2026 Riata Championships
September 23-27, 2026
Wednesday, September 23 - 8:00 am
RIATA PRO FUTURITY (5 & UNDER)
$200,000 Added
Entry Fees: On or before September 18th - $1000/roper online, pre-entry (credit card or e-check option). September 19th thru September 22nd - $1200/roper.
Enter 2X heading, enter 2X heeling, Horses limited to 2X heading, 2X heeling, Up and back permitted, but no duplicate teams.
5 steer aggregate, progressive after one. 85% Payback. Riata Horses Only (no proxy horses). Regular Barrier, 10 second barrier penalty.
Wednesday, September 23 - Immediately Following Riata Pro Futurity
RIATA 14.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
Entry Fees: On or before September 18th - $1000/roper online, pre-entry (credit card or e-check option). September 19th through September 22nd - $1200/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. 85% Payback, World Series barrier. No age restrictions
May enter up to three times: Ropers and horses may enter twice in the 14.5 and once in the futurity incentive, or twice in the futurity incentive and once in the 14.5. Enter up to three times provided at least one is an incentive. Up and back is permitted but there shall be NO duplicate teams (same header and heeler twice).
Teams with Proxy Horse: Team may consist of two nominated Riata horses, or one nominated Riata horse and one proxy/helper horse (substitute horse, see description of proxy/helper horse in Rules section). Proxy/helper horse must be a registered horse. NEW- All Proxy/Helper horses are required to be entered/enrolled in the National Rope Horse Rewards to enter the Riata Championships.
6 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Riata Horse must be 6-year-old or younger. Futurity incentive horses are eligible for 14.5 payout (may double dip). The 6 & under incentive is paid to the roper(s) riding the Riata horse and only one side is required to be on 6 & under.
Wednesday, September 23 - Immediately Following 14.5 Riata Championship
13.5 NATIONAL ROPE HORSE REWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
WSTR Super Qualifier
$20,000 Riata Bonus
Highest placing Riata head and heel horse - $6,000/$6,000
2nd highest placing head and heel horse $4,000/$4000
Entry Fees: On or before September 22nd - $500/roper online pre-entry (credit card or e-check option) Onsite Entries - $600/roper.
Enter 2X, No age or # cap, 80% Payback. Pick or Draw (Must be at least 5hd/6hl to draw in, Draw in fee $40/roper)
All checks qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; contestants must enter the Finale no later than October 15
RHR horses placing in the aggregate are eligible to enter the 13.5 Rope Horse Reward Finals at the Ariat WSTR Finale, Las Vegas in addition to earning a separate qualification to the Finale (WSTR rules apply). NOTE: Riata nominated horses must be entered/enrolled in the Rope Horse Rewards prior to the start of each division if they wish to compete in the Rope Horse Rewards Finals.
Thursday, September 24 - 8:00 am
RIATA 12.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
Entry Fees: On or before September 18th - $1000/roper online, pre-entry (credit card or e-check option). September 19th through September 22nd - $1200/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. 85% Payback, World Series barrier, Must be 21 years of age.
May enter up to three times: Ropers and horses may enter twice in the 12.5 and once in the futurity incentive, or twice in the futurity incentive and once in the 12.5. Enter up to three times provided at least one is an incentive. Up and back is permitted but there shall be NO duplicate teams (same header and heeler twice).
Teams with Proxy Horse: Team may consist of two nominated Riata horses, or one nominated Riata horse and one proxy/helper horse (substitute horse, see description of proxy/helper horse in Rules section). Proxy/helper horse must be a registered horse. NEW- All Proxy/Helper horses are required to be entered/enrolled in the National Rope Horse Rewards to enter the Riata Championships.
6 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Riata Horse must be 6-year-old or younger. Futurity incentive horses are eligible for 14.5 payout (may double dip). The 6 & under incentive is paid to the roper(s) riding the Riata horse and only one side is required to be on 6 & under.
Thursday, September 24 - Immediately Following 12.5 Riata Championship
11.5 NATIONAL ROPE HORSE REWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
WSTR Super Qualifier
$20,000 Riata Bonus
Highest placing Riata head and heel horse - $6,000/$6,000
2nd highest placing head and heel horse $4,000/$4000
Entry Fees: On or before September 22nd - $500/roper online pre-entry (credit card or e-check option) Onsite Entries - $600/roper.
Enter 2X, 80% Payback. Heeler capped at #7.5, Pick or Draw (Must be at least 4hd/5hl to draw in, Draw in fee $40/roper)
All checks qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; contestants must enter the Finale no later than October 15.
