AQHA Competitions Overview
Competitions
There are a variety of ways to compete in ranching events with your American Quarter Horse.
Versatility Ranch Horse Competition
Learn more about the fast-growing versatility ranch horse competition and the AQHA VRH World Championships.
Versatility ranch horse events are increasingly popular and have a variety of entry points to suit every level of experience.
Ranch Riding
These classes are offered at AQHA-approved shows (at the discretion of show management).
The ranch riding horse should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. World champions are crowned in 13-&-under youth, 14-18 youth, amateur, Select, junior and senior divisions.
AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenges
Ranching Heritage Challenges are open to any horse bred by an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder and is fully enrolled within the program. Owners of fully enrolled horses may compete in a range of classes offered exclusively for Ranching Heritage-bred horses. These events offer the chance to compete for added money, as well as the opportunity to qualify for the Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals, held in conjunction with the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships.
AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships
The AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships, AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals, AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships and National Ranch and Stock Horse Alliance National Championship Show are scheduled for June 22-26 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
September 29, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranch Trail
AQHA points and achievements are worth celebrating!
August 27, 2025 | Ranching
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Ranching
As the American Quarter Horse Association celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2025, it proudly reflects on the ranching roots that built the Association and continue to define its legacy.
June 30, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
The 2025 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and concurrent events hosted over 2,470 entries and awarded over $475,000 in purse and prizes.
June 27, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
AQHA recognized the inaugural youth and amateur high-point exhibitors of the Cattle Level 1 Championships during a special awards banquet on Saturday, June 21.
June 26, 2025 | News and Publications
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Ranching
Two American Quarter Horses were recognized as the Top Ranching Heritage-Bred Horses during the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships and its concurrent events.