What To Expect

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UHCA Events are unique in that each race is held in a different location in Missouri or Kansas. The events are held mostly outdoors, usually in a pasture or other open area, or sometimes in an indoor or outdoor arena. The terrain varies by location, as do the obstacles you’ll be required to negotiate. Events are typically held at private residences, fairgrounds, parks, stables, or ranches.

 

Race registration usually opens at 8:00 am with a course walk-through (riders on foot) starting around 9:00 am. The walk-through is led by a UHCA board member and the judge(s). All riders on a specific course travel on foot and can ask questions or clarify the expectations of each obstacle. An electronic draw determines race order. Obstacle difficulty varies by division.

 

Divisions are run in the following order:

• Young Guns, 1st-Year Young Guns, Novice, Colt, Intermediate, Non-Pro, Youth, 1st-Year Youth, RideSmart, Open, Ultimate Open.

• We also have a Schooling/Lead-Line/In-Hand Division designed to allow riders and/or horses to gain experience in a non-competitive environment. This division may be completed in hand or as a lead line if desired. Sideline coaching is permitted, but the coach cannot enter the course. A parent or guardian may accompany a minor child on the course. A parent or guardian must accompany riders under 5. Riders are judged and timed, and score sheets are provided at the end of the event. However, there are no rankings, placings, or awards for riders in this division and no points are recorded or tracked for year-end awards.

 

The first riders on the course begin shortly after the walk-through; arriving early to warm up your horse is advisable. Depending on the number of riders in a division, the race usually ends around 4:00 or 5:00 pm, with an awards presentation at the conclusion. At most events, concessions are available for purchase, and the judges usually take a brief break for lunch mid-day. Events are held rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe.

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Each horse and rider team is judged on time, horsemanship, and obstacle negotiation. The UHCA Handbook is a great resource for learning the specific rules for each division. You’ll also find Judging Guidelines that will shed some light on how obstacles are scored. 

 

Event hosts are required to provide restroom facilities as well as water for horses. Some hosts allow camping the night before or after the race. Check the specific event details to confirm if camping is allowed and hookups are available. Additional fees may apply for camping. For some races, additional activities, such as cowboy church, dinners, or trail rides, may be available before or after the race. 

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Still not sure UHCA is for you? You do not have to be a member to compete in a race, so you can try it out before joining.

 

Our Schooling division is the perfect opportunity to try it out in a non-competitive situation. You are also welcome to watch a race with or without your horse.  You may want to bring a lawn chair, as seating is often unavailable. 

 

If you bring your horse, some hosts will allow riders to practice on the obstacles after all races for the day are complete on a course. This can be a great opportunity to see how your horse will react to an unfamiliar situation. Please note that this is at the discretion of each host. 

 

We guarantee you’ll meet many friendly, helpful folks who encourage and cheer on their fellow competitors. UHCA is the definition of friendly competition, and it’s a welcoming and family-friendly community of talented horsemen. If you have additional questions, please contact us or connect with us on Facebook.