Horse Shows at Stock Show
Performance Horse Showdown
Reining, roping and reined cow horse will join forces on opening day of the National Western Stock Show in a newly created feature called the Performance Horse Showdown.
Event Date: January 10, 2026 | 2 p.m.
Invitational Ranch Rodeo
Ranch rodeos consist of teams of cowboys or cowgirls from different ranches competing against each other in events that mimic their everyday work on the ranch. Ranch rodeos differ from the more common “Pro Rodeo” in several ways.
Event Date: January 10, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Invitational Freestyle Reining
The top reiners in the nation participate in this event, making the $30,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining unique to any horse show in the world. Even if this is your first horse show, you’re sure to love reining’s elegance and athleticism.
Event Date: January 11, 2026 | 3 p.m.
Monarch Casino Gambler's Choice
A show jumping competition with a rock-and-roll atmosphere, the Monarch Casino Gambler’s Choice Jumper Stake features high-level jumpers and a uniquely designed course to produce a high-energy performance.
Event Date: January 16, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
NWSS Grand Prix
presented by: 
This prestigious event draws the top horses and riders from across North America. With more than $40,000 in prize money, this makes for an exciting event. Pronounced “gron pree”, the term translates from the French as “big prize”. Grand Prix jumping requires absolute cooperation and teamwork between horse and rider. It takes a special animal and a special person to compete at this level of competition.
Event Date: January 19, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Shows
An Evening of Dancing Horses
presented by: 
An Evening of Dancing Horses® is known for bringing together the best equestrian talent from around the world. Enjoy an evening full of formal dressage, reining, liberty, and other talents performed to live music provided by Spinphony Electric String Quartet.
Non-Ticketed Horse Events
Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup
Debuting in 2019, this event was created to provide an opportunity for local equestrian youth to learn and compete during the National Western Stock Show through hands-on educational activities with their equine partner and top equine professionals. Mentor Matchup will match selected youth with industry professionals who will act as their ‘coach’ for the day. They will receive one-on-one practice time followed by a competition.
The event is open to youth ages 14-21 from Colorado or Wyoming and selections are based on horse and rider connection and potential, desire to be involved in the equine industry, professionalism, and humane and respectful treatment of all animals and individuals. The Grand Champion will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship and the Reserve Grand Champion a $1,000 scholarship from the National Western Scholarship Trust. Interested riders can apply until October 31st.
Quarter Horse & Paint Horse Show
Hunter/Jumper Show
Horseman's Challenge
The National Western Horseman’s Challenge provides a challenging, educational, and entertaining opportunity for local and national equestrians to be involved in the NWSS within a growing and evolving discipline. Equine and rider teams will face obstacles and maneuvers testing their horsemanship and confidence in each other.
The invitational Collegiate Challenge continues, adding three new schools to the Horseman’s Challenge event. Created to engage local college equestrian programs and offer additional scholarship opportunities, sixteen representatives from eight Colorado and Wyoming higher education programs will vie for the Collegiate Challenge Champion and Reserve Champion awards of $2,000 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively, from the National Western Scholarship Trust.
Obstacles and maneuvers will vary to accommodate all levels of riders and equines. The National Western Horseman’s Challenge is open to all ages of equine and rider and breed of horse, pony, mule, or donkey.
Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Show
Charreria
To celebrate our heritage and continue to showcase diverse equine talent and tradition, a Charreria will debut at the 2026 National Western Stock Show. This historic and culturally rich sport—officially recognized as Mexico’s national sport—adds a unique and meaningful dimension to our equestrian programming. Charrería dates back to the 16th century, when horses were introduced to Mexico by the Spanish and became essential to working life on large haciendas. Over time, these ranching skills evolved into competitive events known as charreadas, which celebrate the precision, bravery, and horsemanship of charros—Mexican horsemen.
Event Date: Jan 25 | 2:30 pm
