Futurity Rules & Regulations

Futurity Nomination Form

How Does the Futurity Program Work?

Nominating your Futurity horse is simple. During its Futurity year, the owner or representative must submit the horse’s registration papers, pay the nomination fee, and complete the online nomination form. If your horse was nominated before the 2024 rule change, that nomination is grandfathered in. Just notify USMS the season your horse will compete so it can be marked correctly in the system.
You can confirm your nomination status anytime on the USMS Futurity page.
2026 Nomination Fee: $200. All nomination money goes directly toward year‑end awards and added money for the Futurity program.

Equipment & Dress Code

Follow the standard USMS Rulebook for all equipment and dress requirements.

2026 Futurity Overview

For 2026, there is no separate Futurity class. All nominated horses earn Futurity points based on their Main Match performance. Points accumulate throughout the season and determine year‑end awards.

Eligibility

  • Rider must be a current USMS member in good standing.
  • Horses must be 4 or 5 years old.
  • Horses must not have competed in any mounted shooting event for money, prizes, or points before January 1, 2026.
  • Horses may have competed in non‑mounted‑shooting events.
  • Each horse has one year of Futurity eligibility.
  • Horses must be registered and nominated.
  • A horse may only be entered once in the Futurity; multiple riders cannot enter the same horse.

How to Nominate

To nominate a Futurity horse, simply:

  • Upload registration papers
  • Pay the nomination fee
  • Complete the online nomination form

Nomination status can be checked anytime on the USMS Futurity page.

Year‑End Awards & Scoring

Point Tracking

  • Points begin once the horse is officially nominated.
  • Points are tracked per horse‑and‑rider team.
  • Points are earned per stage at each USMS event.
  • Clean stages earn points, plus bonus points for placing above other competitors.

Main Match Requirement

  • Futurity horses must enter the Main Match to earn points.
  • Points come directly from Main Match results.
  • Riders must maintain a current USMS membership.

Awards

  • Point Year: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026
  • The Overall High Point Futurity Champion earns a custom award and a cash payout based on nomination totals and sponsor money.
  • 70% of the nomination pot and sponsorship funds go to the High Point Horse.
  • Reserve Champion receives a custom prize.
  • Additional prizes will be announced throughout the season.

Prize Distribution

  • 15+ nominated horses: Top 3 awarded
  • 20+ nominated horses: Top 5 awarded
Nomination Form Learn more

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