AQHA Competitions Overview
Competitions
There are a variety of ways to compete in ranching events with your American Quarter Horse.
Versatility Ranch Horse Competition
Learn more about the fast-growing versatility ranch horse competition and the AQHA VRH World Championships.
Versatility ranch horse events are increasingly popular and have a variety of entry points to suit every level of experience.
Ranch Riding
These classes are offered at AQHA-approved shows (at the discretion of show management).
The ranch riding horse should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. World champions are crowned in 13 & under youth, 14-18 youth, amateur, Select, junior and senior divisions.
AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges
Ranching Heritage Challenges are open to any horse bred by an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder. Anyone who owns an eligible horse can compete in one of the multiple age and skill level divisions offered for both horse and rider, as well as a variety of classes.
AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships
The AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships, AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals, AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships and National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance National Championship Show are scheduled for June 22-26 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
August 10, 2024 | News and Publications
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Ranching
CR Better Off Tuff is honored with the AQHYA World Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horse Award.
July 31, 2024 | News and Publications
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Ranching
AQHA is proud to announce Platinum Performance as the title sponsor of the 2024 AQHA Ranch Horse Classic at the 2024 Nutrena World Championship Show.
July 17, 2024 | News and Publications
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Ranching events and shows
Review the latest AQHA show rule changes, which are now supported by AQHA programming and will be effective January 1, 2025.
June 27, 2024 | News and Publications
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Ranching
The 2024 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and concurrent events hosted more than 2,800 entries and awarded nearly $470,000 in purse and prizes.
June 26, 2024 | News and Publications
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Ranch Trail
Three American Quarter Horses were recognized as the Top AQHA Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses during the 2024 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and its concurrent events.