Hold the end
The horse must first box the cow, holding it at the end of the arena while maintaining control and staying in proper working position.
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The Road To The Run For A Million 2027
Cow Horse Challenge
The 2027 Field Is Taking Shape • Ten Of Fifteen Spots Claimed
The best in reined cow horse are earning their way back to Las Vegas. Three qualifying events, five spots each, and the fence work under the lights waiting at the end.
10Qualified Riders
5Spots Remaining
3Qualifying Events
2027Las Vegas
The Format
Fifteen riders. One cow. The fence decides it.
In 2027 the Cow Horse Challenge brings the best riders and horses in reined cow horse back to Las Vegas, where the cow work once again takes center stage at The Run For A Million.
The field of 15 earns its way there five at a time, through three of the biggest stages in the sport. Two qualifying events are complete, and ten riders have already punched their ticket.
The final five spots are decided at the 2027 NRCHA Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona. Then the field is set, and the fence decides the rest.
The 2027 Field
Qualified riders
Ten have already earned the trip back to Las Vegas. Five more will join them from Scottsdale.
10 Qualified • 5 Spots Decided At The 2027 NRCHA DerbyNRCHA Hackamore Classic
RG
Ryan Gallentine
MK
Matt Koch
BR
Boyd Rice
LD
Lee Deacon
CW
Cayley Wilson
NSHA Futurity
SS
Shane Steffen
PR
Phillip Ralls
RE
Ron Emmons
SP
Shadd Parkinson
CC
Corey Cushing
NRCHA Derby
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Open spot
Decided In Scottsdale
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Open spot
Decided In Scottsdale
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Open spot
Decided In Scottsdale
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Open spot
Decided In Scottsdale
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Open spot
Decided In Scottsdale
The Sport
What is cow work?
The cow work, also called the fence work, is the final, adrenaline-fueled stage of reined cow horse competition. After horse and rider enter the arena, a single cow is pushed through the gate at the opposite end, and the clock on control starts immediately.
The key to a good score is maintaining control of the cow at all times.
Down the wall
The rider allows the cow to run down the long side of the arena. Horse and rider must turn the cow at least one time in each direction on the fence.
Take it to the middle
They take the cow into the middle of the arena and drive it in a circle each way, proving control in open ground.
The most controlled cow work, with the highest degree of difficulty and the best form, scores the highest.
About the NRCHA
Based in Pilot Point, Texas, the National Reined Cow Horse Association was formed in 1949 in California with the goal of preserving and educating the public about the rich history of this traditional horsemanship. The NRCHA promotes the sport, ensures high standards of competition, and works to keep the Vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry, supported by affiliate clubs across the United States, Europe, and abroad. Learn more at nrcha.com.
The Road To 2027
Ten are in. Five spots run through Scottsdale.
The 2027 NRCHA Derby sets the rest of the field. Then it's one cow through the gate in Las Vegas.