NRCHA: Vaquero Traditions and Progressive Thinking

About the Cow Horse:

Training of cow horses follows the vaquero tradition from snaffle to hackamore into the two-rein and finally the bridle. Like many western disciplines, the historical pressure has been put on young horses, but NRCHA sees the value of encouraging longevity and incentivizing progressing training to finish horses in the bridle. They have added purse money to these events for older horses to encourage owners and trainers to keep the future of their horse’s in mind. 

Creating Stability:

NRCHA has a vision: To produce the best cow horse events possible. Keeping this simple vision in mind helps them focus on the steps that will help them reach their goal. They have assembled one team that manages all five of their premier events in-house. These five events paid out $5.6 million dollars in 2022. That’s a big challenge for a single team but consistency lends itself to the success of these events and the association overall. 

Customer service is a cornerstone for the NRCHA and listening to their stakeholders is key for meeting their customer service goals. When the membership expressed their desire to keep boxing classes through higher levels, the association listed and  incorporated boxing into their non pro and youth eligibility levels. The response was an increase in membership and show entries. The membership can also be credited with much of the sponsor interest and have been called “the most loyal supporters” of NRCHA’s sponsors. 

Professionals at all levels can enjoy a wider payback schedule that pays deeper into the competition giving owners and trainers a greater chance and earning back at least a portion of their expenses. The Snaffle Bit Futurity purse pays at least $10,000 to 25th place. These deeper payout structures contribute significantly to the number of riders inducted into the million dollar club.