Ranch Horse Events
The NILE hosts a variety of ranch horse events including the NILE Gold Buckle Ranch Horse Futurity, AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge, and the Versatility Ranch Horse Show (AQHA & All Breed).
NOTE: Stalls must be pre-paid this year. They are refundable if cancelled before 10/12/2023. Anyone who is a no-show and doesn’t inform us via email (equine@thenile.org) will not get a refund on their stalls.
2022 Results & Payouts
AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge
The NILE is proud to host the only AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge in Montana where the working ranch is celebrated by showcasing working ranch horses. The AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge highlights the versatility, soundness and willing attitude of American Quarter Horses that are ranch born and raised. The Challenge is open to horses bred by an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder which has been fully enrolled in the program. Anyone may own and show an eligible horse in the challenge, which offers multiple divisions for various ages and skill levels for both horse and rider. Classes include working ranch horse, ranch riding, and barrel racing.
Added money for each challenge Classes offered will include Working Ranch Horse, Limited Working Ranch Horse, and Ranch Riding
The Ranching Heritage Challenge at the NILE is sponsored by AQHA, Galt Ranch, and Weaver Quarter Horses.

Versatility Ranch Horse Show
AQHA & All Breed VRH Show
AQHA & MQHA Approved!
The Versatility Ranch Horse Competition (VRH) showcases and demonstrates the athletic ability and versatility of the working ranch horse in six classes: ranch cutting, ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch reining, ranch cow work, and ranch conformation. There are divisions for open, amateur, cowboy, and youth. AQHA approved and classes for All Breeds!