Horse Show Competitions
Forms
Animal Health Declaration
NWSS Waiver
Payment Form
W9
Maps
Grounds & Parking Maps – see specific divisions below
Trailer Parking Map – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Exhibitor Outside Access Map
Exhibitor Inside Access Map
To increase the safety and security of our animals and exhibitors, we will have additional personnel and restricted access in select areas. Please view both the outside access map and inside access map to understand where checkpoints will be to show your parking pass and exhibitor badge for access.
Feed & Bedding
- January 10-26 | max hours 6 a.m.-9 p.m., cash only accepted between 7 a.m-7 p.m.
- Feed & Bedding can be ordered in-person [recommended to ensure accuracy] or by calling ahead [303-299-5579]. Phone orders should not called in more than 24 hours prior to your arrival or it may be delivered to the occupants in your stalls prior to your arrival. Reminder: outside bedding is not permitted.
Offsite Stalling
Veterinarian
Littleton Equine Medical Center
Farrier
Various providers on grounds during show hours Jan. 10-19, 2026
Health Requirements
- In-State: CVI dated within 30 days of arrival
- Out-Of-State: CVI dated within 30 days of arrival & negative Coggins test dated within 365 days of arrival
- All: Animal Health Declaration completed by responsible party within 24 hours of arrival. Only healthy horses are allowed entry and will be allowed to compete. Any horse with observable clinical signs or a fever will not be permitted to compete until examined by a veterinarian.
- Suggested: Vaccinations for Equine Herpesvirus and Influenza within 6 months of arrival and daily temperature monitoring for each animal.
- See Premium Book for details
Visit our Biosecurity page for tips and information
Official Photographers/Videographer
Watch the Horse Show
Performance Horse Photography – Mentor Matchup, Western Performance Horse Showdown, Ranch Rodeo, Freestyle Reining, AQHA/APHA
Casey McBride Photography – Hunter/Jumper, Wild West Show, Xtreme Dogs, Dancing Horses, Horseman’s Challenge, Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey
Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup
Applications closed October 31.
2025 Patterns – for reference
Ranch Trail
Ranch Riding
Reining
Performance Horse Showdown
Submission closed 10/31.
Selected Riders to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram
Western Disciplines Team Up in Three-Event Challenge
The Performance Horse Showdown returns to the CINCH Arena in the Events Center. Teams made up of three elite athletes – each representing one of the top disciplines in the western performance horse industry: reining, reined cow horse and roping – will compete individually in their respective events, with their combined scores determining the overall team championship. Exceptional riders will be invited to select their best horse to compete for over $17,000 in this double-judged event. Teams of three representing each discipline will be randomly drawn. Each team will earn a payout plus individuals have a chance at the jackpot for the high score in each event. This event is sanctioned by the National Reining Horse Association and the National Reined Cow Horse Association.
This event will join other opening weekend features which celebrate the legacy of the western world and traditions carried on through these disciplines. The Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup, Invitational Ranch Rodeo and Invitational Freestyle Reining will complete the schedule for Saturday and Sunday. Details will be posted on our website and interested riders are encouraged to fill out an Application Form on the website between August 1st-October 31st.
Phases
NRHA Reining
NRCHA Rein Work
NRCHA Fence Work
Steer Stopping – modified steer stopping
Invitational Ranch Rodeo
Selected Teams to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram
2025 Rules – for reference
Invitational Freestyle Reining & Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase
Selected Riders to be announced on NWSS Horse Exhibitors Facebook & Instagram
The Invitational Freestyle Reining remains a standout event at the National Western Stock Show, drawing sold-out crowds year after year with its thrilling display of equestrian sports. The purse of $30,000 makes it the richest freestyle reining competition in the nation.
Reiners from across North America are encouraged to apply for this prestigious, invitation-only event by September 30th. Riders will be selected for the National Reining Horse Association-approved $30,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining based on a range of criteria, ensuring the highest quality, competition, and entertainment that align with the standards of the event and the National Western Stock Show. Each year, top professionals within the reining industry will provide their expertise in the selection process.
For the eighth year, local industry youth will have an opportunity to showcase their talents in freestyle reining and be recognized during a prestigious event at the National Western Stock Show. Select youth will perform prior to the Invitational Freestyle Reining. Applications for the Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase close September 30th.
