All That You Love Plus More at the 2026 Sun Circuit

Arizona Sun Circuit is poised to welcome exhibitors to WestWorld in Scottsdale from February 27 through March 8 with yet another diverse slate of classes, added money events and incredible prizes. With the long standing reputation of being the largest AQHA Circuit in the world, the show also offers NSBA, NRHA, NRCHA, RHC, Versatility Ranch Horse and Coast To Coast Breeders classes. Competition will be stiff as exhibitors chase over $100,000 in added money, 36 saddle awards, trophies, buckles, champion rings and more. All exhibitors are also eligible to win one of 5 Axis UTVs, perfect for ranch chores or recreation.

While Sun Circuit is a magnet for the biggest horse and rider names in the business, it also offers a welcoming environment for exhibitors of all ages and experience. From Small Fry to Select, Cattle to Trail, Ranch to English, everyone will find a place and level that matches their needs. Nine competition arenas and many additional warm-up pens ensure everyone has plenty of space.

Young Trail Horses can earn large paychecks at the 2026 Sun Circuit. There is $10,000 added to the KRT Show Horses 4 & 5 Year Old NSBA Open Trail held on March 3. Super Sires eligible horses entered in the futurity will also look for their piece of the $2,500 concurrent payout. Machine Made is adding $2,000 to the Limited Rider division, and the champion will also receive a Sterling Custom Saddle sponsored by Kathy’s.

First time Trail horses have a chance to start their career with a bang at Sun Circuit. The $7,500 Added 5 & Under Maiden Stakes Trail, sponsored by VS Code Blue and VS Goodride, offers $7,000 plus all of the jackpot fees to the class placings. Bonus cash of $300 to the first place and $200 to the second place L2 riders will also be awarded. The Maiden Stakes runs concurrent with L1 Jr Trail each time it occurs.

Head over to the Western Riding pen and find the The $7,500 Added Nothing But Nett 5 & Under Maiden Stakes, It too offers $7,000 to the class placings, with bonus cash of $300 to the first place and $200 to the second place L2 riders. The class runs concurrent with L2 Jr Western Riding each time it occurs. It also has a 100% of the jackpot fees paid back.

Roping classes draw NFR legends and hot-handed amateurs alike with substantial money added jackpots and futurities. The ARHFA Sun Circuit Roping returns February 28 through March 2, offering huge payouts and exciting competition. AQHA roping follows the futurities with Arizona Quarter Horse sponsoring another $17,000 added to Open, Amateur and Breakaway.

Cow Horse enthusiasts will be chasing the cash in 5 Spectacular’s as they combine scores in Herd work, Cutting Cow Horse. Kimes Ranch adds a total of $5,000 to the pot, split between Senior and Junior divisions. Parkinson Performance Horses adds $1,000 to both the Amateur Spectacular and the Youth Boxing. Champions will also receive a buckle and reserve wins Sun Circuit spurs. Anchor Cross Ranch brings $1,000, buckle and spurs to the prize line for the Amateur Boxing Spectacular. Kimes Ranch will once again be sponsoring the Youth Cutting cattle fees and Cr8ive Event Rental sponsors the 13 and Under Cow Horse cattle fees.

The Arizona Golden Cowboy returns as another fun and challenging class that tests exhibitors cattle skills. Sponsored by Cushing Performance Horses with $2,500 added plus 100% of the jackpot fee, the cash and bragging rights will be paid on combined scores in herd work, Muley steer stopping and cow horse. Champion will also receive the coveted Golden Cowboy buckle.

Ranch classes are always huge across all divisions at Sun Circuit. This year money rewards those who really shine. Kail Quarter Horses adds $2,500 to the 4 Year Old Ranch Riding Derby, while Rancho D’Siette matches with another $2,500 added to the Non Pro Derby. Champions in both will receive a buckle and prizes will be awarded through 5th place. Novice ranch horses have a shot at the money in the $2,500 added L1 Open Ranch Horse Stakes. Points will be counted from the L1 division of Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding, Working Western Rail plus halter. Champion will receive $1,250 and a saddle, while reserve will be awarded a saddle pad and $750. Third wins $500 and Performance boots. Debuting this year is Non Pro Ranch Horsemanship with $500 added. Also new on the schedule is Open Western Versatility for horses 5 and under. English Versatility for both Open and Non Pro returns as well.

NSBA rail class futurities present trophies and cash in Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle with added money sponsored by Gil Gaylean and Ogden Ranch. Options include $10,000 Novice Horse Western Pleasure, Open 3 Year Old Pleasure, 3 & 4 Year Old Non Pro and Ltd Non Pro. Hunter Under Saddle offers both a 3 & 4 Year Old Open and No-Pro class. Super Sires bring $14,500 to the table for Western Riding, Trail, Pleasure and Hunter Under classes.

The multi-round tournament style National Championships in Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation return this year. Culminating in a run off on a new pattern, the top 4 finalists in Youth, Amateur and Select receive embroidered leather jackets and the champions win a buckle.

Outside the rings, the welcoming party atmosphere continues with Prize Patrol roaming the grounds with fun games and giveaways for everyone. Tens of thousands of dollars worth of gift certificates, electronics, horse products and jewelry are up for grabs to those who play. Extensive vendor areas inside and out offer a wide range of products for horses, riders, home and barn.

Folks looking to purchase their next horse will want to stop by the Annual Hershberger Performance Horse sale in the Equidome which kicks off the show on Thursday February 26 with a preview and the sale is held on the 27th. Past years have presented some outstanding prospects who have gone on to be big money earners in roping, ranch, cow horse and cutting.

With so much to offer at the show and plenty of options for entertainment, dining and recreation around Scottsdale, it is no wonder that exhibitors, friends and family make Sun Circuit an annual destination. Spectators are welcome on all days with free parking and free admission.

See full details on classes, entry, stalls and award eligibility at SunCircuit.com