2025 Ranch Rule Changes

View the rule-change recommendations from the AQHA Ranching Committee, which were approved by the AQHA Executive Committee.

The AQHA Executive Committee recently reviewed and approved rule changes from the AQHA Ranching Committee. These were approved by the AQHA membership and the Board of Directors at the 2025 AQHA Convention in March.

All committee recommendations were reviewed for feasibility, based on a variety of criteria, including but not limited to available resources, budget constraints and necessary computer programming. Careful consideration, discussion and debate were devoted to each item. Read the full standing committee reports.

All rules are effective January 1, 2026, unless noted otherwise.

The highlights of the approved Ranching Committee recommendations are listed below.

AQHA Rule Changes

• With respect to agenda item 12, approve proposal to amend SHW564.2 VRH Limited Ranch Cow Work as follows: – 5 point: Spurring or hitting in front of cinch at any time or excessively whipping or spurring the horse; blatant disobedience, defined as kicking, biting, bucking, rearing, striking or obviously insubordinate; running the cow into the back fence with force; contestant not in a working position that causes the cow to initiate at least one turn/change of direction on the second boxing phase before crossing the timeline and terminating the work; use of the either hand to instill fear.
• With respect to agenda item 13, approve proposal to amend SHW422.6 and SHW561.7 as follows: Drag an object: For open and amateur classes ONLY, the drag is not to be used in any youth or Rookie/Level 1 amateur classes. Drag may be a complete figure eight and may begin in either direction. The exhibitor must have the rope dallied on the saddle horn (half or fully dally) or attached to a fixed ring near the cinch (international events only) for the duration of the drag.
• With respect to agenda item 17, approve proposal to amend SHW422.7 and SHW561.8 as follows: optional obstacles may be used provided the obstacles can be found in everyday ranch work. Optional obstacles from which selections can be made include, but are not limited to:
• A jump obstacle whose center height is not less than 14 inches high or more than 25 inches high and is at least 5 feet from side to side at the approach.
• Holding the saddle horn is permissible for this obstacle.
• With respect to agenda item 18, approve as amended to apply to SHW305.5: …in trail, ranch trail, ranch riding, VRH ranch trail and VRH/RHC ranch riding, it is permissible to change hands on the reins or carry the extension in the rein hand to work an obstacle…
• With respect to agenda item 24, recommend a task force on the feasibility of creating a recognition program for employees (ranch hands, veterinarians, etc.) of Ranching Heritage Breeders.

View more on AQHA’s rules and regulations.

The full standing committee reports are available at www.aqha.com/committee-reports.