The CINCH NRCHA Stallion Stakes is set to return to the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, running from April 3-13, 2025. This fan favorite event boasts a historic payout over $1,000,000 and promises all the action that cow horse fans have come to know and love from an NRCHA event.
Stallion Stakes Need-To-Know
What is the Stallion Stakes?
This prestigious NRCHA event showcases incredible 4- and 5-year-old horses sired by NRCHA Subscribed Stallions. Contestants will compete for substantial purses across various divisions. Among the field of talented horses are top NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity horses from the previous year, as well as horses who might not have been prepared for the Futurity but are now ready to leave their mark in the show pen.
Spectators can expect a display of horsemanship and talent in multiple classes, including boxing, rein work, herd work, and cow work.
- Herd Work – Showcasing precision and control as riders work to separate a cow from the herd.
- Reined Work – Demonstrating finesse while riding a pattern of spins, circles, and sliding stops.
- Steer Stopping – Riders put their roping and dallying skills to the test as they break from the box to catch and stop a steer.
- Cow Work – A crowd favorite, where riders circle a cow and then take it down the fence at breakneck speeds.
- Boxing – Boxing is all about controlling a cow, and doing it with correct fundamentals. This event gives non pro’s the chance to get in the arena with a cow before going down the fence.
Schedule
The event kicks off at 8am, April 3 in the main arena, with the Stallion Stakes rein work. The action continues through the week until April 13, with the Stallion Stakes $600K Showdown taking center stage Saturday in the main arena at 5:00pm, April 12.
To find the full schedule of events, click here.
What Are Subscribed Stallions?
The NRCHA has launched the NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive, which replaces the Subscribed Stallion Program. The 2025 Stallion Stakes is the first event featuring payouts from this program. Offspring of these stallions are eligible to compete at the 2025 Stallion Stakes in the Legacy Division. This division was created for this inaugural year, similar to the Novice Horse.
To compete in the 2025 NRCHA Stallion Stakes limited age events, contestant horses must be sired by an NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive Subscribed Stallion for 2024 or a Legacy Subscribed Stallion that was subscribed the year the horse was foaled.
Find the Derby draws here. And keep an eye out for notable riders such as Draw 37, your 2025 World’s Greatest Horseman champion, Erin Taormino.
Where to Watch
Spectators can attend the event at the South Point Casino and Hotel, or watch the free livestream on the NRCHA website. Find the livestream here.
Find the Stallion Stakes archives and relive the action from years past, over on Ride TV.
When is the NRCHA Stallion Stakes?
The event runs from April 3-13, 2025, taking place at the iconic South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2024 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion
Veronica Swales, riding Spanish Nights, a 2019 mare owned by Bar One Land & Cattle, took home the 2024 Stallion Stakes Open Title. The pair were crowned Open Derby Champion with a composite score of 659.5. Swales and “Naomi” are no stranger to the winners circle. The pair claimed the 2024 Open Hackamore Reserve Champions at the Mars Hackamore Classic.
Tammy Hays, riding Metallic Lightning, claimed the 2024 Stallion Stakes Non Pro Derby championship with a composite score of 649.
Stay up-to-date with results from the 2025 Stallion Stakes here.
Payouts at the Stallion Stakes
With a historic $1 million in payouts for limited-aged event classes, this action-packed event brings a rich purse and plenty of excitement as some of the best in the industry try to ride to the pay window. Total added money for the CINCH NRCHA Stallion Stakes Derby is $450,000. $58,500 is added to the CINCH NRCHA Stallion Stakes Horse Show, and $600,000 up for grabs in the Showdown on April 12 at 5:00pm.
