The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) has announced a new policy change for the 2026 point year. The new policy will extend the current show year through December 31, 2026.
This policy change comes as a result of a new rule that will be in place starting in 2027, which will change the NRCHA point year to run from January 1 through December 31.
To create a seamless transition, the 2026 NRCHA point year will now extend through December 31, 2026. As a result, points earned at approved NRCHA events held between November 16 and December 31, 2026, will count toward the 2026 point year, including World Show qualification, year-end award standings, and eligibility calculations for 2027.
“As the Board considered this transition, our priority was making sure our members had every opportunity to benefit from the change,” said NRCHA President Paul Bailey. “Extending the 2026 point year through December 31 creates a smooth transition into the new calendar-year format while allowing shows held between November 16 and the end of the year to count toward 2026 World Show qualification and year-end awards. This one-time adjustment helps bridge the transition to the new points calendar.”
The extension applies only to the 2026 point year and serves as a bridge to the new calendar-year system. Beginning January 1, 2027, all NRCHA points, World Show qualification, and year-end award standings will be tracked on a January 1 through December 31 schedule.
Beginning in 2027, the NRCHA point year will officially run from January 1 through December 31, aligning the association's competition calendar with the traditional calendar year.
For questions regarding the updated point year or World Show qualification, please contact the NRCHA office at (940) 488-1500 or visit NRCHA.com.
