Question 1

Is the NBHA for professional barrel racers only?

Accepted Answer

NO! The NBHA is for ALL barrel racers, from beginners to experts; from local weekend competitors to professional trainers.

Question 2

How can beginners compete with professionals?

Accepted Answer

The NBHA uses a four division (4-D) or five division (5-D) format. This makes it possible for the beginning, intermediate and advanced barrel racer to compete AND WIN in the same event. There are three NBHA 4-D or 5-D Classes, the YOUTH 4-D or 5-D for ages 18 and under and the OPEN 4-D or 5-D for any age. There is also a SENIOR 4-D or 5-D for competitors 50 years of age and older.

Question 3

Do I have to ride a registered horse?

Accepted Answer

No. Any horse may be used in competition.

Question 4

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

You may apply for membership by going to the NBHA.com website to complete your application and pay your annual membership fee. Your membership is good for one calendar year beginning on January 1st.

Question 5

What do I receive for my membership fee?

Accepted Answer

Once your membership is accepted, you will receive a membership card, rulebook, individual point record card, and NBHA window decals. You will also receive a one-year subscription to the Barrel Horse News (a $24 value). In addition, your membership entitles you to many other benefits including: Eligibility to compete for points in NBHA sanctioned events. A chance to compete in State/ Provincial, National and World Championships plus NBHA Super Shows. Eligibility for year-end awards. NBHA logo merchandise, including clothing, jewelry and tack. Additional benefits, programs and discounts offered by various NBHA sponsors to our members.

Question 6

Where will I compete?

Accepted Answer

In the U.S., each state is divided into competition districts. Riders may accumulate points only at shows in the district where they live OR the district they declare as their competition district. Your NBHA District Director will sanction not fewer than 6 and not more than 18 shows in your competition district each year. Many of these will be existing open shows and association or club shows where you may already be competing.

Question 7

Do I have to compete in the district where I live?

Accepted Answer

No. If you decide to compete in a district other than where you live, you must declare a competition district by filling out a Declaration of NBHA Competition District form. Members may earn points in only one district at a time. Therefore, if you change competition districts during the year, you will lose the points you have earned and will start over in your new district.

Question 8

How does the 4-D format work?

Accepted Answer

All riders, regardless of ability, run in the same divisional barrel race. The divisions are then determined by time brackets. With the divisional format, the OVERALL fastest time of the race is used to set the time brackets for the divisions. The NBHA awards points to members IN ALL DIVISIONS on a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis for first place through fifth place, regardless of the number of entries or paying places.

1st Division: These are the riders with the fastest times.
2nd Division: These are competitors who ran ONE-HALF (1/2) SECOND or SLOWER than the OVERALL fastest time.
3rd Division: These are competitors who ran ONE (1) SECOND or SLOWER than the OVERALL fastest time.
4th Division: These are competitors who ran ONE and ONE_HALF SECOND slower than the OVERALL fastest time.
5th Division: These are competitors who ran TWO (2) SECONDS or SLOWER than the OVERALL fastest time.

Question 9

How are points awarded?

Accepted Answer

Points are awarded to the rider in all classes and divisions.

Question 10

What happens if I earn points in both the 2nd and 3rd divisions?

Accepted Answer

You may accumulate points in all divisions.

Question 11

Can I win money at NBHA shows?

Accepted Answer

YES! All sanctioned shows must use the NBHA approved payback schedule. This schedule requires at least 80% of entry fees (at least 70% if the show has $1,000 or more added money) to be jackpotted and ensures that winners in all NBHA classes and divisions will get prize money.

Question 12

How do I qualify for the World Championships?

Accepted Answer

By earning NBHA points at sanctioned shows throughout the competition year. The exact number of World Championship qualifiers will be determined by the outcome of competition in each competition district.

Question 13

Why should I join the NBHA?

Accepted Answer

You will become part of an international barrel racing organization developed to improve your sport, making it better for you and all other barrel racers. The sanctioning power of the NBHA helps to improve conditions at existing shows and to upgrade arenas to meet NBHA safety standards and show requirements. You can ride in sanctioned shows, close to home, to compete for NBHA points and prize money and qualify for year-end awards, State/ Provincial, National and World Championships. The NBHA 4-D format means more entries and larger purses, but more importantly, it gives YOU a fairer chance to win. You will receive the BARREL HORSE NEWS containing monthly event updates. BARREL HORSE NEWS is a monthly magazine dedicated to our members and the sport of barrel racing. As you join forces with other barrel racers around the world, the NBHA is attracting additional national and regional sponsors who are bringing more prize money, awards, benefits and publicity to our sport. You have the opportunity to help make the NBHA one of the largest equine sport associations in the world.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions