Make sure you are entering the correct division!

You would hate to have a great show only to discover you’re not eligible and lose those points and prizes! Proof of eligibility is the rider’s responsibility. If a rider is found to be ineligible, he/she will be disqualified and must forfeit all prizes, earnings and entry fees.

Is there a Youth Class for riders who want to go down the fence?

Youth riders who have reached the level of full fencework are encouraged to enter the Non Pro All Around. The Non Pro is not just for adult riders! It is the natural progression of the CoWN skill level system for Youth riders to advance.

Do my earnings in a breed association (like AQHA) count?

Yes! Money won at any AQHA event (including an AQHA-approved show that pays money, VRH World, APHA World Show, etc) count toward CoWN eligibility.

How can I find out how much money I have won?

EquiStat is the primary reporting body that CoWN uses for earnings verification. QData, AQHA & APHA records are also used as verification of points and earnings.

I won the all around at a local show. Does that impact my eligibility?

That depends on the division you are entering and if the show is approved by a recognized organization (ASHA, NRSHA, Slidin' Daze, etc.), then yes, it can impact your eligibility in CoWN.

I earned several AQHA points when I showed as a youth rider 25 years ago. But I haven’t shown since, do those points count?

CoWN looks at lifetime accomplishments. However, there is a 10-year lookback rule, allowing a rider to step down one division with approval from the CoWN Board. This must be requested 2 weeks before the entry deadline.

I have breed association points. How do I know my eligibility?

It is the rider’s responsibility to verify their breed association points. CoWN looks at full-level points, not novice or level 1 points for eligibility.

Can I ride my horse in a snaffle?

Yes, any aged horse can be ridden two handed in a snaffle.

Do I have to take my boots/wraps off for trail or pleasure?

NO! It is not against SHTX rules to wear boots in these classes. We understand that you may be rushing between show pens and may not have time to remove them. However, other associations, may have other rules regarding this, check their rule books for clarity.

How are OP/DQ scored?

All rides will receive a score---even if they are OP. Riders should continue to be scored even after an OP and additional OP’s noted where necessary. Only those with a DQ do not receive a score.

What scoring system does CoWN use?

For CoWN Classes, we use a ±1½ scoring system, not ✔/- system. This is the same system as SHTX which is generally similar to NRCHA rules.

Can you hold the horn in stock horse working cow classes?

Holding the saddle horn is permitted in this Class.

How much time do you have to complete a cow work pattern?

CoWN

• Open – fence/circle. Option to rope – 3 Minutes – 1 minute warning

• Non-pro - fence/circle. Option to rope - 3 Minutes – 1 minute warning

• Limited, Intermediate – Box – drive-box -drive – 1:45 – 50 second warning

• Novice, Non-Pro Boxing – box only – 50 seconds

• Youth - Box – Box - drive-box -drive - 1:45 – 50 second warning

• Novice Youth – Box only – 50 seconds

• Jr Horse – all - Box – drive - box -drive - 1:45 – 50 second warning

• Novice Horse – Box – drive - box -drive - 1:45 – 50 second warning

AQHA

• Open – box/fence MUST rope – 3 Minutes – 1 minute warning

• Cowboy– box/fence MUST rope – 3 Minutes – 1 minute warning

• Amateur– box/fence option to rope or circle – 3 Minutes – 1 minute warning

• Youth– box/fence option to rope or circle – 3 Minutes – 1 minute warning

• Limited Amateur– Box – drive-box -drive – 1:45 – 50 second warning

• Limited Youth - Box – Box - drive-box -drive - 1:45 – 50 second warning

• Rookie Amateur– Box only – 50 seconds

• Rookie Youth – Box only – 50 seconds

Do I have to be a CoWN member to show with CoWN?

Yes, you must be a CoWN member to show in CoWN classes.

Division Eligibility

Eligibility for each division is best explained in the SHTX rule book or any other appropriate rule book. Please reference the rule book or direct the rider to investigate further at the CoWN webpage. We keep an eligibility list on the site for rider convenience, but each rider is responsible for knowing their eligibility.