New for 2026

ASHA has updated several division names and added more ways for riders to enter at the right level.

Three Youth Levels
Amateur Replaces Non-Pro
Mechanical Cow Options

Our Sanctioned Organizations

ASHA

ASHA

American Stock Horse Association

ASHA focuses on the versatility and performance of the American stock horse. Their classes evaluate a horse's ability to perform practical ranch work. All CTSH shows are sanctioned by ASHA, allowing competitors to earn points toward ASHA's national standings and year-end awards.

Key Features:
  • All-breed organization
  • Versatility Ranch Horse format
  • National point system
  • Year-end awards
ASHA Website
APHA

APHA

American Paint Horse Association

CTSH offers concurrent classes for the American Paint Horse Association. Paint horse owners can earn APHA points while competing in our ASHA-sanctioned shows, making it easy to participate in both programs simultaneously.

Key Features:
  • Concurrent classes available
  • Earn APHA points at CTSH shows
  • Paint horse specific classes
  • Ranch and performance events
APHA Website

Concurrent Classes Benefit APHA classes run concurrent with either ASHA or All Breed classes. Use the current APHA class list on Horseshowing.com when entering, since Solid Paint-Bred classes are no longer listed separately.

Divisions

Open

Open to all riders and horses. This is the most competitive division with no restrictions on earnings or experience.

Amateur

Formerly called Non-Pro. For eligible amateur riders who do not train horses for pay.

Novice EXPANDED 2026

For riders with limited experience in stock horse events, including Novice Amateur and Novice Youth box-only cow work options.

Youth EXPANDED 2026

For riders ages 8-18. Youth is now organized by skill level: Youth, Limited Youth, and Novice Youth.

Junior Horse

For horses 5 years old and younger. A great way to develop young horses.

Ranch

Ranch-style classes focusing on practical ranch work skills and traditional approach.

Cow Work Levels at a Glance

Fence Turns & Circles

Open, Amateur, and Youth

Box, Drive, Box

Limited Open, Green, Limited Amateur, and Limited Youth

Boxing Only

Novice Amateur and Novice Youth

Mechanical Cow

CTSH club option for novice riders and walk-trot/short stirrup entries. No live cow work.

Class Types

Reining

Execute a pattern of circles, spins, rollbacks, and sliding stops. Judges evaluate precision, smoothness, and control.

Cutting

Separate a cow from the herd and prevent it from returning. Tests the horse's natural cow sense and athleticism.

Working Cow Horse

Control a cow down the fence and around the arena. Combines reining and cow work in one class.

Trail

Navigate obstacles simulating real trail situations. Tests the horse's willingness and the rider's ability.

Halter

Horses are judged on conformation, balance, and breed characteristics while standing and walking.

Mechanical Cow NEW

A CTSH club option for novice riders and walk-trot/short stirrup entries. These classes use no live cow work and do not replace ASHA cow work points.

Rules & Resources

ASHA Handbook 2026 Division Guide Freestyle Reining Rules