Join the Cow Horse Fun

The Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association is beginner-friendly

by Allison Trimble

The Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association is an affiliate of the National Reined Cow Horse Association and offers cow horse, reining and cutting events at shows throughout the Northwest. The growth in the cow horse sport over the past five years has been staggering, and this association has a competitive level that rivals any in the nation. In their quest to encourage new participants, for the first time this year, the NWRCHA is offering classes that are open to all levels of competition.

The reined cow horse sport is rooted in history. Divisions are modeled after the vaquero tradition of training horses for work. The horses are athletic and talented and the riders are experienced. NWRCHA shows offer classes that are NRCHA-approved, such as hackamore, bridle, two rein, and non pro limited (boxing) classes, along with special events such as futurities, derbies, and bridle spectaculars. Typically, horses are shown in futurities and derbies in a snaffle bit. Then, as four- and five-year-olds, they are shown in the hackamore for one year. Usually, 6-year-olds are shown in the two rein, and then spend the rest of their careers showing in the bridle (one-handed in a spade bit and romels). This is an awesome method for training and showing your horse, but can sometimes be limiting and overwhelming for new people who are looking to get involved. Most beginners start with the non pro limited class, in which the competitor performs a reining pattern and then “boxes” a cow only, meaning they work the cow in the end of the pen but do not take it down the fence. 

There are a few hurdles for new people coming into this sport. Unless you ride with a trainer, knowing the rules, regulations and standards can be challenging and expensive to learn. Classes can also be expensive, and there is the issue of purchasing proper gear such as romels, a cow horse bit, and chaps. Many beginners have horses that are slightly older; riders may have some experience reining or working a cow, but would not be able to show their horses one-handed. 

Sometimes the restrictions on classes and the level of competition at these shows can give the impression that the cow horse world is unfriendly or does not welcome new people. This is simply untrue. 

For the past year, the NWRCHA has been trying to find an answer to this problem, and I am happy to announce that the following classes will be put into effect at the NWRCHA show in Lynden on March 13, 14 and 15:

   1. Beginning Reining Class: open to those who have won less than $100 in reining or cow horse competition. There are no restrictions on bits, breeds, or age of the horse. 

   2. Beginning Boxing Class: open to those who have won less than $100 in cow horse competition. There are no restrictions on bits, breeds, or age of horse, and chaps are not required. 

Both classes have relatively low entry fees, and riders are only required to be a member of the NWRCHA. Even more exciting is that there will be a buckle awarded in each class at every show--one in the reining class and one in the cow horse class. Buckles go to the competitor with the highest cumulative score of the two days combined. The two buckles at the March show are sponsored by your very own Karen Pickering and the Northwest Horse Source Magazine. 

So come on out and join the fun! There is no longer an excuse not to participate. If you feel like you don’t know anyone at the shows, well, you know me--so hunt me down and I’ll introduce you around to everyone. I am happy to answer any questions about the show or getting involved in the great sport of cow horse. You can reach me directly at coastalequine@aol.com. 

More information is available at www.nwrcha.com.