Since 1996, Stock Horse of Texas (SHTX) has committed to offering a competitive arena for riders of all experiences to learn and compete in an environment that is friendly, affordable and designed to fit all levels of riding. To that end, the SHTX Board of Directors voted to create a provisional Non-Pro Boxing Division among the other rule amendments and changes approved in the December 7 board meeting.
Beginning with the 2025 show year, exhibitors who are not Novice eligible but want to step back from the box-drive format of the Limited Non-Pro division can compete in the newly-created Non-Pro Boxing division. This division includes all SHTX classes (pleasure, trail, reining and cow work), with the cow work as a boxing class. The Non-Pro Boxing Division will not be concurrent with another division and has similar eligibility requirements as NRCHA. Complete information on the new division is available at stockhorsetexas.org or this link.
“Looking at survey results and listening to our members, it was clear a Boxing division would fill a void in our membership for those not comfortable in the box-drive class. The creation of this division is great for riders looking to start at the boxing level, those who are not Novice eligible, and riders who want to step back from the box-drive,” said SHTX President William Lewis.
“Our Level 1 Novice and Level 1 Open were also divisions first approved on a provisional basis. Those have become competitive divisions, and we foresee the Boxing division doing so soon. However, with this new division, are looking for additional sponsorship opportunities that will support this division. We hope it allows our SHTX membership to compete in a division that fits their skillset and comfort level while enjoying the camaraderie and competitive spirit of our great organization.”
Additionally, the Board took other member-driven and communicated issues under review, including modifying the Open jackpot and offering optional jackpots in some divisions. Beginning in 2025, the Limited Non-Pro and Junior Horse divisions will have an optional jackpot of $85 paid out in the All-Around results. Exhibitors can “opt in” to the jackpot during the entry process. Also, per member request, the jackpot fee in the Open will increase, which will boost Open All-Around payouts by 66%.
“Spurred on by member feedback and suggestions, with 80% of the Open competitors in favor of higher jackpots and 65% of Limited Non Pro riders in favor of an optional jackpot, the Board was excited to vote on this change,” said Jill Dunkel, SHTX executive director. “Every issue we looked at was brought to our attention or championed by a member. That is the benefit of our association, we listen to each other.”
In addition to the jackpot changes, other updates included amended verbiage on earnings related to eligibility, cutting and cattle fee adjustments, cow work penalties aligning with the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) and adjusting the jackpot cutting schedule. All updates can be found on stockhorsetexas.org. One note for members is that the association’s stance on communication devices while showing remains the same—they are prohibited.
The 2025 Stock Horse of Texas Rule Book will be available online in January 2025, well ahead of the first show, March 6-9, 2025, in Bryan, Texas. The show will also honor the 2024 year-end champions at an awards reception. Complete 2024 results are available at stockhorsetexas.org.
Stock Horse of Texas passed out membership cards for the first time in 1996, and since then, the grassroots grown versatility horse association has remained true to the principle of helping people ride a better horse. The complete 2025 schedule is available stockhorsetexas.org. The show year runs through October and culminates in the Western Horseman Stock Horse of Texas World Championship Show, which will be held in Abilene, Texas. To become a member, visit stockhorsetexas.org.
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