NBHA Rulebook.pdf

The National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) aims to promote and expand barrel racing, utilizing a divisional format, with a vision to be the leading association worldwide. NBHA values passion, integrity, diversity, innovation, and commitment to its members.

Competition Rules:

1. Event Format: An NBHA barrel race is an electronically timed event using three identical barrels in a cloverleaf pattern.
2. Start Gate and Pattern: The starting gate and pattern must remain the same throughout the event, with the first two barrels at least 15 feet off the side fence and 30 feet between the third barrel and the back fence.
3. Ground Conditions: Ground conditions must be consistent, with reworking and leveling after every 5 contestants, and drag intervals must be consistent.
4. Contestant Requirements: Contestants must use a western saddle, and bareback riding is not permitted.
5. Penalties and Disqualifications: Penalties and disqualifications will be given for off-pattern runs, knocking over barrels, running out of turn, and other infractions.
6. Reruns and No-Times: Reruns will be granted for timer or barrel placement issues, and contestants may be given a no-time for various infractions.
7. Horse and Rider Requirements: Contestants may ride any horse, but a horse may not be shown by more than one person in a class, unless specific conditions are met.
8. Entries and Draw: Entries close when the first horse runs, and the draw must be done in a random manner, with riders required to ride their horses in the drawn position.

Other Key Rules:

Section B: Show Sanctioning: Rules for sanctioning shows, including application and approval processes.
Section C: Earned Points: Rules for earning points, including calculation and tracking methods.
Section D: Payout: Rules for payout, including distribution and calculation methods.
Section E: State, Super, and World Shows: Rules specific to these types of shows, including qualification and competition requirements.
Section F: Penalties and Disqualifications: Rules for penalties and disqualifications, including types of infractions and consequences.
Section G: Dress Code: Rules for dress code, including requirements for contestants and officials.
Section H: Protests and Complaints: Rules for protests and complaints, including procedures for filing and resolving disputes.
Section I: NBHA Intellectual Property: Rules for protecting NBHA intellectual property, including logos, trademarks, and copyrights.