RHR horses placing in the aggregate are eligible to enter the 11.5 Rope Horse Reward Finals at the Ariat WSTR Finale, Las Vegas in addition to earning a separate qualification to the Finale (WSTR rules apply). NOTE: Riata nominated horses must be entered/enrolled in the Rope Horse Rewards prior to the start of each division if they wish to compete in the Rope Horse Rewards Finals.
Friday, September 26 - 8:00 am
RIATA 10.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
Entry Fees: On or before September 18th - $1000/roper online, pre-entry (credit card or e-check option). September 19th through September 22nd - $1200/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. 85% Payback, Heeler capped at #6.5, World Series barrier, Must be 21 years of age.
May enter up to three times: Ropers and horses may enter twice in the 10.5 and once in the futurity incentive, or twice in the futurity incentive and once in the 10.5. Enter up to three times provided at least one is an incentive. Up and back is permitted but there shall be NO duplicate teams (same header and heeler twice).
Teams with Proxy Horse: Team may consist of two nominated Riata horses, or one nominated Riata horse and one proxy/helper horse (substitute horse, see description of proxy/helper horse in Rules section). Proxy/helper horse must be a registered horse. NEW- All Proxy/Helper horses are required to be entered/enrolled in the National Rope Horse Rewards to enter the Riata Championships.
6 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Riata Horse must be 6-year-old or younger. Futurity incentive horses are eligible for 10.5 payout (may double dip). The 6 & under incentive is paid to the roper(s) riding the Riata horse and only one side is required to be on 6 & under.
Friday, September 25 - Immediately Following 10.5 Riata Championship Roping
10.5 NATIONAL ROPE HORSE REWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
WSTR Super Qualifier
$20,000 Riata Bonus
Highest placing Riata head and heel horse - $6,000/$6,000
2nd highest placing head and heel horse $4,000/$4000
Entry Fees: On or before September 22nd - $500/roper online pre-entry (credit card or e-check option) Onsite Entries - $600/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. Enter 2X, 80% Payback. Heeler capped at #5.5, Pick or Draw (Must be at least 4hd/5hl to draw in, Draw in fee $40/roper)
All checks qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; contestants must enter the Finale no later than October 15.
RHR horses placing in the aggregate are eligible to enter the 11.5 or 9.5 (team may split) Rope Horse Reward Finals at the Ariat WSTR Finale, Las Vegas in addition to earning a separate qualification to the Finale (WSTR rules apply). NOTE: Riata nominated horses must be entered/enrolled in the Rope Horse Rewards prior to the start of each division if they wish to compete in the Rope Horse Rewards Finals.
Saturday, September 26 - 8:00 am
RIATA 9.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
Entry Fees: On or before September 18th - $1000/roper online, pre-entry (credit card or e-check option). September 19th through September 22nd - $1200/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. 85% Payback, Heeler capped at #5.5, World Series barrier, Must be 21 years of age. Limited to three entries.
Teams with Proxy Horse: Team may consist of two nominated Riata horses, or one nominated Riata horse and one proxy/helper horse (substitute horse, see description of proxy/helper horse in Rules section). Proxy/helper horse must be a registered horse. NEW- All Proxy/Helper horses are required to be entered/enrolled in the National Rope Horse Rewards to enter the Riata Championships.
Saturday, September 26 - Immediately Following 9.5 Championship
9.5 NATIONAL ROPE HORSE REWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
WSTR Super Qualifier
$20,000 Riata Bonus
Highest placing Riata head and heel horse - $6,000/$6,000
2nd highest placing head and heel horse $4,000/$4000
Entry Fees: On or before September 22nd - $500/roper online pre-entry (credit card or e-check option) Onsite Entries - $600/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. Enter 2X, 80% Payback. Heeler capped at #5.5, Pick or Draw (Draw in fee $40/roper)
All checks qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; contestants must enter the Finale no later than October 15.
RHR horses placing in the aggregate are eligible to enter the 9.5 Rope Horse Reward Finals at the Ariat WSTR Finale, Las Vegas in addition to earning a separate qualification to the Finale (WSTR rules apply). NOTE: Riata nominated horses must be entered/enrolled in the Rope Horse Rewards prior to the start of each division if they wish to compete in the Rope Horse Rewards Finals.
