Alaska Reined Cow Horse Association
Established 2024
The Alaska Reined Cow Horse Association is dedicated to promoting awareness and involvement in training and showing reined cow horses, offering education, recognition, and awards, and supporting cow horse shows in Alaska.
Our NRCHA affiliation, ARCHA, offers classes for all ages and skills levels, from beginners to our top-level professional athletes.
Reined Cow Horse Events & Classes
Reining
Horse and rider execute a specific pattern of maneuvers, including circles, spins, and stops without cow present
Cow Work
Demonstration of ability from horse and rider to control and maneuver a single cow within the arena, including boxing, fencing, and circling
Boxing
Demonstration of ability to control a cow, holding it at the end of the arena for 50 seconds without going “down the fence”
Ranch Riding
Tests a horse’s ability to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a conveyance for ranch tasks, including changes of gait, extensions of gait, crossing logs, and lead changes
Versatility Ranch Horse
Showcase a horse’s athletic ability and versatility by performing skills used on a working ranch.
Flag Class
It’s a training-focused class where riders work a mechanical flag instead of a cow. This allows you to zero in on timing, position, and responsiveness — the foundation of good cow horse work.
Versatility Ranch Horse Ranch Riding
VRH Ranch Riding tests your horse’s ability to move naturally and smoothly, just like a real ranch horse. You’ll perform transitions, gait extensions, and simple maneuvers in a pattern designed for real-world function.
Cutting
Horse and rider’s ability to separate and control a single cow from a herd, demonstrating their cattle-handling skills
Ranch Reining
Easier than traditional reining! The pattern is simpler and more practical. There will be rollbacks, stop and backs, spins, and circles in a beginner friendly pattern. This is a perfect starting place for horses and riders interested in reining and cow horse.
ARCHA Show Divisions – There's a Place for Everyone!
Whether you're a seasoned pro, an enthusiastic amateur, or just getting started in the sport, the Alaska Reined Cow Horse Association offers a variety of divisions to match your experience and goals. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find at our shows:
Open – For all riders, including professionals. This is the highest level of competition where top horsemen and horsewomen go head-to-head.
Non-Pro – For riders who don’t train or show horses for pay. This division lets amateurs compete on a level playing field.
Select – Open to Non-Pro riders aged 50 and older. It’s all about experience, camaraderie and great horsemanship.
Youth – For riders 18 and under, this division helps young competitors sharpen their skills and gain show experience.
Youth 13 & Under – A welcoming space for our youngest cow horse riders to build confidence and grow in a supportive environment.
High School Rodeo – Tailored for high school-aged riders who are part of the Alaska High School Rodeo.
Come ride with us in the division that fits YOU — and be part of growing the cow horse community here in Alaska!
Please contact ARCHA board if you have questions
about your classification.
ARCHA is affiliated with NRCHA providing Alaska with local competition opportunities that align to national standards to encourage growth and promotion of Reined Cow Horse at the local level.
