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.
June 30, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
The 2025 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and concurrent events hosted over 2,470 entries and awarded over $475,000 in purse and prizes.
June 27, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
AQHA recognized the inaugural youth and amateur high-point exhibitors of the Cattle Level 1 Championships during a special awards banquet on Saturday, June 21.
June 26, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
Two American Quarter Horses were recognized as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses during the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and its concurrent events.
May 28, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
The second annual event shows off the versatility and tradition of the American Quarter Horse in true ranch horse fashion.
April 29, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
Two American Quarter Horses were recognized as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses during the National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association National Show.