ROPING INFORMATION

GBF implements a judged and timed-event format to determine winners, creating a level playing field that measures each individual horse. Our goal is to provide a platform that offers equal opportunities for trainers, competitors, and horses at GBF events.

We welcome your involvement as stallion owners, sponsors, trainers, owners, and spectators. The rope horse industry is thriving, and we’re excited to support the success of those who work tirelessly to keep it strong. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone involved enjoys their experience, regardless of their level of participation. Get ready – the future elite are just getting started!

FOUR EVENTS

THREE ROUNDS

ONE SHORT GO

THE EVENTS

TIE DOWN ROPING.

4 & UNDER FUTURITY**
6 & UNDER MATURITY**
LIMITED TIE DOWN (ANY AGE HORSE)

01 BREAKAWAY ROPING.

4 & UNDER FUTURITY**
6 & UNDER MATURITY**

02 TEAM ROPING – HEELING.

4 & UNDER FUTURITY**
6 & UNDER MATURITY**
LIMITED HEELING (ANY AGE HORSE)
NON PRO CLASS AVAILABLE WITHIN LIMITED HEELING

03 TEAM ROPING – HEADING.

4 & UNDER FUTURITY**
6 & UNDER MATURITY**
LIMITED HEADING (ANY AGE HORSE)
NON PRO CLASS AVAILABLE WITHIN LIMITED HEADING

** INTERMEDIATE INCENTIVE INCLUDED

04 TEAM ROPING – HEADING.

4 & UNDER FUTURITY**
6 & UNDER MATURITY**
LIMITED HEADING (ANY AGE HORSE)

** Intermediate Incentive Included

04

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Event Information

What documentation is required to enter a Gold Buckle Futurities event?

Each entry must include an Entry Form via NextGen Rodeo, the entry fee, a copy of
the Horse Registration Certificate (front and back), and a completed W-9 form. Horses arriving at events must also have a negative Coggins test and health certificate (GBF General Rulebook).

Does my horse need to be sired by an enrolled stallion to compete in Gold Buckle Futurities events?

No, your horse does not need to be sired by an enrolled stallion to compete. While only horses sired by enrolled stallions are eligible for the Elite Stallion Incentive Sidepot, all registered horses meeting age and class requirements are welcome to enter (GBF General Rulebook).

Can a Four-Year-Old enter the Six & Under Class?

Yes, any horse under the age of 6 years old can enter.

Can you only enter the GBF Stallion Incentive Sidepot alone?

No, you must enter the Futurity or Maturity Classes to enter into the GBF Stallion Incentive Sidepot.

Are there age limits for horses in Gold Buckle Futurities events?

Yes, age limits vary by class. Futurity classes are open to horses aged 4 and under, and Maturity classes are open to horses aged 6 and under. Other classes, like the Limited Classes and Non Pro, allow horses of any age to compete (GBF General Rulebook).

Who receives the prize money payouts?

Prize money is paid directly to the rider. Any financial arrangements between the rider and horse owner are the responsibility of those parties (GBF General Rulebook).

Are event schedules subject to change?

Yes, event schedules may be adjusted based on entry numbers, time, or weather conditions (GBF General Rulebook).

Competition Structure

Can I enter multiple horses in a single class?

Yes, but there may be limits based on the event and your earnings within GBF events. For instance, Intermediate Class riders face entry limits as their earnings increase (GBF General Rulebook).

What are the differences between Futurity and Maturity classes?

Futurity classes are open to horses aged 4 and under, while Maturity classes are for horses aged 6 and under. Both classes feature rounds and a short go, with scoring based on time and judging (GBF General Rulebook).

Incentive Programs

What is the Elite Stallion Incentive Sidepot?

Horses sired by enrolled stallions are eligible for the Elite Stallion Incentive Sidepot, offering payouts with 100% payback. Payouts are distributed 50/50 between the competing horse and the stallion’s slot owner (GBF General Rulebook).

How does the Elite Breeders Incentive Sidepot work?

Riders on horses bred by an enrolled breeder may enter the Elite Breeders Incentive Sidepot, with winnings split 50/50 between the horse and the breeder slot owner (GBF General Rulebook).

Awards and Recognition

What is the Super Horse Award?

This award goes to the horse that wins the most money across Futurity or Maturity events within the competition year, requiring participation in events on both sides of the arena (e.g., breakaway and heeling) (GBF General Rulebook).

How are the Leading Sire and Top Breeder awards determined?

The Leading Sire Award goes to the stallion whose offspring earn the most money, and the Top Breeder Award is given to the breeder whose horses perform best during the event (GBF General Rulebook).