NVRHA Divisions
The following division descriptions serve as a brief summary of what division a rider would be classified in at a schooling competition. For a complete definition please see the NVRHA Rules and Regulations handbook.
All Youth and Amateur divisions are based on the rider/horse team's skill level and points/scores earned in 2 previous competitions.
DIVISION CLASSIFICATIONS - The schooling competition at ranch horse events separates riders into the following divisions:
Open Division
Any horse, rider, breed to include Open riders (receives remuneration for teaching/training, etc.) Amateur riders may also participate in the Open division. Open division classes are entered ala carte, That means you can pick and choose what class(s) you want to ride in and you do not have to ride in all five classes.
Amateur Division
- Amateur
- Limited
- Intermediate **NEW**
- Novice Horse/rider team with a score of less than 230 based on Performance scores only (not conformation)
- Advanced Youth
- Limited Youth
- Novice Youth
An event manager may or may not hold a Youth division based upon the number of entries.
Youth and Amateur division placement is determined by the clinician on the clinic day of a schooling competition weekend. At the beginning of a clinic, the first-time participant will be identified and upon observation by the clinician, the clinician will recommend the most appropriate division (Novice, Intermediate or Advanced) for their division assignment for their first 2 schooling competitions in which the horse/rider team participates. Clinicians will place participants whom they judge cannot go down the fence or rope safely in the Novice Division. The average score for their first 2 events will determine their permanent division placement. In division placement, safety will always be a first consideration.
A first time participant who does NOT participate in the clinic the day prior to the schooling competition, will be placed in the Amateur class or the Advanced Youth class.
**NEW**The new Intermediate Division is a blend of Novice and Limited. NVRHA created this division to allow Horse/Rider teams to continue their education prior to moving into Limited or Amateur. This will be a step up from Novice. If your average Performance Score falls between 220-250 – You have a ONE TIME option of moving into the New Intermediate Division. You must declare that you would like to ride in the Intermediate prior to your first ride of 2022 season. If you ride in Limited or Amateur and your points fall in this range, and you ride in Limited or Amateur anytime during the 2022 you will have to stay in that division. Working Ranch - Box Drive Box Drive (Same as Limited). Cutting – Pen the cow (Same as Novice).
Limited (any horse/rider team) The purpose of the Limited division is:
1) to provide a place for continued education and skill development of the Novice rider who has scored out of Novice
2) to provide a box-only forum for any rider wanting to participate in the NVRHA without jeopardizing standing in another organization that does not allow fencework; and
3) to provide a box-only forum for those riders experiencing life events necessitating changes to their riding activities (age, illness, etc.)
Please see complete handbook of Rules & Regulations for moving in and out of the Limited division.
