NAPHA Members,
This is a submitted rule change to add a riata and hobbles to the western tack. See proposed change in bold font below. If you have any questions, concerns or opinions send an email to [email protected] by August 8, 2025.
Thank you for your time!
Western (page 11 of Rules & Regulations)
Current Rule
1) Western Tack- Headgear & Saddle: Western Type saddle with horn. Any Western style headstall without noseband in conjunction with any standard Western style bit as long as the shank is not over 6″is allowed. A Peruvian bit may be used with an approved Peruvian chain on the Western headstall. The standard headstall must not have a noseband but must have a jowl band. Curb strap or flat 1/2″ in width chain to be used. Any device of wire, metal or rawhide with, or as part of, a leather curb strap is prohibited. Split reins or closed reins with romal are acceptable. Roping reins are prohibited except in special classes such as team penning and speed events. Tack to include lariat or riata attached to the fork of the saddle on the offside. If closed reins are used, hobbles must be carried and attached below the cantle on the near side of the saddle. Optional appointments include spurs, breast collar, rain slicks, tapaderos. Prohibited appointments are running or standing martingales, tiedowns, choke, ropes, draw reins, and bozal or cavesson type nosebands.
Proposed Change
Western Tack – Headgear & Saddle: Western Type saddle with horn. Any Western style headstall in conjunction with any standard Western style bit as long as the shank is not over 6″is allowed. A Peruvian bit may be used with an approved Peruvian chain on the Western headstall. Curb strap or flat 1/2″ in width chain to be used. Any device of wire, metal or rawhide with, or as part of, a leather curb strap is prohibited. Split reins or closed reins with romal are acceptable. Optional appointments include spurs, riata, hobbles, breast collar, rain slicks, tapaderos. Prohibited appointments are running or standing martingales, tiedowns, choke, ropes, draw reins.
The point is to simplify our western rules to make it easier for more members to participate in alternate tack. As long as the tack used is consistent with the discipline it represents (eg. heavy split reins with cutting saddle, barrel racing pad with barrel saddle), it should be allowed. I do not have a signed petition, but several members have been discussing this rule change request with me all year.
