)

months prior to the commencement of the membership year.

Said livestock may be owned by the ranch or outside

customers. Special provisions may be made to applicants

denied eligible by a combination of the above or in other

related occupations.

2. Owner – An owner or family member of an owner of a ranch

as described above.

3. Employee – A person who has maintained for a period of at

least six (6) months prior to the current membership full time

employment of a qualifying ranch.

4. Day Laborer – Day laborers are defined as one that receives

fifty percent (50%) of ones income from providing contract

labor for ranch work. Day laborers who are receiving Social

Security benefits are exempt from the fifty percent (50%) rule

but must show proof of legitimate employment.

5. Family – the immediate family of a qualified participant may

compete. Immediate family is defined as spouse and/or any of

their dependent children.

6. Proof of Eligibility – may be requested by the NRCHA

Executive Board or Board of Directors. All information will

remain confidential.

Rule 68: Participant Requirements:

1. All participants in NRCHA events must be approved, current

members in good standing of the NRCHA. The Executive

Board or Board of Directors, by majority vote, shall determine

whether or not a person has satisfied the above requirements

for participation.

2. Participants must be an owner, employee, or day laborer or

family member of owner, employee, or day laborer as defined

above.

4. All participants must train and show their own horses in

NRCHA events during the membership year.

Rule 69: Horse Eligibility:

1. All horses must be used on the ranch for legitimate ranch

duties.

2. All horses must be approved by the NRCHA Executive Board

or Board of Directors.

3. To participate in an NRCHA event, all horses must be owned

by a ranch, owner, employee, or day laborer or by a family

member of the owner, employee, or day laborer.

4. No horse with more combined NCHA, ACHA, National

Reined Cowhorse, Working Cowhorse eligibility earnings or

an AQHA Register of Merit in cutting at the beginning of the

point year will be eligible to compete.

5. All horses must have a current negative Coggins test within

one calendar year of an event.

The following questions and answers are included here as an aid to understanding the

Rules for Judging Cutting Horse Contests.

1. What is the desired number of cattle to work?

The desired number of cattle to cut in the two and one-half (2 1/2) minute time

limit is not over three (3) head on fresh cattle. If a cutter can do as much on two

(2) head as another can do on three (3), the cutter working the two (2) head should

have the higher score because he or she has not spent as much time in the herd.

2. What is the preferable way to approach the herd?

A horse should never be set down hard approaching the herd. Either walking or

trotting to the herd is acceptable provided the horse is taken up very easily before

getting close enough to disturb the cattle. The horse should display no hesitation,

weaving, or reluctance to approach and enter the herd.

3. What characteristics should be demonstrated when entering and working the

A cutting horse should enter the herd with ease, concentrating on the job to be

done, not looking around excessively. The horse should be alert, but quiet,

making no unnecessary movements to disturb the cattle. A horse should go deep

enough into the herd on one (1) cut to demonstrate the ability to bring out a cow.

It is permissible to enter the herd from either side or to go completely behind the

entire herd to bring out a cow.

4. When should a rider cease reining a horse?

A rider entering the herd may have light rein contact with the horse, and may

maintain this contact throughout the run. A penalty should be assessed if a horse

is set down hard, jerked, stopped excessively on the ends, or clearly must be held

or started to keep from quitting a cow. Credit will be given for riding with a loose

rein throughout a performance: however, completely throwing a horse away is not

necessary and is not a true ranch situation.

5. What is the most desirable way to bring a cow from the herd?

The cutting horse should stay a reasonable distance from the cow if possible,

showing a great deal of expression but no illness toward the animal being cut.

Illness is defined as biting, trying to bite, pawing, kicking, or charging a cow.

Facial expression and ear position should not be considered a sign of illness. The

horse should make counter movements to the cow, regardless of the distance

separating them. The horse should nor rush or push cattle excessively in bringing

a cow from the herd unless the cow turns around and tries to get back at the edge

of the herd. The horse should bring a cow a sufficient distance from the herd

toward the center of the arena, so the herd will not be disturbed while working,

and set up the cow to be worked.

6. When is a cow set up (in working position)?

The cow should be set up as close to the middle of the arena as possible with the

horse counteracting the movements of the cow. The horse should not be moving

when the cow is standing still. When the cow moves, the horse should be just

enough faster to hold the cow, not only from returning to the herd, but also from

going from side wall to side wall without excessive assistance from the turnback

help. A higher score will be given to a run in which a horse “heads” his cattle as

opposed to a run in which the turnback riders consistently turn the cattle.

7. When is a horse out of position?

A horse is out of position when he has lost his working advantage over the cow.

This is not determined by the distance that a horse goes by a cow; it is determined

by the response of the horse to the action of the cow. A horse should have no

difficulty maintaining working advantage over a slow moving cow. The horse

that can maintain working advantage over a cow that presents a severe challenge

shall receive credit. No penalty should be charged the horse that immediately

regains position after going sufficiently past a cow to cause it to turn.

8. When does picking up cattle constitute a penalty?

A penalty shall be assessed if a cow or cattle leave the herd and enter the working

area due to disturbance caused by the horse or the contestant that is working.

9. What is a satisfactory way of quitting a cow?

A contestant may quit a cow when it is obviously stopped, obviously turned away,

or is behind the turnback horses and the turnback horses are behind the time line.

If a cow is quit under any other circumstances, a three (3) point penalty will be

assessed.

10. Guidelines to consider in judging a cutting run.

A judge may apply the following guidelines in determining an appropriate score

for a cutting run.

A. Give Credit:

1. for entering the herd quietly with very little disturbance to the herd or to

the cow brought out.

2. for taking a cow toward the center of the arena.

3. for driving a cow a sufficient distance from the herd to assure that the herd

will not be disturbed by the contestant’s work.

4. for setting up a cow and holding it in a working position as near the center

of the arena as possible.

B. Consider the degree of difficulty of the run: The degree of difficulty of the

run is determined by the amount of effort exerted by the cow in its attempt to

return to the herd. A cow that turns quickly and moves rapidly is more

difficult to hold in a working position than a cow that turns and moves slowly.

A judge must give credit when a contestant is able to hold a working position

on a tough cow.

C. Consider the eye appeal of the run: The eye appeal of the run is determined

by the attractiveness of the run because of the style of the horse and the

correctness of the overall performance.

D. Consider the amount of courage shown by a contestant: A judge shall give

credit for a contestant staying on a tough cow. Credit shall be given a

contestant coming off the fence with a cow and then establishing a working

position near the center of the arena before quitting a cow.

E. Consider the amount of working time (the time a contestant actually spends

working cattle during the 2 ½ minute run): A contestant shall be given credit

for his willingness to exhibit his horse actually working cattle. Obvious

stalling in the herd or reluctance to cut a cow to allow time to run off the clock

shall have a negative influence on the total point value of the run.

F. Run content:

1. Run content is a numerical evaluation (60-80) based on a running analysis

of what actually occurs during the work, without regard to penalty.

2. Guidelines for evaluating a run: the judge will start judging each horse

when the contestant’s time begins, and each run will be started from a

median score of (70). The run will conclude at the first sound of the

buzzer. The contestant’s run content will be based upon compliance with

credit situations. Numerical value of run content will fluctuate up or down

(60-80) throughout the run. Run content may be decreased without actual

occurrence of a penalty. Actual occurrence of penalties will only be

deducted at the conclusion of the run. At any point in the run, a judge

should be able to ascribe a numerical value based on the above standard.

The standard is run content (a numerical value) minus penalties equals the

score.

RUN CONTENT is a NUMERIC VALUE

minus PENALTIES = SCORE