4D structure — 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D run as separate championship classes
Rifle & Shotgun Format
2D structure — 1D and 2D run as separate championship classes
Horse Rule
Riders must compete on the same horse used to qualify for that D. No exceptions.
D Placement
Rider/horse teams are placed in the D where they earned the majority or highest total points.
Multiple Horses
Riders must declare one Championship horse per D; additional qualified horses may run for stage payouts and End‑of‑Year points only.
Points
All Finals points count toward End‑of‑Year standings.
Purpose & Core Format
The USMS National Finals brings together the top riders from across the country for a fair, structured, and competitive championship event. This guide explains how the Finals work, how riders are placed into D classes, which horses are eligible, and how payouts and points are awarded.
Main Match Format
The Finals use the official USMS 4D format.
Riders compete only in the D class they qualified for during the season: 1D, 2D, 3D, or 4D.
Each D class runs independently — you compete only against riders in your same division.
The championship format is simple: your best horse vs. my best horse, within your D.
Eligibility & D Placement
Minimum Requirements
Be a USMS member in good standing
Attend at least two USMS‑sanctioned shoots during the qualifying year
Earn points during the qualifying year (no‑point riders will be reviewed individually)
D Placement Rules
Riders must compete in the D class where they earned the majority of their points.
If points are split across multiple Ds, placement is based on the highest total points earned with that horse.
Riders cannot move between D classes at the Finals.
D placement may shift up to the final qualifying period; USMS will manage assignments until the day of the event.
Example
A rider earns: 1,500 points in 2D on horse Ernie 1,200 points in 3D on Ernie Placement: 2D Highest total points determine the D.
Horse Qualification Rules
No exceptions: Riders must compete on the same horse used to qualify for that D class.
If multiple horses qualify in the same D, the rider must declare one Championship horse.
Additional qualified horses may run for stage payouts and End‑of‑Year points, but not the Championship.
Championship horses must run before any secondary horses.
If a rider/horse combination qualifies in multiple Ds, they may compete in each D they qualified for.
Main Match Competition Structure
Each D class (1D–4D) is a standalone championship.
Riders compete only against others in their D.
Classes are scored and ranked independently.
Championship horses are tracked separately.
Times and penalties follow standard USMS rules.
All Finals points count toward End‑of‑Year standings.
No gender splits — USMS does not recognize gender divisions.
Payout Format
Each D class uses a 4D payout structure, creating four independent payout systems:
1D Finals
1D–4D payout
2D Finals
1D–4D payout
3D Finals
1D–4D payout
4D Finals
1D–4D payout
Rifle & Shotgun Divisions
Format
Rifle and Shotgun run in a 2D format: 1D and 2D.
Riders compete only within the D they qualified for.
Qualification & Placement
Placement is based on season performance, points, or average times.
If results are split, placement goes to the D with the highest total points.
Riders must compete on the same horse used to qualify.
Multiple qualified horses require a declared Championship horse.
Scoring & Payouts
Each D class is scored and ranked independently.
Each D class pays out independently.
Multiple payout spots may be awarded if rider ratios meet USMS payout rules.
Buckaroos
Qualification
Buckaroos qualify if they earned any USMS points during the season.
Structure
Buckaroos do not compete in 1D–4D classes.
They are not subject to D‑placement rules.
Junior and Senior Buckaroos compete in separate divisions.
All Finals points count toward End‑of‑Year standings.
Registration helps USMS manage headcount and verify interest.
D placement will be finalized by the USMS office up to the day of the Finals.
Day‑of Event Flow
Check‑in & vet inspection — bring qualification proof and horse papers
Warm‑ups — follow posted schedule by D class
Division runs — each D runs separately
Go order — 4D → 3D → 2D → 1D
Stage payout runs — secondary qualified horses run here
Results posted after each stage
Key Benefits
Similar Skill Levels — Riders compete only within their qualified D
Even Playing Field — One Championship horse per D
Fair Championship Format — Each class scored independently
More Payout Opportunity — Four separate 4D payout structures
Stronger Rifle/Shotgun Payouts — Independent D payouts
Season‑Long Representation — D placement reflects full‑year performance
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Once assigned, riders may not move between D classes.
No. Riders must use the horse they qualified on for that specific D. If multiple horses qualified in the same D, the rider must declare one Championship horse; other qualified horses may compete for stage payouts and End‑of‑Year points only.
That rider and both horse combinations may compete in each specific D class in which they qualified.
Yes. Points earned at the National Finals apply to End‑of‑Year standings.
No. Gender split is not recognized in USMS and will not be part of the National Finals.
Yes, if the ratio is met. Payouts follow the rider ratio for each D under the USMS format.
Yes, for 2026. USMS has secured the facility and location for this season. For 2027 and future years, USMS intends to rotate the National Finals to multiple locations across the country.
Yes. Each division (1D–4D) will have the same amount of money added. Payouts in each class division will vary based on the number of riders who are entered.
Mounted shooting has always carried a sense of tradition — the grit of the Old West, the athleticism of the horse, and the unmistakable look of a competitor ready to ride. The USMS dress code exists to honor that heritage while keeping riders safe and presenting a polished, professional image at every event. Here’s a…
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