04/07/2026
Hello Everyone!!!
Please read below for SparX rules and class eligibility!!
Our Okotoks show schedule will be out soon!
XIBITION SPARX SERIES2026 Official Rules & Regulations
SERIES PHILOSOPHY
The Xibition SparX Series exists to provide accessible, development-focused reining
competition that fosters rider confidence, encourages skill progression, and creates a
welcoming community where every participant feels recognized and valued.
The primary mission of the series is rider development, horsemanship education, and
community participation.
Competition standards will follow general principles of the National Reining Horse
Association unless otherwise specified.
1. GOVERNANCE
• The Xibition SparX Series is a non-sanctioned grassroots development circuit.
• The primary purpose of the series is horsemanship development, community
participation, and fair competition.
• Show Management reserves the right to interpret rules to ensure safety, fairness,
and sportsmanship.
• Where this rulebook does not provide guidance, Show Management may
reference NRHA-style standards.
2. ELIGIBILITY
• Open to all breeds.
• Open to riders of all experience levels unless otherwise specified.
• Youth riders are defined as:
o 12 years of age or younger as of January 1, 2026
o 18 years of age or younger as of January 1, 2026
• A SparX membership and signed liability waiver are required.
3. ATTIRE
Exhibitors are required to wear western show attire.
Reining Classes
• Long sleeve western shirt
• Western boots
• Western saddle and legal tack
• Chaps optional
• Approved safety helmets are strongly encouraged for youth riders
SparX Ranch Classes
• Braids or banding permitted
• Protective boots/wraps permitted
• Bring the Bling, fun Western attire encouraged but turnout will not be judged
Ranch classes will receive ribbon awards through third place but will not receive payout
money.
4. TACK AND EQUIPMENT
General equipment standards follow principles of the National Reining Horse
Association.
• Horses 5 years and under may be shown in snaffle bit or hackamore.
• Senior horses must be shown in a legal curb bit.
• Martingales, tie-downs, or training devices are prohibited.
• Protective boots, wraps and braids are permitted.
Show Management may disallow equipment deemed unsafe.
5. JUDGING AND SCORING
• All runs begin with a base score of 70.
• Maneuvers are scored from -1.5 to +1.5.
• Penalties will follow NRHA-style standards.
• Judge decisions are final.
Scores will be posted as soon as reasonably possible after each class.
6. PATTERNS
• Patterns will be selected from standard NRHA pattern lists.
• Patterns will be posted prior to each show.
• Ranch class patterns may be modified for ranch-style presentation while
preserving reining fundamentals.
7. CLASS ELIGIBILITY
Lifetime earnings include reining or reined cow horse competition earnings from any
association.
Riders in classes other than open may not receive remuneration for training or showing
reining/reined cow horses.
It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to enter the correct class.
Show Management reserves the right to review entries.
Horse ownership rules apply to green, rookie and non pro classes.
Rookie classes, Non pro and Open reining classes must be ridden one handed.
Divisions
Short Grass Club – lead line and short-stirrup reining class
• Rider must have an SparX membership for insurance purposes, but classes are
free.
• Horse ownership rules do not apply
• There are no cash payouts for these classes
• Riders must have a parent or guardian present
• Riders must wear a helmet
• Riders cannot cross enter with other classes
Youth 12 & Under
• Rider must be 12 or younger as of January 1, 2026.
• Riders exceeding $100 in earnings are encouraged to upgrade divisions
Youth 18 & Under
• Rider must be 18 or younger as of January 1, 2026.
• Riders exceeding $100 in earnings are encouraged to upgrade divisions.
Green As Grass
• Earnings under $100. Modified changes allowed, two or one handed allowed. Horse ownership rules do not apply
Green
• Earnings under $350. 1 or 2 handed Ownership rules apply
Rookie 1 - 1 handed ownership rules apply
• Earnings under $500.
Rookie 2 - 1 handed ownership rules apply
• Earnings under $2000.
Non-Pro - 1 handed ownership rules apply
• No lifetime earnings cap
Open
• Open to all riders and horses.- 1 handed ownership rules do not apply.
Cross-entry is allowed if class eligibility requirements are met.
8. SCHOOLING RUN AND ENTRY BUNDLE
For $50, exhibitors receive:
• One judged schooling run
• One entry into an eligible afternoon competition class
Schooling runs follow general scoring philosophy of the National Reining Horse
Association system but are not eligible for payouts or awards.
Schooling class participation does not guarantee competitive class placement.
Schooling entries may be limited for scheduling and safety.
9. PAYOUT STRUCTURE
Entry Fee
• $30 per class
Classes With 1–5 Entries. Classes With 6+ Entries
Placement Payout Placement Payout
1st $30 1st $60
2nd $20 2nd $30
3rd $10 3rd $20
Payouts are based on entry numbers. Ties will be broken via coin toss, the loser of the
toss will move down to the next placing.
Reining Alberta has graciously decided that earnings made at SparX shows will not be applied to Reining Alberta Classes held at the classics.
Show Management may combine classes or adjust payouts if required for sustainability.
10. PAYOUT DISTRIBUTION
• Payments will be issued after post-event verification.
• Payouts may be distributed by electronic transfer or mail.
• Exhibitors are responsible for providing accurate payment information.
Processing time is typically 7–14 business days.
11. YEAR-END GRAND PRIZE DRAW
Exhibitors who compete in the series may qualify for a year-end promotional draw.
Attendance entries:
Shows Attended Draw Entries
1 Show 1 Entry
2 Shows 2 Entries
3 Shows 3 Entries
4 Shows 5 Entries
The prize is a complimentary membership in the X-Club for the following year.
12. SPORTSMANSHIP
The series promotes community, encouragement, and horsemanship.
Show Management reserves the right to:
• Refuse entries
• Excuse unsafe horses or riders
• Address unsportsmanlike conduct towards both riders and horses Riders who are discovered to have entered and placed in classes they are over qualified for will not be eligible for year end awards in that class and will be asked to move into the appropriate class.
13. SAFETY AND LIABILITY
• Exhibitors participate at their own risk.
• Signed liability waiver required.
• Show Management may remove any horse considered unsafe.
We strongly encourage an AEF membership for all members.
SERIES MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
The Xibition SparX Series is dedicated to rider development, community participation,
and fair competition.
Show Management retains final authority regarding:
• Eligibility interpretation
• Safety decisions
• Scheduling adjustments
• Class consolidation
• Payout distribution when necessary.
MANAGEMENT DISCLAIMER
Rules may evolve as the series grows. Please bring concerns and suggestions to us we
welcome everyone’s opinion, this show is for you!
The primary mission of the Xibition SparX Series is to support horsemanship
development, encourage rider confidence, and provide accessible competitive
opportunities within a community-focused and safe learning environment.
