05/06/2026
📣 SHOW SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER 🐴
Let’s get you dialed in on NRHA divisions before you hit the pen 👇
🔹 Non Pro Riders
A Non Pro is someone who does not receive payment for training, showing, or coaching horses. You can still compete at a high level—just without earning income from it.
🔹 Open Riders
These are the professionals. Open riders do get paid for training, coaching, or showing horses—and this is where the pros go head-to-head.
🔹 Green Rider
Still building experience in the show pen with limited lifetime earnings. Designed to gain confidence and mileage.
🔹 Green Horse
A horse early in its show career with limited earnings—focused on development.
🔹 Rookie Riders
Entry-level riders based on lifetime earnings—perfect for those just getting started.
🔹 Youth Riders
Age-based division for exhibitors 18 & under. Focused on development, sportsmanship, and experience.
❓ Can a Non Pro and an Open rider share the same horse?
👉 YES!
✔️ A horse can be shown in both Open and Non Pro classes—even at the same show
✔️ The Non Pro must meet all eligibility requirements
✔️ Ownership rules apply (owner or approved family ownership)
❓ What about a leased horse?
👉 YES—if done properly
✔️ A Non Pro can lease a horse and still share it with an Open rider
✔️ Lease must be legit, documented, and recognized by NRHA
✔️ The Non Pro must still not receive compensation
✔️ The horse can still be shown in Open by a pro
🔹 Ownership – Youth & Rookie
✔️ Youth riders do not have to own the horse—they can show family-owned or another eligible horse
✔️ Rookie riders are based on earnings, not ownership—they can show horses they do not own
✔️ If a Rookie rider also shows Non Pro, Non Pro ownership rules apply in those classes
✔️ Always make sure leases/ownership are properly documented when required
⚠️ Important:
If a Non Pro starts accepting payment for training or coaching—they risk losing Non Pro status.
📘 Want the full breakdown before show season kicks off?
Check out the NRHA Handbook:
👉 https://nrha.com/resources/rulebook
Get prepped, get confident, and we’ll see you in the pen 🔥