Quick Division Overviews:

For exact Rules please click this link: Extreme Cowboy Association -- EXCA
YOUNG GUNS
AGES: 7 - 11 years old
* Allowed to ride "UP" into the Youth Division.
* May ride a Maximum of TWO horses.
Course: 
* 8 Obstacles rated 1 & 2.
* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
YOUTH DIVISION
AGES: 12 - 17 years old
* May ride up to Non-Pro & Open Division (with parent approval)
* May ride a Maximum of THREE horses.
Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 4.
* Overall Horsemanship
​* Time Points
NOVICE DIVISION
AGES: 18 & OVER
* May ride up into higher divisions except the Pro division.
* Not required to jump or go over anything higher then 12in.
* May ride in the Open Division.
Course:
* 10 Obstacles rated 1 - 3
* Overall Horsemanship
​* Time Points​
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
AGES: 18 & OVER
* Allowed to ride up into higher divisions except Pro Division.
* Not required to jump any obstacle higher then 18in.
* May ride in the Open Division.
Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 4.
​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
NON- PRO DIVISION
AGES: 12 & OVER
​* 12 - 17 years of age must have parental permission.
* May not ride in the Pro Division
* May ride in the Open Division.
​Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 5
​​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
PRO DIVISION​
AGES: 12 & OVER
​* 12 - 17 years of age must have parental permission.
* An individual is considered a professional rider if he/she is age 18 or over and receives direct or indirect compensation for riding or training horses, ponies or mules astride.
* May ride an unlimited number of horses.
* May compete in Futurity.
* May ride in the Open Division.
​Course:
* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 6
​​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
RIDE SMART DIVISION
AGES: 55 & OVER
* Members registered as Non-Pro and Ride Smart may not ride down to the Novice or Intermediate Division. 
* May ride in the Open Division.
Course:
​* 13 Obstacles rated 1 - 5.
​* Overall Horsemanship
* Time Points
GREEN HORSE DIVISON
AGES:​ 12 & OVER
* Horses of any age.
* NO Green Horse Division at World Finals.
(Green Horse May enter Futurity Division at world finals)
* CAN NOT enter any other divisions.
* Scores do NOT get sent into EXCA for recording.
* May NOT ride in the Open Division.
Course:
* 10 Obstacles- rated 1 - 6
* Overall Horsemanship
​* Time Points
OPEN DIVISION: (NEW)
AGES: 12 & OVER
*  For Youth, Novice, Intermediate, Non-Pro, Ride Smart and Pro riders.
* MUST HAVE 3 OR MORE RIDERS FOR JACKJPOT PAYOUT! ​
SHOW DAY SCORING:
* Each obstacle will be scored 1 - 10, with 5.5 being considered an average score.
* The 3 components they look for:
                  - The Approach       +1 or -1 point
                  - The Obstacle          0 - 8 points
                  - The Departure      +1 or -1 point
* Each rider starts with 0 points adding or subtracting quarter point increments or deductions.
* Emphasis on riding with a loose rein. They will be scoring what happens when the reins are picked up to make a transition or start the maneuver.
* You want Straight, Balanced, Smooth, & Soft.
* A judge can award up to 3 points making the maximum score an 8 per obstacle.
* A Judge can deduct points down to a 0.
* A perfect ride and score will equal 10 (extremely rare)
​* NO showboating!
                *Riders are not allowed to add any components to an obstacle that are not required without prior approval from the judges.  Should additional components be added, it will be classified as “showboating” and points will be deducted from the obstacle score.  If riders have a creative idea they should consult with the judge prior to the event.  Originality and flair are encouraged when it does not take excessive time.  
Penalties - .25
  • Wrong Lead
  • Gaping Mouth
  • Cross Firing
  • Excessive spurring
  • Hanging or Balancing on your reins.
  • Going too fast in unstable conditions.
  • Being heavy handed.
  • Excessive speed into an obstacle.
  • Not keeping a hind leg planted in a turn around.
  • Not crossing in the front end in a turn around.
Awards + .25
  • Starting & maintaining the correct lead.
  • Riding in a loose rein
  • Keeping inside leg planted in a turn around
  • Crossing over without hopping on a turn around
  • Sliding stop without pulling on horse's face.
  • Good speed control with lots of rate
  • Backing straight while horse is broke at the pull
  • Staying collected & correct.
FALLING OR GETTING BUCKED OFF:
Should a rider be bucked off or fall off, he/she may continue to compete provided he/she can catch their horse unassisted and remount within one minute.  Should the horse leave the parameter of the course, the rider is disqualified from that round of competition.
SAFTY:
  •  All riders are expected to make certain their horse is in condition to compete in the Extreme Cowboy Challenge.
  • A rider may be disqualified if they are unable to cross the start line within 30 seconds.
  • A rider may not be tied or attached to their saddle in any manner.
  • Parent(s) or their designate may be on the course when a Young Gun is competing.  The purpose of the parent or designate is for safety, not coaching the rider through the obstacles.  Due to safety, fairness and insurance standards, it will now be illegal for anyone to follow a rider on horseback for the purpose of coaching, promoting, encouraging, or assisting that rider in any division.
  • A rider may not use any device that allows communication to or from another individual while competing.
  • Should a Young Gun, Youth or Ride Smart rider be required to dismount, he/she may use a mounting block or hay bale to remount.  Getting a “leg up” is not allowed.
  • The rider or the parent(s) / legal guardian in the case of riders under the age of 18 assumes all responsibility for participation in an Extreme Cowboy Challenge event.

