The mission of the IRHA is to promote well broke, reliable, and versatile stock horses.  IRHA strives to develop the horsemanship skills of our members and to provide an atmosphere where honesty, personal growth and politeness towards fellow horsemen exists.  An environment where horses are respected and where true western tradition is genuinely honored.

IRHA is open to western stock horse breeds, whether ridden on the ranch, on the trail or in the arena.  It is open to all enthusiasts who want to become better horsemen and horsewomen and have more fun with their horses in a safe and friendly environment with like-minded horse people.

The national club (American Ranch Horse Association) was founded to promote the abilities of the all around versatile working horse through shows, clinics, and sales in a friendly, down-to-earth family atmosphere, while establishing a uniform set of rules, providing qualified ranch horse judges, as well as to promote uniformity and consistency in judging, increase the use of common standards, and to provide a national point system and a World Show for exhibitors to compete for national awards and titles.

For those who wish to test and improve their horsemanship skills and abilities and have fun doing so, the Indiana Ranch Horse Association offers the ideal opportunity. Horses are shown naturally, with no hoof black or banded manes. Working western attire is required and we show our horses in working tack and equipment. 

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS:
• Annual Family membership: $25
• Annual Individual membership: $10
• Youth membership: $5

Please go to our Forms page to download a membership form. There are other forms available there as well.

A copy of IRHA's By Laws are available for viewing and download.

There are three different divisions offered at IRHA shows:

All Age
Any horse registered in ARHA and any member may show in these classes regardless of how old the exhibitor is, and regardless of their skill level. Professionals, beginners and youth alike are welcome to participate in these classes, which makes for an exciting mix of competition. There is no additional ARHA division card required to show in All Age classes.

Amateur
Amateurs are exhibitors who have not trained horses owned by others for remuneration (pay or exchange of goods or services). These exhibitors are considered non-pro and may show in All Age and Amateur division classes. A separate ARHA Amateur card must be purchased to show in Amateur classes.

Youth 
Children that are 18 years of age or younger as of January 1 are considered youth. They may show in both Youth and All Age division classes. Married persons or exhibitors with children do not qualify for youth status, even if they meet the age requirements. A separate ARHA Youth card must be purchased to show in Youth classes.

Open / Jackpot
Open / Jackpot classes are not a recognized division by ARHA for points as they are open to everyone. These classes are designed to allow non-members the opportunity to participate at our shows before deciding to join ARHA. Horses do not need to be registered in ARHA or any breed or color association. Classes are open to all exhibitors.

IRHA, the official state charter of the American Ranch Horse Association, offers a variety of classes for the equine enthusiast and at all levels of competition. From the beginning youth to the accomplished professional, we have something for everyone. For the most detailed list of classes, and how they are judged, visit ARHA's website. 

IRHA shows are run as smoothly and efficiently as possible to ensure entries are added in proper classes and the show stays on schedule. Here are some guidelines and suggestions new members need to become familiar with BEFORE coming to the show.

• Bring your current ARHA membership cards with you to the show. You will not be permitted to show in point classes without providing proof of membership.

• Bring copies of your horse's ARHA registration papers. Your horse will not be permitted to show in point classes without providing proof of registration.

• Keep photocopies of both your membership card and horse's registration papers in a binder. Office staff will make copies. By providing them copies, this saves them time in checking you in and getting you through the entry process.

• If you have not joined ARHA or your horse is not yet registered in ARHA, you may do so at the show, however, you will be charged a $10 rush fee. Joining in advance and registering your horse before the show saves you and office staff time at the entry booth.

• Have current negative Coggins and health papers ready when you sign in at the entry booth, especially if traveling from out of state.

• You can enter your classes well before the show starts. Entries may be emailed to guarantee early entry. This also saves you and office staff time at the entry booth.  Rider and Horse names on the registration forms and membership cards must match the names on the class entry form.

• Become familiar with how ARHA classes are judged and how points are tallied. Read your rulebook ahead of time so you know what to expect.

• Keep track of your points by horse and by division so you are properly credited for your awards at the end of the year, both on IRHA's part and that of ARHA. While the charter and association works hard to keep correct records, mistakes can and DO happen. Any discrepancies in points must be brought to ARHA's attention in a timely fashion to be credited properly.  Spreadsheets are a great way to keep track of your horse's achievements throughout the year. IRHA works hard to ensure your points are kept accurately, HOWEVER, we can only compare our points with what ARHA has and if there is a discrepancy, every effort will be made on our part to get it corrected.
 
Membership and horse registration forms are available on this website under the Forms and Downloads page for your convenience.