Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re brand new to rodeo, a returning member family, or just looking for more information, this page is designed to help answer the most common questions about the Vermont High School Rodeo Association. Here you’ll find clear, straightforward information about membership, events, points, rules, qualifications, and what to expect throughout the season.

We know high school rodeo can come with a learning curve, and things can change from year to year. If you don’t see your question answered here, in the state by laws, in the national rule book or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help support our riders and families.

Equestevent.com information 

Starting For Our Spring Season, ALL Vermont High School Rodeo Association (VTHSRA) entries will be completed ONLY through Equest Event. This applies to ALL VTHSRA rodeos, jackpots, AND all Light Rifle Shooting events AND NHSRF. It can be accessed at https://mms.equestevent.com/

🐎 What is Equest Event?

Equest Event is an online equestrian sports management platform used nationwide by riders, producers, and associations. It allows for:

Online pre-registration & renewal

Secure online payments with immediate receipts

Real-time point tracking & historical records

Contestant profiles & horse profiles 

Digital document storage for horses (Coggins, health papers, etc.)

Easier event-day mornings with less paperwork

Registration NHSRF and NJHSRF Qualifiers

 

❓ Why is VTHSRA making this change?

We know change can be uncomfortable at first, but this move is being made for several important reasons:

✅ More efficient and accurate point tracking in real time at the state level

✅ Online pre-registration to help event mornings run smoother

✅ Alignment with the National Office

Starting this year, NHSRA is officially moving National Finals entries online.

 

The 2026 NJHFR & NHSFR entries will be completed digitally through MMS / EQE rather than paper forms.

➡️ If you qualify for Nationals, your National Finals entry will also be completed through this system.

This is a big change at the national level and for VTHSRA, but it is time and should be a positive step forward.

 

To make this transition smooth, we need everyone’s help:

Set up contestant profiles

🔹 Important clarification:

This does NOT replace the NHSRA MMS system for membership enrollment. This is for event entries only, all report cards, membership paperwork ect will still NEED to be uploaded on your NHSRA MMS portal as it always has been. 

During setup, you will be asked to link your EquestEvent account to your NHSRA MMS portal, This will pull all your NHSRA membership info into EquestEvent 

You will need your NHSRA MMS login and password to complete this step

MMS remains your official NHSRA membership system,  please do not upload membership paperwork or report card in equest event. It is not tracked there

EquestEvent is used for rodeo, jackpot, and Light Rifle event registration, horse related documents and point tracking only

 

🤝 Co-Sanctioned Events

Most of our events are co-sanctioned.

You will always enter your VTHSRA pointed runs through Equest Event.

If the host HS rodeo team also uses Equest Event, you will enter their event and your entry will transfer within the system and your points will carry over automatically.

If the host arena does NOT use Equest Event ( Millbrook), you will still need to:

Enter/register for the VTHSRA draws in Equest Event, AND

If you want to run in their open event as well you MUST Enter separately using whatever method the host arena requires (their system, paper entry, day-of entry, etc.) in order to compete in their open event.

 

We will continue to share event-specific entry instructions ahead of each jackpot, rodeo, or Light Rifle shoot so everyone knows exactly what is required.

🎥 Helpful Resources

There is a step-by-step online signup video available here:

👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_0lKVkzGw-mWVodX5WzYnZyLeIuDnkNK/view?usp=drivesdk

 

How qualification for High School and Junior High School National Finals works:

The top four contestants in each event are eligible to compete at the National Finals. If one or more of those qualifiers choose not to attend in a specific event, the opportunity will be offered to the next eligible contestant—up to the 8th-place finisher.

If you place in the top eight, there is a chance you may be invited to compete, so please be prepared and plan accordingly!

Info about finals can be found on the NHSRA website.

NHSRF and NJHFR Information – National High School Rodeo Association

What are membership requirements

Students must be in good standing; not ruled undesirable for misconduct at school. Students must be under 20 at the first of the National High School Rodeo year, and are or have been enrolled in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade the year just preceding the National Rodeo the contestant is entering as long as they (minimum requirements) have made passing grades in 4 subjects or if carrying less than 4 subjects student must have passing grades in all subjects, even if they have graduated in the middle of the year or have attended school on half-days, they will be eligible to compete in National High School Rodeo through the National High School Finals Rodeo if he/she has not participated for more than four (4) years. Each State/Province Association may adopt their state/province academic policy for grade or credit requirements. Any student attending schools which apply to high school credits is eligible if he/she meets all other requirements. A graduate of High School is not eligible for membership of NHSRA after the completion of the National High School Finals Rodeo immediately following their graduating from High School. Students must include a copy of their current high school grade and age certificate with their application for membership in a State/Provincial organization.

What is required to be a member in good standings

To be considered a member in good standing with the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), a contestant must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Active Membership
    Have a current NHSRA (and state association) membership for the rodeo season.

  • Dues & Fees Paid
    All required membership fees, entry fees, fines, and other financial obligations must be paid in full.

  • Rules Compliance
    Follow all NHSRA rules, including event rules, eligibility requirements, and codes of conduct for contestants and parents.

  • Academic Eligibility
    Meet NHSRA academic standards, including submitting required grade checks and maintaining eligibility as outlined in the rule book.

  • Sportsmanship & Conduct
    Demonstrate good sportsmanship and behavior. Members may lose good-standing status due to disciplinary actions, rule violations, or conduct issues.

  • Paperwork & Deadlines Met
    Complete and submit all required forms (membership applications, waivers, medical forms, grade verification, etc.) by required deadlines.

Being a member in good standing is required to:

  • Earn and retain points

  • Receive year-end awards

  • Qualify for and compete at state and national finals

If a member is unsure of their status, they should contact their state secretary to confirm eligibility and resolve any outstanding issues.

If you have been contacted multiple times about late or missing paperwork you will not be allowed to compete and will not retain points (this includes report cards, national applications, minor waivers and any state paperwork which is required).

 Dress Code

Do contestants have to wear back numbers?
Yes. Contestants are required to wear their assigned back numbers at all times. Numbers must be clearly visible while competing, when on the rodeo grounds, during any rodeo-related functions, and while staying at the host motel.

Do shirts have to be tucked in?
Yes. All contestants must have their shirttails tucked in at the start of their competition.

Is western attire required?
Yes. Western attire, in accordance with the NHSRA dress code, is required for all NHSRA-approved activities. This includes rodeos, safety and instructional clinics, meetings, and any official rodeo functions. Full western attire is required to accept awards (see below for requirements)

What is considered full western attire?
Full western attire includes:

  • A long-sleeve western shirt (button-up or snap-style)

  • Western boots

  • Western hat (felt or straw) or helmet where required for safety

  • Jeans

  • Belt and buckle

Clothing must be neat, clean, and appropriate for competition. Hats or helmets must be worn when competing, unless otherwise noted by event rules or safety requirements.

If contestants are warned about the dress code and continue to violate it they will be disqualified from the event that day.

Where can I find event rules?

You can find event rules in the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) Rule Book as well as in our VTHSRA State Bylaws

What are the annual membership costs?

For High School

$50.00 - National Dues
$15.00 - NHSRA Times subscription
$74.00 - Insurance

$50.00 VT State Dues

For Junior High students:
$45.00 - National Dues
$15.00 - NHSRA Times subscription 
$35.00 - Insurance

$50.00 VT State Dues

 

****Starting in for the 2026-2027 season VTHSRA will have a mandatory requirement for members to bring in a monetary sponsorship ****


**All prices subject to change

What is VTHSRA's Year-End Tiebreaker policy

In the event of a tie in total points for any year-end award (including event champions, reserve champions, 3rd and 4th place, AQHA horse of the year or all-around awards), the following tie-breaker criteria will be applied in order until the tie is resolved:

  1. Highest Number of VTHSRA Events Attended that Season
    The contestant who attended the most VTHSRA sanctioned events that season will receive the higher placing.

  2. Most Event Wins. If the tie remains, the contestant with the greatest number of first-place finishes in that discipline during the season will receive the higher placing.

  3. State Finals / Championship. If still tied the contestant who earned the most points at the State Finals or designated championship event will break the tie.

  4. Co-Champions/Placings. If the tie cannot be broken using the criteria above, the contestants will be declared Co-Champions/co placings. Duplicate awards will be presented when feasible or appropriate given the placing. 

Placings outside of the top 4, will share that placing. For example if there is a tie for 5th there will be no tie breakers. 

How can I join?

To join the NHSRA, you can begin by starting a profile on the NHSRA Membership website

You should also contact the VTHSRA state secretary at vthsra.secretary@gmail.com.

What Grade can Join?

The Junior High Division is 5th - 8th Grade The High School Division is 9th - 12th grade

When are Report Cards/ Proof of Academic Eligibility Required And what is the Requirement?

Must have made passing grades in at least 70% of the classes taken or meet the minimum proficiency requirement of the State/Province in which they are members.

Report cards Must be submitted with enrollment which will open up in July prior to any pointed events and are due again by April 30th.

When does the new season start?

VTHSRA season runs from Aug 1st- July 31st each year moving forward. 

VTHSRA State Finals will be held before May 31st and National Finals for JR High-school is held in June of each year and High school will be held in July of each year.

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