Sunday, September 27 - 8:00 am
RIATA 8.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
Entry Fees: On or before September 18th - $1000/roper online, pre-entry (credit card or e-check option). September 19th through September 22nd - $1200/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. 85% Payback, Heeler capped at #4.5, World Series barrier, Must be 21 years of age. Limited to three entries.
Teams with Proxy Horse: Team may consist of two nominated Riata horses, or one nominated Riata horse and one proxy/helper horse (substitute horse, see description of proxy/helper horse in Rules section). Proxy/helper horse must be a registered horse. NEW- All Proxy/Helper horses are required to be entered/enrolled in the National Rope Horse Rewards to enter the Riata Championships.
Sunday, September 27 - Immediately Following 8.5 Riata Championship
8.5 NATIONAL ROPE HORSE REWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
WSTR Super Qualifier
$20,000 Riata Bonus
Highest placing Riata head and heel horse - $6,000/$6,000
2nd highest placing head and heel horse $4,000/$4000
Entry Fees: On or before September 22nd - $500/roper online pre-entry (credit card or e-check option) Onsite Entries - $600/roper.
4 steer aggregate, progressive after one. Enter 2X, 80% Payback. Must be 21 years of age. Heeler capped at #4.5, Pick or Draw (Draw in fee $40/roper).
All checks qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; contestants must enter the Finale no later than October 15.
RHR horses placing in the aggregate are eligible to enter the 11.5 or 9.5 (team may split) Rope Horse Reward Finals at the Ariat WSTR Finale, Las Vegas in addition to earning a separate qualification to the Finale (WSTR rules apply). NOTE: Riata nominated horses must be entered/enrolled in the Rope Horse Rewards prior to the start of each division if they wish to compete in the Rope Horse Rewards Finals.
2025 Riata Championships Schedule
Wednesday, September 24 - 8:00 am
RIATA PRO FUTURITY (5 & UNDER)
$200,000 Added
($50,000 Added to 1st Place)
Entry Fee $1000/roper, 5 steer aggregate, progressive after one, 100% Payback, Riata Horses Only, No proxys. Regular barrier, 10 second barrier penalty.
Enter 2X heading, Enter 2X heeling. Horses limited to 2X heading, 2X heeling. Up and back permitted, no duplicate teams.
Wednesday, September 24 - Immediately Following Riata Pro Futurity
RIATA 14.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
($50,000 Added to 1st Place)
Entry Fee $1000/roper, 4 steer aggregate, progressive after one, 90% Payback, World Series barrier, no age restrictions.
Number of Entries - May enter up to three times. Up and back permitted, no duplicate teams.
6 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Riata Horse must be 6-year-old or younger. Futurity incentive horses are eligible for #14.5 payout (may double dip).
Thursday, September 25 - 8:00 am
RIATA 12.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
($50,000 Added to 1st Place)
Entry Fee $1000/roper, 4 steer aggregate, progressive after one, 90% Payback, World Series barrier, must be 21 years of age.
6 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Friday, September 26 - 8:00 am
RIATA 10.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
($50,000 Added to 1st Place)
Entry Fee $1000/roper, 4 steer aggregate, progressive after one, 90% Payback, World Series barrier, must be 21, 6.5 heeler cap.
6 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Friday, September 26 - Immediately Following 10.5 WS Super Qualifier
RIATA 9.5 JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
$20,000 Added
Entry Fee $600/roper, On-site entry, 10am Friday. One end must be 16 or younger as of September 25, 2025. Junior must be on a nominated Riata horse.
Saturday, September 27 - 8:00 am
RIATA 9.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
($50,000 Added to 1st Place)
Entry Fee $1000/roper, 4 steer aggregate, progressive after one, 90% Payback, World Series barrier, must be 21, #5.5 Heeler Cap.
7 & UNDER INCENTIVE
$50,000 Guaranteed
Saturday, September 27 - Immediately Following 9.5 Championship
RIATA COWGIRL STEER STOPPING
$10,000 Added
Riata horses only, Entry Fee $500/roper, Enter two times on two different horses, 90% Payback, Must dally, no tie-on, Three-steer aggregate, Capped at #5.5 Header.
Sunday, September 28 - 8:00 am
RIATA 8.5 CHAMPIONSHIP
$200,000 Added
($50,000 Added to 1st Place)
Entry Fee $1000/roper, Enter 3X, 4 steer aggregate, progressive after one, 90% Payback, World Series barrier, must be 21, #4.5 Heeler Cap. Partner need not be proxy, but must ride a registered horse.
