Rules & Regulations
ASCA Competitions & Classes
Aged Horses Events
5.1 CLASSIC CHALLENGE *
Open to horses that are under five years of age and no restriction for rider.
5.2 LIMITED CLASSIC CHALLENGE
Restricted to riders competing in the Classic Challenge who have never won a Classic Challenge or Limited Classic Challenge at an ASCA Afflicted event. Open to all Classic horses. Optional to holda separate final.
5.3 OPEN CHALLENGE*
Open to all horses and riders.
5.4 LIMITED OPEN CHALLENGE
Restricted to riders competing in the Open Challenge who have never won an Open Challenge or Limited Open at an ASCA-affiliated event. Open to all horses. Optional to hold a separate final.
5.5 DERBY CHALLENGE*
Restricted to horses that are five and six years of age. Classic horses are not eligible.
5.6 UNRESTRICTED STOCKMANS CHALLENGE
Open to all horses and riders. This class will not impact the rider or horse classification except for the Encouragement class.
5.7 UNDER 5 STOCKMANS CHALLENGE
Open to horses that are under five years of age and no restriction for rider. No restrictions for riders. This class will not impact the rider or horse classification except for Encouragement Class.
5.7A UNDER 7 STOCKMANS CHALLENGE
Open to horses that are under 7 years of age and no restriction for rider. No restrictions for riders. This class will not impact the rider or horse classification except for Encouragement Class.
Premiership Events noted by *
Rider Events
5.8 NOVICE CHALLENGE
Restricted to riders who have never won a Classic Challenge or Open Challenge. Competitors are no longer eligible after winning 3 Novice Challenges. Open to all horses.
5.9 ROOKIE CHALLENGE*
Restricted to riders who have never won a Classic, Derby, Novice Challenge or Open Challenge at an ASCA affiliated event. Competitors who win a Rookie Challenge will remain eligible to compete in Rookie events for the remainder of that point score year as per 17.3
a) Rookie competitor who wins, or has won, a Derby, Classic, Novice or Open Challenge is no longer eligible
to compete as a Rookie after the completion of that show
b) Any competitor who wins the Rookie Premiership will no longer be eligible to compete in a Rookie
Challenge.
5.10 INTERMEDIATE STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE
Restricted to riders who have never won a Classic, Open, Intermediate or Unrestricted Challenge.
5.10A FOUNDATION STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE
Restricted to riders who have never won a Rookie, Classic, Derby, Novice, Open, Foundation, Intermediate or Unrestricted Challenge.
5.11 ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE
1. The Encouragement Challenge is considered an adult class. It is restricted to:
a) Riders who have never won any individual Challenge, Campdraft, Cutting, or Cow Horse event involving cattle work, regardless of affiliation.
b) Horses that have never won any individual Challenge, Campdraft, Cutting, or Cow Horse event involving cattle work, regardless of affiliation.
c) Juveniles in any discipline are eligible to enter this class, regardless of any wins in Juvenile, Junior, or similar youth events in ASCA or other associations.
d) Riders or horses that have won a Team Penning, Ranch Riding, or Rodeo-style event are still eligible to compete in this class.
e) Riders or Horses that have won an award within an event or groups of events are still eligible to compete in this class. Examples of these awards would be Hi Point, Highest score ASH, AQHA or breed society, accumulative points series awards that are awards within a single or group of events.
2. Juveniles will not be eligible to ride in this class:
a) If they have won an adult rider or horse aged event that involves cattle work regardless of affiliation or discipline of that event. An example would be that a juvenile that has won an adult challenge, campdraft, cutting, or cow horse would not be able to enter, either as a juvenile or as they progress to the adult classes.
b) A Juvenile rider may only compete on a horse that meets the definition in (1. b) above.
3. One encouragement win, and the horse and rider are no longer eligible.
5.12 JUVENILE CHALLENGE*
Open to riders 13-16 years of age. Competitors that turn 17 years of age are no longer eligible.
5.13 YOUTH STOCKMANS CHALLENGE
Open under any age nominated by the Committee. Committee’s may only use this class for riders under 17 years of age. No restrictions for horses.
Premiership Events noted by *
All ASCA Affiliated Shows Run Under the ASCA official Rules & Regulations.
Wet Work Judging Manual (Large Arena).
Some consider the Wet Work is a defining component of the Australian Stockmans Challenge, contributing to the sport’s uniqueness and excitement. Wet work challenges pay homage to the essential skills required by stockmen and women when handling cattle in the rugged Australian bush. These challenges are not merely competitions; they are a tribute to Australia’s rich pastoral heritage and the remarkable partnership between horse and rider. The Wet Work rules and judging are also important parts of “keep riding” culture within the sport. You can download this guide by clicking the three dots on the right of the below document and then by selecting the option “Download PDF File”.
Dry Work Judging Manual.
Dry Work is a foundational element of the Australian Stockman’s Challenge, showcasing the precision, athleticism, and responsiveness of both horse and rider through a defined pattern of manoeuvres. This phase is critical in demonstrating control, balance, and training under pressure, setting the tone for the cattle work that follows. The 2025 Dry Work Judges Manual provides clear guidelines for assessing performance consistently and fairly across all levels of competition. It ensures judges, competitors, and committees share a common understanding of scoring, penalties, and expectations—upholding the integrity and quality of the sport. You can download this guide by clicking the three dots on the right of the below document and then by selecting the option “Download PDF File”.