Roping Rules

Entering the Riata Championships

  • Online entry required at RiataBuckle.com in order to verify horse registration information.
  • We have extended the discounted entry price to midnight CT 9/20. The late entry fee price has changed from $1200/roper to $1100/roper. Online and Onsite entries for Riata events will close at 8PM CT the day before each event (e-check with 1% fee, or CC with 4% fee)
  • Roper or horse changes made after September 15th will be subject to $100 change fee.

Payoffs

Contestant Winnings Policy

The following applies regardless of who paid the entry fees.

  • Default payment. Unless otherwise designated, payouts and 1099s will be paid and issued directly to the winning contestant regardless of who owns the horse.
  • Private arrangements. We are not responsible for private financial arrangements between horse owners, trainers, or lessors.
  • Split designation. 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.
  • Notice at entry. Notification of a split designation must be made at the time of entry. The signed form from both parties and a W-9 form from each payee may be supplied within 48 hours of the win.
  • No retroactive changes. If notification is not made at the time of entry and the payout has been paid to the contestant, there is no opportunity to retroactively change the payout.
  • Payment timing. Payouts on split payment requested may be mailed to the designated recipient(s) within 5 days after the last day of the event.
  • Winnings Payee Designation & Consent Form

Payout Percentages

  • All Riata Ropings - Added Money
    • $200,000 in each major division
    • $50,000 Riata age incentive 3 divisions
  • All Riata Divisions 80% 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 10%

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

  • 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 unless prior notice is given at entry and accompanied by a Winnings Payee Form.

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 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, unless direct family member.
  • Riders for a proxy/helper horse can be family members.
  • Ropers on proxy/helper horses will receive their winnings, minus 10% 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 five 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 RHR. Eligibility for the Rope Horse Rewards Finals qualification can be on any RHR 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 RHR Finals events.
  • There will be a $20,000 Riata Bonus in each of the four RHR 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 Rope Horse Rewards qualification events are also WSTR Finale Super Qualifiers.
  • Any checks earned by a Rope Horse Rewards program horse in Rope Horse Rewards Championship events qualify for a 2026 Ariat WSTR Finale discount; WSTR rules apply and contestants must enter the Rope Horse Rewards Vegas Finals and WSTR Finale no later than October 15 for eligibility and to receive the discounted WSTR entry.
  • Draw-in available in Rope Horse Rewards 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.
  • Rope Horse Rewards Championships The WSTR Qualifiers will be $500/roper (removing the $60 late fee) - the only time it will be a higher fees is if they draw in - then it’s $40 more. The RHR entries will close by 10:00 am (or so) each morning. 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

  • Will be paid in its entirety to the highest earning Riata Showcase sale graduate at the 2026 Championships.

Entry Deadlines & Draw-Outs and Refunds

  • Online Entries ONLY!
  • Late Entries - Online only, Sep 19th - Sep 22nd $200 late fee per side.
  • Draw-Outs and Refunds - Draw-outs and refunds will be paid directly to the payer of the entry fee.
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