The purpose of the green program is to provide inexperienced riders and/or horses the opportunity to become acquainted with the basic reined cow horse skills in a competitive, yet non-threatening environment. There are no restrictions placed upon horse ownership, breed, age or training level. Horses must be shown in an NRCHA or AQHA approved bridle, also snaffle bits will be allowed with no age limit, except in Intermediate Rider. Once the program has been completed, riders and/or horses should have developed the skills necessary to be a competent NRCHA exhibitor.

Exhibitors in the Green Program pay an entry fee and are scored based upon the execution of maneuvers as sanctioned by the NRCHA and as modified below. Green Rider has two divisions, as well as, an intermediate level. Each level increases in complexity and builds upon the skills practiced each time the rider and horse enter the pen.

Graduation from the program is based on accumulated points earned for placing in each class shown. All points begin accruing upon entry of the rider’s/horse’s first show. Class placing will determine points toward year- end awards. Accumulation of 100 points in Green I, automatically graduates a rider to Green II. Accumulation of 200 points in Green II automatically graduates a rider to the NRCHA Limited Non-Pro class. Accumulation of 300 points in Intermediate Rider automatically graduates a rider from the green program to novice non-pro classes.

Green Horse has two divisions. Each level increases in complexity and builds upon the skills practiced each time the rider and horse enter the pen. Accumulation of 200 points in Green Horse Box automatically graduates a horse to Green Horse + fence.

Entrants in all classes may continue to show in their class for the remainder of the year in which they earn enough points to graduate out.

AQHA dress code applies. (Western attire, hat and boots. Chaps are optional.)

AQHA rules regarding acceptable western equipment apply.

The ARCHA adopts the AQHA’s position on animal welfare for all ARCHA shows.

• Rider may use two hands.
• Rider does one or one & half spins only instead of the number specified in the pattern.
• Rider may break down to a trot for a lead change with no penalty.
• Rider may break down to a trot before stopping with no penalty. A sliding stop is not required.

• If the rider loses the cow two or more times, the 3 point penalty will continue to apply instead of the contestant receiving a no score.

Reined work the same as NRCHA classes.

• If the rider loses the cow two or more times, the 3 point penalty will continue to apply instead of the contestant receiving a no score.

• Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA bridle.
• All horses may be ridden in 2 hands regardless of bridle.
• Rider does 2 or 2 ½ spins only instead of the number specified in the pattern.
  
     IE: If the specified pattern calls for 3 spins the rider completes 2.
     If the specified pattern calls for 3 ½ spins the rider completes 2 ½.

• If the rider/horse loses the cow two or more times, the 3 point penalty will continue to apply instead of the contestant receiving a no score.

GREEN HORSE + Fence Work (maximum of 300 points)

• Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA bridle.
• All horses may be ridden in 2 hands regardless of bridle.
• Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.