AQHA & APHA Show
Entry Form – open 11/20-12/20
2025 Patterns – for reference
Ranch Trail Open & Amateur
Ranch Trail Youth
Ranch Riding
USEF Hunter/Jumper Show
Horseman's Challenge
Horseman’s Challenge Draw Entry Form – closes 11/25
2025 Courses – for reference
Individual Course A
Individual Course B
Team Challenge
Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Show
Draft Horse Show Hitch Entry Form – closes 11/20
Draft Horse Working Team Entry Form – closes 11/20
Mule & Donkey Entry Form – closes 11/20
2025 Courses – for reference
Mule Ranch Trail Open & Amateur
Mule & Donkey In-Hand Ranch Fundamentals
Mule Ranch Trail Youth & Donkey Ranch Trail
Mule & Donkey Ranch Pleasure
Mule & Donkey Ranch Riding
Mule & Donkey Ranch Showmanship
Donkey Amateur Ranch Donkeymanship
Donkey Youth Ranch Donkeymanship & Ranch Mulemanship
Mule & Donkey Double Trouble
Draft/Mule Log Skid
Draft/Mule Feed Team
Draft/Mule Obstacle Driving Hitch
Draft/Mule Beer Rush
Horse Show Committees
Advisory Committee
Don Manuello, Chair
Dr. Marvin Beeman
Martin Cockriel
Liza Dennehy
Joey Freund
Kirk Messenger
Nancy Nemmers
Dr. Steve Schwartzenberger
Dr. Terry Swanson
Terri Wagner
Marvin J Witt
Judges Committee
Dr. Marvin Beeman, Chair
Don Manuello
Amy Uniss-Coleman
Executive Committee
Leslie Lange, Chair
Wes Allison
Dr. Marvin Beeman
Gary Carpenter
Liza Dennehy
Craig Huffhines
Don Manuello
Dr. Kelly Tisher
John Weaver
Horse Show Stories
Blog Stories
Horsemanship at the Heart – Honnegger Family
Jumping for the Stars & Overcoming Setbacks – Jeni Lamb Rogers
Mentoring America’s Youth – Shane Brown
Where Are They Now – Amber Nusser
Young Professionals at Stock Show
Lasting Impressions in the Youth Equestrian Showcase
Eyes on the Prize in the Hunter/Jumper Show
Blazing Trails in the Inaugural Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup
Sharing Family Traditions in the Volunteer Program
Bittersweet Memories in the Horseman’s Challenge
What is Mentor Matchup?
Providing Unique Experiences Through Partnership at An Evening of Dancing Horses®
Scholarships Continue Despite Challenging Times
Youth Ranch Horse Mentor Matchup
1-28-22 | The Equine Chronicle
1-28-22 | Quarter Horse News
1-27-22 | The Plaid Horse
Western Performance Horse Showdown
1-14-25 | Kyle Trahern Pulls Two Checks at NWSS Western Performance Horse Showdown
1-19-24 | The Fence Post – Stock Show Showdown
1-8-24 | Quarter Horse News – Inaugural Western Performance Horse Showdown Highlights Team Format in Denver
Invitational Ranch Rodeo
1-31-25 | Nebraska cowboy wins Top Hand, Top Horse at NWSS Ranch Rodeo
1-7-23 | 9NEWS
Invitational Freestyle Reining
1-14-25 | New Reining Breyer Horse Announced at 2025 NWSS Invitational Freestyle Reining
1-26-24 | The Fence Post – Soaring Rein
1-10-24 | Quarter Horse News – $27,500 RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining see touching performances
1-10-24 | Rodeo Daily – Colorado Trainer Wins Back-to-Back RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining at NWSS
10-31-23 | Horse & Rider – Travel to Denver for the NWSS RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining
1-19-23 | The Fence Post – Not just another guy…
March 2022 | The Reiner
1-14-22 | The Equine Chronicle
Draft Horse, Mule & Donkey Show
1-23-23 | National Western Stock Show ends with a message of thanks from organizers
National Western Stock Show
1-31-25 | Andrews reflects on his 15 years at NWSS
1-16-24 | The Fence Post – ‘Crazy but huge’
1-28-22 | The Fence Post – Final Weekend of 2022 NWSS…
1-28-22 | The Fence Post – CEO talks about NWSS 2022
1-23-22 | CBS4 Denver – National Western Stock Show President Sees Success in First Year After Covid
1-19-22 | The Denver Post photos
1-25-22 | Denver Gazette photos
1-8-22 | CBS4 Denver – National Western Traditions Continue
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