Horse Show

Houston’s NCHA-sanctioned cutting horse competition is always a crowd favorite. In a typical cutting horse contest, a herd of 25 to 30 cattle are held at one end of the arena. Once a horse’s name is called, its rider will guide it into the herd toward the cow which the rider thinks will best challenge the horse’s “cutting” ability.

All horses in the Paint Horse Show must be registered with the American Paint Horse Association. The Paint Horse breed is based on color requirements for registration. Horse and rider are judged on the horses’ ability to display the desired movements through a specific pattern or over obstacles, or the riders’ ability to maneuver the horse through obstacles or patterns. Obstacles can include items such as opening a gate or crossing over a log. Classes are offered in English, Western and Ranch disciplines. 

In the Quarter Horse Show, competitions include roping (breakaway, tie-down, heading and heeling) and speed events (barrel racing and pole bending).

The Ranch Horse Competition showcases the versatility of the horse as they compete in events inspired from a working ranch. Events include Ranch Trail, Ranch Reining, Ranch Riding, Ranch Pleasure and Ranch Conformation. Horses are judged on their ability to maneuver through various patterns, as well as their physical appearance.

Relive the Old West by watching the Rodeo’s Ranch Rodeo events. This fast-paced, rough-and-tough competition features cowboys and cowgirls competing for the fastest times in events that include calf “branding” (using chalk), wild cow milking, bronc riding and pasture doctoring. This forerunner to modern rodeo competitions offers the visitor a look at traditional ranch life close up!

Ranch Sorting calls for competitors (two riders per team) to move 10 head of cattle from one pen to another in numerical order, beginning with a randomly called number between zero and nine. If a cow passes into the pen out of numerical sequence, the team is disqualified.

The Youth Horse Show is an all breed youth horse show with classes for registered and unregistered horses. Any registered breed may show in the all breed classes, while any unregistered horse is eligible to compete in the grade horse classes. Exhibitors are ages 18 and under. Age divisions include 5-9 Walk/Trot, Novice, 13 and under, and 14-18.

The Junior Invitational event is open to contestants ages 19 and under who have qualified throughout the year to compete at the event. Qualifying events are held in the summer and fall and allow contestants the opportunity to earn points in barrel racing, breakaway roping, tie down roping and team roping. The top point earners in each event and age division compete at the Junior Invitational for cash and prizes.