A group of collegiate riders from the same school can compete on a collegiate team. Team awards are presented at all collegiate-approved shows, and collegiate riders can earn individual awards in their respective collegiate division, as well as Year End collegiate awards.

Collegiate riders must be CoWN members in order to compete in CoWN shows.

Eligibility

Students have 8 semesters or 5 years of eligibility, whichever comes first. College students or their coaches must submit a collegiate eligibility form verifying full time enrollment and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students who have purchased NIRSHA memberships designating eligibility and full time student status can use their membership in lieu of completing an eligibility form. 

Beginning in 2023, SHTX has adopted collegiate rules established by the National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association (NIRSHA). Per these rules, the Collegiate show year runs from September 1 to May 1. Collegiate eligibility is as of September 1 each year. 

Division eligibility is designated by NIRSHA. An abbreviated version of the NIRSHA Handbook as it relates to SHTX show eligibility can be found here. A complete copy of the NIRSHA Handbook can be found here.

Collegiate riders who also enter regular CoWN divisions must abide by any and all eligibility requirements per the SHTX Rule Book. With slight differences in SHTX division eligibility and collegiate division eligibility, collegiate riders double entering regular SHTX divisions are encouraged to double check their eligibility to ride in the respective divisions.
    

Team Divisions

Division I: A D1 team consists of a maximum of 6 riders: 2 Open/Non Pro; 2 Limited/Intermediate; 2 Novice. A school may enter a team with less than six but no less than four members.

Scholarships

Collegiate scholarships are also available to full time college students competing in the COWN competitions.

Purpose – To recognize outstanding students that are continuing their education in any field of study to any college.

Eligibility – Student must have shown in 3 CoWN horse shows in the previous (2025) calendar year. Student can be a graduating senior in high school or a college freshman, sophomore, junior or senior in good academic standing.

Basis of Award – The selection of the scholarship recipient will be based upon the students GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4 point scale (must include transcripts), activities and CoWN involvement.

Award – Number and amount of scholarships to be determined by scholarship committee. Monies must be applied toward tuition or required educational materials. Scholarship award must be used for upcoming semester. Monies will be made payable to the school in the name of the student. Scholarship award winners will be announced at the year end awards banquet.

Application Requirements –

1.     Completed form with all questions answered.

2.     Copy of transcript

3.     Recent photograph of yourself

4.     Two letters of recommendation from non-family members.