Roping Rules

Entering the Riata Championships

Online entry required at RiataBuckle.com in order to verify horse registration information.
Entries are Open online for $1000/roper on or before September 18^th. Entry fees are $1200/roper online September 19^th thru September 22^nd. (e-check with 1% fee, or CC with 4% fee)
Roper or horse changes made after September 15^th will be subject to $100 change fee.

Payoffs

Contestant Winnings

Unless otherwise designated, payouts and 1099s will be paid and issued directly to the winning contestant regardless of who owns the horse. We are not responsible for private financial arrangements between horse owners, trainers, or lessors. However, if designated with a signed consent by the contestant, up to two payees (individuals or entities) can be paid for any win. The designation may be split in any percentage with both parties providing a signed form, and a W9 form within 48 hours of the win.
Payouts will be mailed to the designated recipient(s) within 5 days after the last day of the event.

Payout Percentages

All Riata Ropings - Added Money
- $200,000 in each major division
- $50,000 Riata age incentive 3 divisions
All Riata Divisions 85% Payback

Payout Distribution

80% paid to ropers. Number of places paid based on WSTR payout scale
10% paid to stallion owner
10% paid to the first person or entity that nominates a Riata eligible progeny
Ropers on winning proxy/helper horses will receive aggregate payment, minus 20%

Roping Rules

Winning Teams - Nominated Riata or proxy/helper horses, may be DNA tested at Riata's discretion.
Horses must have a current registration with a breed association.
WSTR arena roping rules will apply.

Nominated Horses

Ropers, trainers, or agents riding nominated Riata horses must submit registration documentation on or before time of entry.
All Riata horses, and proxy/helper horses must provide a current stock horse registration that shows ownership or current transfer application.
All leases, shared entry fees arrangements or any arrangement with owners are considered private, and any monies won will be paid to the winning ropers only. Payouts will not be split and 1099s will be issued to the winning roper.

Proxy/Helper Horses

If either member of a team is the owner of record of a nominated Riata horse 3-years-old or younger, including weanlings, they will be allowed to ride a proxy/helper rope horse. Only one proxy/helper horse is permitted per nominated Riata horse. Only one rider is permitted per proxy horse. Riders for a proxy/helper horse can be family members. Under no circumstance will a Riata eligible horse be used as a proxy / helper horse.

Proxy/Helper Horse Rules:

NEW- IMPORTANT! All Proxy/Helper horses are required to be entered/enrolled in the National Rope Horse Rewards to enter the Riata Championships.
The proxy/helper horse is required to have a current stock horse registration.
A proxy/helper form must accompany roping entries that include the name and registration number of the young, nominated Riata horse they are substituting. If the nominated Riata horse is "pending" proof of birth with dam/sire information is required along with the proxy/helper horse registration information that is being used in place of the 3-year-old or younger nominated Riata horse. A 3-year-old or younger nominated Riata in pending status used for a proxy in previous years, cannot be used again without a valid registration number.
No proxy horses in the Open Futurity.
Only one proxy is permitted for each 3-year-old or younger nominated Riata horse.
Only one proxy rider is permitted for each proxy/helper horse.
Riders for a proxy/helper horse can be family members.
Ropers on proxy/helper horses will receive their winnings, minus 20% commission.

The Rope Horse Rewards Championships

The Rope Horse Rewards Championships / WSTR Super Qualifier will be held in conjunction with the 2026 Riata Championships. (See the Full Schedule)
There will be four Rope Horse Rewards Championships with all horses placing in the aggregate qualified for the Rope Horse Rewards Finals at the Ariat WSTR Finale.
Nominated Riata Horses may enter the Rope Horse Rewards Championships without being entered or enrolled in NRHR. Eligibility for the Rope Horse Rewards Finals qualification can be on any NRHR horse or Riata nominated horse, however, Riata nominated horses must be entered/enrolled in Rope Horse Rewards prior to the start of each division to be eligible for the NRHR Finals events.
There will be a $20,000 Riata Bonus in each of the four NRHR Championships – highest placing Riata head and heel horse - $6,000/$6,000 – 2nd highest placing Riata Head and heel horse $4,000/$4,000.
The National Rope Horse Rewards qualification events are also WSTR Finale Super Qualifiers.
Any checks earned by a NRHR program horse in National Rope Horse Rewards Championship events qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; WSTR rules apply and contestants must enter the NRHR Vegas Finals and WSTR Finale no later than October 15 for eligibility and to receive the discounted WSTR entry.
Draw-in available in NRHR events, with $40 draw-in fee. Entry limits, age restrictions, and heeler caps may differ by division.
WSTR rules apply to age limits and handicaps except as noted.
NRHR Championships maybe entered online for entry discount if entered on or before September 22. NRHR Championships may also be entered onsite, see the schedule for cut off times each day. Horse and roper change fees apply after the roster is posted. Please refer to additional rules on RiataBuckle.com.

$100,000 Showcase Horse Sale Incentive