The stage is set in Abilene. From November 12–16, the $735,000 Added Gold Buckle Futurities World Finals will bring the best of the season to the Taylor County Expo Center. After paying out over $1 million at the $535,000 Added Spring Showdown, the series now heads into its biggest week of the year, where top horses and riders converge for high-stakes runs and serious reward.
$735,000 ADDED, but where?
$10,000 added to each Open Class in all events
$30,000 added Elite Stallions Side Pot in Open Divisions
$12,500 added Elite Breeders Side Pot in Open Divisions
$7,500 added to each Intermediate Class (structured within the Open Classes)
$20,000 added Elite Stallions Side Pot in Intermediate Divisions
$5,000 added to each Limited Class
$15,000 added Elite Stallions Side Pot in Limited Divisions
$2,500 added to each Non Pro Division in the Heading and Heeling (structured within the Limited Classes)
With $10,000 added to each Open class across Tie Down, Breakaway, Heading, and Heeling events, competitors will have significant opportunities to earn coveted titles and impressive earnings. The Intermediate divisions, which are structured within the Open classes, boast an additional $7,500 in added money per event.
When is the entry deadline?
Entry deadline through November 2nd via NextGen Rodeo
Mail In Entry Deadline: Postmarked by November 1
Late Entries accepted November 3 – 9 with $100 late fee per horse
What time does it start each day?
10:00 AM Start Time on Day 1 – Show Office will open at 7:00 AM Daily
8:00 AM Start Time Days 2-5 – Show Office will open at 7:00 AM Daily
What is the Elite Stallions Incentive?
Your horses DO NOT have to be sired by an Enrolled Elite Stallion to compete at the Spring Showdown. However, horses sired by stallions enrolled in the Elite Stallion Incentive Program have the exclusive opportunity to compete for additional sidepot money in each class.
To check the eligibility of your horse, visit the Elite Stallions page on our website, and either scroll to find your horse’s sire or use the search button. The foal crops eligible for the incentive will be listed on each stallion’s card. No separate foal nomination is necessary.
This will be split 50/50 between the competing horse’s rider and the enrolled stallion’s slot owner. Added money will depend on which classes you enter.
What is the Elite Breeders Incentive?
All foals bred by an enrolled Elite Breeder are automatically eligible for the payouts. These horses also DO NOT have to be sired by a GBF Elite Stallion.
Horses from breeding programs enrolled in the Elite Breeders Program are eligible for additional sidepots as well. You are not required to nominate your horse, eligibility will be determined by AQHA papers pulled at the time of entry.
There is no fee to enter the Elite Breeders Incentive side pot. There will be a 50/50 split of the added money between the competing horse’s owner and the enrolled breeder.
What are the Year-End Awards?
Top Rider
Presented by Stephenville Trailers
Leading Sire
Presented by Equistat
Top Breeder
Presented by Valley Equine
Super Horse Award
Presented by OE Nutraceuticals
What horses are eligible to compete at the Spring Showdown?
Horses sired by ANY stallion are eligible to compete, as long as they are within the age restrictions for each class. Horses sired by an enrolled Elite Stallion are eligible for the Stallion Incentive Sidepots.
Futurity Class: Any horses 3-4 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
Maturity Class: Any horse 3-6 years of age as of January 1 of the current year
Limited: No age restriction
Non Pro: No age restriction
What is the event schedule?
View the complete event schedule by clicking here!
What are the differences between Open, Intermediate, Limited and Non Pro Classes at GBF?
Intermediate Classes
- Intermediate Breakaway (Within Open Breakaway Class)
- Intermediate Tie Down (Within Open Tie Down Class)
- Intermediate Heading (Within Open Heading Class)
- Intermediate Heeling (Within Open Heeling Class)
Limited Classes
- Limited Breakaway
- Limited Tie Down
- Limited Heading
- Limited Heeling
Non Pro Classes (Team Roping Only)
- Non Pro Heading (Within Limited Heading Class)
- Non Pro Heeling (Within Limited Heeling Class)
Rider eligibility classification is determined in all events will be determined by your 2024 earnings by event, pulled through Equistat Reports, from ARHFA, GBF, Royal Crown, Texas Best and Platinum Medal Futurities.
To check your 2024 earnings, click here.
Earnings are not the only determining factor in eligibility for these classes. You must also meet the qualifications outlined here.
How can you watch the 2025 GBF Spring Showdown?
The 2025 Gold Buckle Futurities World Finals will be live streamed on X-Factor Roping and available on The Cowboy Channel+ App!
Contact the GBF Team
Tie Down & Breakaway Shane Hanchey (337) 764-3506
Heading and Heeling Kaleb Driggers (254) 977-3263, Cole Davison (210) 861-9020
Media Credentials Chad Laxton (417) 772-6023
Stallions Incentive Jeremy Barwick (254) 485-2542
Sponsorships Cole Davison (210) 861-9020
NextGen Entry Support Office (903) 287-7852
Stall Reservations openstalls.com