OHIO EXCA HIGH POINT BUCKLE SERIES INFORMATION

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE ELIGABLE FOR HIGH POINT BUCKLES?
- O.H.I.O. EXCA- ACTIVE 2025 MEMBERSHIP
- NATIONAL EXCA - ACTIVE 2025 MEMBERSHIP
- EXCLUDING GREEN HORSE DIVISION (NOT A NATIONAL DIVISION)
HOW IS THE HIGH POINT DETERMINED?
- RIDER WITH THE HIGHEST OVERALL SCORE
EXAMPLE:
RIDER: JOE TOE AND PONY
JUNE RACE: 67.5% = 67.5 POINTS
JULY RACE: NO SHOW= 0 POINTS
CHAMP. RACE: 62.2% X2 = 124.4 POINTS
FINAL SCORE: 191.9 POINTS

OTHER RULES & REGULATIONS:

TACK:

DRESS CODE:
* Must be traditional Western or Australian (unless stated differently).
* Mechanical hackamores, tie downs, martingales, cavessons, drop        nose bands and any form of gag bit or slip bit is NOT ALLOWED.
* A Bosalito will be considered a cavesson except in a traditional two
​       rein set up. Will NOT be used with a get down rope.
* It is acceptable to ride bareback or bridle less.​
* Traditional Westen attire or Australian stock attire.
* Dress Jeans or Colored Jeans are acceptable. 
* Must wear long sleeve button up shirts.
* NO logos with the exception of Makers Mark.
* Shirts must be tucked in.
* Must wear riding boots with a heel.
* Must wear a Western style hat, or riding helmet. NO caps
* Chaps & spurs are optional. 

HORSES:

* May be of ANY breed.
* NO age or gender restrictions.
* Must pass a post - race exam by a licensed veterinarian.
* Every horse shall be treated with dignity & respect.
* Any action that is deemed to be cruel, abusive or inhumane will result in a DQ & will be reported to EXCA Board.
* The EXCA Judge has the obligation and authority to dismiss any horse that shows signs of lameness:
                                    - Consistent Limping at a trot
                                    - Obvious nodding, hitching, or shortened stride.
                                    - Minimal weight bearing while moving or standing.
COPYRIGHT 2023 OWNED & MANAGED BY: