RULES | Breeders Challenge

2023 GENERAL RULES & CONDITIONS

1. Forward advancement in the alleyway begins at the initiation of the run. Horses may not circle, back up, or fail to continue forward advancement while in the alleyway. The only exception will be if the gate attendant or other outside unexpected entity impedes forward advancement prior to the run commencing. In this instance, the forward advancement ruling will be dismissed.

2. Rider may not school on a horse during a run. If a rider circles a barrel more than once, they will be disqualified and fined $200.00. If the rider breaks pattern, a no time will be enforced.

3. Members are expected to always conduct themselves in a courteous manner at all times. The Breeders Challenge reserves the right to refuse service or draw-out any rider for inappropriate conduct, conflicts with management, or any other disputes that cannot be settled prior to an event.

4. There will be zero tolerance for animal abuse of any kind. Excessive whipping, force, use of shock devices, or blood drawn will result in disqualification and banning of the rider from the active event and future events. This includes any and all activity while at a Breeders Challenge sanctioned event or the Finale.

5. A re-run will be granted if the timer fails to clock the run. The rider will be given the opportunity to an immediate re-run at the end of the next drag, or a re-run at the end of the race following a drag. The re-run will be a considered a clean slate run and all applicable race rules will be applied. If a rider knocks a barrel over during their run and they keep all three barrels standing during the re-run, the knocked over barrel will not apply to the re-run.

6. If a rider knocks a barrel over, a +5 seconds will automatically be applied for each barrel knocked over. Hit barrels will not be considered a “NT” no time, all times will count so long as the pattern is not broken.

7. Negative, slanderous, or inappropriate content on social media outlets, public forums, or any other form of outreach will not be tolerated. Specific or non specific use of The Breeders Challenge are to be included. Members in violation will be removed from the program temporarily or permanently per the discrepancy of The Breeders Challenge with no associated refund. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in regards to The Breeders Challenge. Should deemed inappropriate conduct commence following a private written statement made by The Breeders Challenge to the member in question, further legal action may take place at the discretion of The Breeders Challenge. As Riders do not receive any monetary compensation for competition with The Breeders Challenge, should such conduct ensue, the penalized parties will be the Owner of the horse.

8. Each run will be clocked individually toward a single payout or average payout depending upon the entered race. Runs may be rolled from one division to another, entry must be received and paid prior to run in order to be eligible for any rollovers.

9. Riders must be checked in the drag before they run. A 3-2-1 call will occur at the discretion of the announcer to draw out a team. If a rider is drawn out, they will receive a no time and forfeit inclusion in the average.

10. Dress Code: Long Sleeve Shirt, Full Length Pants, Western Boots, Helmet, or Western Hat.

11. A current coggins and health certificate must accompany each horse entered for a race. Members agree to comply with the general requests, rules, and health requirements of the venue.

12. By payment of entry into the Breeders Challenge Finale or a qualification event, riders grant permission to the rights of their image, likeness and sound of their voices as recorded on audio or video tape without payment or any other notice or consideration. These images may be edited, copied, exhibited, published or distributed and ropers waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein their likenesses appears. Additionally, riders waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of an image or recording. Material may be used for diverse promotional and educational purposes within an unrestricted geographical area.

13. In order for a horse to receive any form of payout at the Qualifier Level, Semi Finals Level, or Finale Level they must past the eye entering the arena and pass the eye leaving the arena. Failure to do so will forfeit any form of awards presentation and monetary payout to Owner, Stallion Owner, and Nominator.

14. Qualifier advancements of horses due to a scratch will be carried out thru 5:00pm cst the day preceeding the initiation of exhibitions at the finale.

15. Finalist advancements of horses due to a scratch following the draw party will be carried out thru 1 hour preceeding the start time of race. The draw position will be automatically assigned to the horse moving into the scratched horses position.

16. Vitrified Embryos sired by an enrolled stallion the year of vitrification will be honored for foal enrollment into the program for up to 2 years beyond the stallions removal from the program.

Written statements specifying details of the embryo will be required:

a. Stallion Owner
- Onsite Insemination Date OR Shipment Date/s including Dams Registered Name and Registration Number
b. Laboratory Performing Vitrification And Thaw
- Date of Embryo Vitrification OR Date of I.C.S.I. Injection by stallion
- Date of Embryo Thaw and Transfer

Unconditional Release

1. MEMBERS ATTEST THAT THEY HAVE READ AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO THE RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT UPON ENTRY and further agrees that no oral representations, statements or inducements apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made. The Breeders Challenge has the right to refuse entry to anyone for any reason it deems necessary, including but not limited to classification issues. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Breeders Challenge Office at 940-204-9911.

2. Each participant is fully aware, completely understands, and accepts that participation in a Breeders Challenge Event, whether as a contestant, independent contractor, employee, volunteer, exhibitor, sponsor or spectator, is dangerous and that the events and activities associated with, relating to, arising out of, and concerning this participation present substantial, serious, and real risks of personal injury or death to the participant, and the loss of, damage to, or destruction of the participant’s personal property including livestock.

3. In Consideration of being permitted to participate in the Breeders Challenge and its individual events or add-on events, the participant for himself/herself and all persons under his/her management and control including minor children, does acknowledge the dangers inherent in horse related events, and in the use of the facilities, fully and completely accepts and assumes these substantial, serious, and real risks whether or not apparent, known, unknown, foreseen, unforeseen, present, or contingent, and whether or not caused by any negligence of the Released Parties, or the negligence of any contestant, volunteer or spectator including but not limited to, any negligence associated with the design or designing, staging, supervising, maintaining or in any way presenting, conducting or sponsoring the Event, further does agree to use extraordinary care and prudence in his/her activities and those of charges, and does:

HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE the organizers or any subdivision thereof, sponsors, chairmen, agents, officials, and does;
HEREBY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS Breeders Challenge, LLC, its sponsors, its agents, its venue owners and representatives, servants, employees, and other representatives from any claim, demand, or liability for personal injuries or property damage arising from participation or use and enjoyment of the event and facilities. Parents of riders younger than 18 who participate acknowledge the full and unconditional release for participation for their child.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS: Participant(s) grant permission to the Breeders Challenge and affiliated entities to use photographs, videos, recordings and/or words said by participants in its promotional and advertising materials without notification or compensation.
ASSURANCES. The participant fully understands and agrees that this Release is to be interpreted and applied in the broadest and most comprehensive manner in favor of the RELEASED PARTIES. The participant agrees that he/she has full power authority, capacity and right without limitation to sign, deliver and perform this Release. This release shall be and is binding upon the participants and his/her spouse, legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns. The undersigned agrees that the laws of the State of Texas govern this Participation Release. The participant also agrees that upon entry to any event, he or she has read and understands said agreement whether the signature has been returned or not.

FUTURITY CONDITIONS

The Breeders Challenge will host 6 Qualifier Races advancing 120 teams to the end of year Breeders Challenge Semi Finals, and 30 advancing teams to the Breeders Challenge Finale.

Qualifier Races

1. The payout will be 1D / 2D average paying 10 holes deep in each D. The 2D will be a full second split. The aggregate will pay 70% of the 85% payout with 60% paying to the 1D and 40% paying to the 2D.

a. Go Round 1 – the fastest 10 teams will advance to The Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. Go Round will pay 5 holes deep at 15% of the 85% payout.
b. Go Round 2 – the fastest 10 teams will advance to The Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. Go Round will pay 5 holes deep at 15% of the 85% payout.

2. Should a team qualify in each Go Round, their slowest advancing time will be dropped and the next fastest team will qualify for The Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. Should a team have qualified at a previous qualifier, they will be ineligible to secure a qualification spot on the same horse at a later qualifier.

3. Offspring that are 4 or 5 years of age may compete. A copy of the offspring registration papers including the backside must be on file with The Breeders Challenge prior to race entry. All AQHA and APHA offspring must be registered to compete. In the event enrolled offspring outside of AQHA and APHA is not registered, proof of parentage verification thru UC Davis will be required. They will be mouthed prior to race entry and approval or denial of entry will be at the discretion of The Breeders Challenge with no refund should the horse show to be older than the disclosed age.

4. Offspring must be enrolled in The Breeders Challenge to qualify for race entry.

5. Offspring may not have competed for any financial compensation prior to their announced futurity season beginning November 15th of the preceding year. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

6. Offspring substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

7. Offspring substitutions are not permitted for the final race. The qualified offspring will be the only approved horses to compete.

8. Rider substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

9. Rider substitutions are permitted for the final race, the qualified horse may not be substituted. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in on race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

10. Offspring Futurity runs may be rolled over into the Open 4D qualifier so long as the entry is paid prior to the offspring running. Should offspring be paid into both the Futurity and Open 4D, they will run in the Futurity.

11. Late entries will be allowed per the discretion of the hosting Producer’s rulings. Late entries will be last in the draw and incur a late fee penalty of $100.00 due prior to race start.

12. Check In will be per the discretion of the hosting Producer. All rulings in place by Producer will be adhered to by Breeders Challenge contestants. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

13. A Qualifier Entry Slot may be sold up to 14 business days preceding the race should a discrepancy arise with the entered offspring or rider. The completed and signed form for Slot Sales must be emailed or mailed to The Breeders Challenge. The applicable rules and guidelines apply to the purchaser of the slot. The Breeders Challenge is not responsible for the transaction between buyer and seller, no refund or discount will be provided to either party.

14. Entry Scratches are allowed for entry fee rollover toward a future event with a signed veterinary statement 48 hours in advance of race start. A $100.00 penalty will be assessed to each scratch.

15. All entries are final. No discount or refund of any kind will be provided.

AMATEUR DERBY CONDITIONS

The Breeders Challenge will host 6 Qualifier Races advancing 60 teams to the end of year Breeders Challenge Finale.

Qualifier Races

1. Rider must provide The Breeders Challenge with their Association Amateur Card with entry to race. Rider understands and agrees to the terms associated herein qualifying and holding an amateur card. Should a rider be found to be in non-compliance with the terms of their amateur status, they will be disqualified. Rider will have 14 business days from receipt of disqualification to return 100% of prize moneys, prizes, and awards to The Breeders Challenge for redistribution to eligible members.

2. Rider may not receive any monetary compensation for riding or training horses to the outside public for a period of 3 years.

3. Riders must be 18 years of age or older. Riders under 18 years of age are ineligible for the Amateur Derby. As AQHA Amateur Status is for 19 years of age and older, 18 year olds will be eligible to compete so long as they sign the Amateur Status waiver agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions therein.

4. Rider must own the offspring they enter. Proof of LLC, Inc., Ranch Name, or Familial Relation must be provided if the riders name is not designated on the registration papers. The payout will be a two go round aggregate paying 10 holes deep straight pay. The aggregate will pay 70% of the 85% payout.

Go Round 1 – the fastest 5 teams will advance to The Breeders Challenge Finale. Go Round will pay 5 holes deep at 15% of the 85% payout.
Go Round 2 – the fastest 5 teams will advance to The Breeders Challenge Finale. Go Round will pay 5 holes deep at 15% of the 85% payout.

Should a team qualify in each Go Round, their slowest advancing time will be dropped and the next fastest team will qualify for The Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. Should a team have qualified at a previous qualifier, they will be ineligible to secure a qualification spot on the same horse at a later qualifier.

5. Offspring that are 5 - 8 years of age may compete. A copy of the offspring registration papers including the backside must be on file with The Breeders Challenge prior to race entry. All AQHA and APHA offspring must be registered to compete. In the event enrolled offspring outside of AQHA and APHA is not registered, proof of parentage verification thru UC Davis will be required. They will be mouthed prior to race entry and approval or denial of entry will be at the discretion of The Breeders Challenge with no refund should the horse show to be older than disclosed age.

6. Offspring must be enrolled in The Breeders Challenge to qualify for race entry.

7. Offspring may not have competed for any financial compensation prior to their announced futurity season. Failure to comply will result

in disqualification.

8. Offspring substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

9. Offspring substitutions are not permitted for the final race. The qualified offspring and rider combination will be the only approved teams to compete.

10. Rider substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

11. Rider substitutions are not permitted for the final race. The qualified offspring and rider combination will be the only approved teams to compete.

12. Offspring Derby runs may be rolled over into the Open 4D qualifier so long as the entry is paid prior to the offspring running. Should offspring be paid into both the Derby and Open 4D, they will run in the Derby.

Late entries will be allowed per the discretion of the hosting Producer’s rulings. Late entries will be last in the draw and incur a late fee penalty of $100.00 due prior to race start.
Check In will be per the discretion of the hosting Producer. All rulings in place by Producer will be adhered to by Breeders Challenge contestants. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

14. Entry Scratches are allowed for entry fee rollover toward a future event with a signed veterinary statement 48 hours in advance of race start. A $100.00 penalty will be assessed to each scratch.

15. All entries are final. No discount or refund of any kind will be provided.

16. Amateur status complaints must be filed in writing and proof of foul play must be documented. Any disciplinary action or ruling by Breeders Challenge will be considered final.

DERBY CONDITIONS

The Breeders Challenge will host 6 Qualifier Races advancing 120 teams to the end of year Breeders Challenge Semi Finals, and 30 advancing teams to the Breeders Challenge Finale.

Qualifier Races

a. Go Round 1 – the fastest 10 teams will advance to The Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. Go Round will pay 5 holes deep at 15% of the 85% payout.
b. Go Round 2 – the fastest 10 teams will advance to The Breeders Challenge Semi Finals. Go Round will pay 5 holes deep at 15% of the 85% payout.

3. Offspring that are 5 - 8 years of age may compete. A copy of the offspring registration papers including the backside must be on file with The Breeders Challenge prior to race entry. All AQHA and APHA offspring must be registered to compete. In the event enrolled offspring outside of AQHA and APHA is not registered, proof of parentage verification thru UC Davis will be required. They will be mouthed prior to race entry and approval or denial of entry will be at the discretion of The Breeders Challenge with no refund should the horse show to be older than disclosed age.

4. Offspring must be enrolled in The Breeders Challenge to qualify for race entry.

5. There is no specification of Offspring competing in the Juvenile or Futurity. All Offspring between the ages of 5-8 may enter and compete in the Derby.

6. Offspring 5 years of age will be eligible to run thru their 8 year old year.

7. Offspring substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry

should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

8. Offspring substitutions are not permitted for the final race. The qualified offspring will be the only approved horses to compete.

9. Rider substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

10. Rider substitutions are permitted for the final race, the qualified horse may not be substituted. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in on race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

13. Late entries will be allowed per the discretion of the hosting Producer’s rulings. Late entries will be last in the draw and incur a late fee penalty of $100.00 due prior to race start.

14. Check In will be per the discretion of the hosting Producer. All rulings in place by Producer will be adhered to by Breeders Challenge contestants. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

15. A Qualifier Entry Slot may be sold up to 14 business days preceding the race should a discrepancy arise with the entered offspring or rider. The completed and signed form for Slot Sales must be emailed or mailed to The Breeders Challenge. The applicable rules and guidelines apply to the purchaser of the slot. The Breeders Challenge is not responsible for the transaction between buyer and seller, no refund or discount will be provided to either party.

16. Entry Scratches are allowed for entry fee rollover toward a future event with a signed veterinary statement 48 hours in advance of race start. A $100.00 penalty will be assessed to each scratch.

17. All entries are final. No discount or refund of any kind will be provided.

OPEN 4D RACE CONDITIONS

The Breeders Challenge will host 6 Qualifier Races advancing 240 teams to the end of year Breeders Challenge Finale.

1. The payout will pay 10 holes deep in each D. Each D will be a .5 second split.

a. Open Race 1 – the fastest 5 teams from each D will advance to The Breeders Challenge Finale.

b. Open Race 2 – the fastest 5 teams from each D will advance to The Breeders Challenge Finale.

2. Should a team qualify in each Open Race, their slowest advancing time will be dropped and the next fastest team will qualify for The Champions Challenge Semi Finals. Should a team have qualified at a previous qualifier, they will be ineligible to secure a qualification spot on the same horse at a later qualifier.

3. Offspring of all ages may compete. A copy of the offspring registration papers including the backside must be on file with The Breeders Challenge prior to race entry. All AQHA and APHA offspring must be registered to compete. In the event enrolled offspring outside of AQHA and APHA is not registered, proof of parentage verification per UC Davis will be required.

4. Offspring must be enrolled in The Breeders Challenge to qualify for race entry.

5. Offspring substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

6. Offspring substitutions are not permitted for the final race. The qualified offspring and rider combination will be the only approved teams to compete.

7. Rider substitutions are permitted for the qualifier races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

8. Rider substitutions are permitted for the final race, the qualified horse may not be substituted. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in on race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.

9. Offspring Futurity/Derby runs may be rolled over into the Open 4D qualifier so long as the entry is paid prior to the offspring running. Should offspring be paid into both the Futurity OR Derby and Open 4D, they will run in the Futurity OR Derby.

10. Late entries will be allowed per the discretion of the hosting Producer’s rulings. Late entries will be last in the draw and incur a late fee penalty of $25.00 due prior to race start.

11. Check In will be per the discretion of the hosting Producer. All rulings in place by Producer will be adhered to by Breeders Challenge contestants. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

12. A Qualifier Entry Slot may be sold up to 14 business days preceding the race should a discrepancy arise with the entered offspring or rider. The completed and signed form for Slot Sales must be emailed or mailed to The Breeders Challenge. The applicable rules and guidelines apply to the purchaser of the slot. The Breeders Challenge is not responsible for the transaction between buyer and seller, no refund or discount will be provided to either party.

13. A Youth Side Pot will be held at a single 4D race at each qualifier. The entry fee will be $150.00 and the payout will be 85% of total purse Sweepstakes Style 5 holes. The entry will be a side pot to the Open 4D. The Breeders Challenge will host 6 Qualifier Races advancing 30 teams to the end of year Breeders Challenge Finale. Contestants must be 17 or younger January 1 to be approved to compete. The fastest 5 teams from each qualifier will advance to the Breeders Challenge Finale. Should a team have qualified at a previous qualifier, they will be ineligible to secure a qualification spot on the same horse at a later qualifier.

14. A Senior Side Pot will be held at a single 4D race at each qualifier. The entry fee will be $150.00 and the payout will be 85% of total purse Sweepstakes Style 5 holes. The entry will be a side pot to the Open 4D. The Breeders Challenge will host 6 Qualifier Races advancing 30 teams to the end of year Breeders Challenge Finale. Contestants must be 50 or older January 1 to be approved to compete. The fastest 5 teams from each qualifier will advance to the Breeders Challenge Finale. Should a team have qualified at a previous qualifier, they will be ineligible to secure a qualification spot on the same horse at a later qualifier.

15. Entry Scratches are allowed for entry fee rollover toward a future event with a signed veterinary statement 48 hours in advance of race start. A $100.00 penalty will be assessed to each scratch.

16. All entries are final. No discount or refund of any kind will be provided.

OPEN CHALLENGE CONDITIONS

The Breeders Challenge will host an East and West Coast Challenge Race paying out $10,000.00 added money in addition to the 85% payback based on number of entries.

The entry fee will be $100.00. Contestants must enter the producers Open Race from the designated race date to enter the Challenge race.
The payout will be based on number of entries to pay no less than 5 holes per D and maximum 10 holes per D.
The 4D will be designated into .5 second splits.
Futurity, Derby, Amateur Derby, Youth, Senior, and Slot Race contestants may roll their times from the same day to the Challenge race so long as the entry is paid prior to their run.
Offspring must be enrolled in The Breeders Challenge to qualify for race entry.
The Challenge Races will not be a qualifier, they are added money events to be held at selected events.
Offspring of all ages may compete. A copy of the offspring registration papers including the backside must be on file with The Breeders Challenge prior to race entry. All AQHA and APHA offspring must be registered to compete. In the event enrolled offspring outside of AQHA and APHA is not registered, proof of parentage verification per UC Davis will be required.
Offspring substitutions are permitted for the Challenge races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.
Rider substitutions are permitted for the Challenge races. They must be declared in writing prior to office check-in of race entry should they differ from the original entry designation. A $100.00 substitution fee will be incurred.
Late entries will be allowed per the discretion of the hosting Producer’s rulings. Late entries will be last in the draw and incur a late fee penalty of $25.00 due prior to race start.
Check In will be per the discretion of the hosting Producer. All rulings in place by Producer will be adhered to by Breeders Challenge contestants. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Entry Scratches are allowed for entry fee rollover toward a future event with a signed veterinary statement 48 hours in advance of race start. A $100.00 penalty will be assessed to each scratch.
All entries are final. No discount or refund of any kind will be provided.

QUALIFIER & FINALE RULINGS

1. All awards are to be picked up by contestants at the qualifiers and finale. Should awards fail to be picked up, The Breeders Challenge is not responsible for left behind awards. Contestants will be responsible for the shipping expenses incurred if awards are requested to be shipped in advance of packing. Contestants may schedule to pickup awards from the Breeders Challenge office, a weeks notification is required.

2. The Finale Draw Party is mandatory for riders. Should a rider fail to attend, they will be disqualified and the next team in line will advance to the top 30 competing. Considerations will be made by Breeders Challenge should an emergency situation occur unexpectedly affecting the rider.

3. The Breeders Challenge will issue checks to Owners, Nominators, and Stallion Owners within 1 week following the conclusion of the Qualifier or Finale. A W9 must be on file prior to check issuance.