Dear Applicant for Australia's Greatest Horsewoman Challenge,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in taking part in Australia's Greatest Horsewoman, proudly presented by The Australian Cowgirl Co..
Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman – 2026 Overview
Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman is the exclusive main event of our five-day spectacular, set to take place from March 25th to 29th, 2026. This prestigious competition celebrates the versatility, resilience, and horsemanship of female riders from across Australia and beyond.
To be eligible for the Open Division, participants must be 18 years of age or older as of 1st January in the competition year.
The event will run across four full days of competition, with the following schedule:
Competition Dates:
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Thursday 26th March: Preliminary Round 1 – Reining
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Friday 27th March: Preliminary Round 2 – Cutting
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Saturday 28th March: Preliminary Round 3 – Obstacle Challenge
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Sunday 29th March: Top 10 Clean Slate Final – Working Cow Horse & Ladies Fencework Finale Also featuring the Horsewoman’s Touch Colt Start Final
Each competitor in the Open Division will ride the same horse across all four disciplines. Scores from the three preliminary rounds will determine the Top 10, who will compete in a clean slate final on Sunday to determine the 2026 Champion.
Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman – Junior Division
In 2026, we are proud to once again offer the Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman Junior Class, designed for talented youth riders.
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Open to girls aged 12 years and over (age determined as of 1st January 2026)
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Competitors will compete in all four disciplines: Reining, Cutting, Obstacles, and Working Cow Horse
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Scores from each discipline are combined to determine the overall Junior Champion
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No clean slate final – the overall winner is based on cumulative scoring across all rounds
This division is designed to encourage the next generation of horsewomen by providing a platform that showcases their developing versatility and horsemanship in a supportive, competitive environment.
Additional Events at the 2026 Showcase:
In addition to the main competition, Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman will also feature a range of showcase events, including:
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The Cowgirl Up Challenge Junior & Senior Classes
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Ladies Open Reining
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Ladies Open Cutting
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Ladies Fencework Finale (AGHW Open Competitors who do not make the top 10)
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Horsewoman’s Touch Colt Start Trainers Challenge
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Ladies Freestyle Liberty
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Clinics, Demonstrations, and Special Presentations
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Trade stalls & Exhibition.
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New In 2026 Australian Western Makers Show
This event is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of the Australian horsewoman, her strength, her connection with the horse, and the community that supports her. Whether you're a seasoned Open rider or a rising star in the Junior Class, we invite you to be part of this unforgettable experience.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to compete, we welcome your application. Places are limited, and public entries open soon.
AGHW Rookie Class – 2026 Structure & Eligibility
In 2026, we are proud to once again offer the AGHW Rookie Class — an opportunity for developing horsewomen to step into the arena and compete across multiple disciplines in a supportive, entry-level format.
Class Format
The Rookie Class follows the same structure as Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman, consisting of four disciplines:
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Reining
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Cutting
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Obstacles
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Fencework
Scores from each discipline are combined to form a cumulative total, with no clean slate final.
Eligibility Criteria
The Rookie Class is open to riders who meet all of the following conditions:
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Have not previously entered the Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman Open Class.
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Have lifetime competition earnings of $500 or less in any equestrian discipline.
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Competitors are Required to be over 18yrs (as at 1st January in the competition year)
Update for Returning Rookie Competitors (Effective 2026)
To maintain fairness and uphold the Rookie Class as a true entry-level division:
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Riders who have previously competed in the Rookie Class and placed in the Top 5 are no longer eligible to enter the Rookie Class and must advance to the Open Class in 2026.
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Riders who placed 6th or lower in a past Rookie Class may still be eligible to enter in 2026, provided they continue to meet the $500 lifetime earnings limit.
Awards
The Rookie Class will award:
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Champion Buckles
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Ribbons
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Prizes
Note: No prize money is awarded in the Rookie Class.
General Rules
All Rookie Class competitors are bound by the regulations and event protocols outlined in the official Australian Cowgirl Co. Guidelines & Rule Book.
Please see below our online application form.
This premier event is one to challenge yourself and your horse, being requried to train in the 4 diciplines in the lead up to the big event.
We will also be holding a waitlist, if for some reason one of the chosen competitors cannot participate, we will call on the next person on our waitlist. You will be advised if you are on our waitlist.
The Prize pool is currently$25,000 in Cash and Prizes and growing. 1st Place Winner receives A Trophy Saddle, Buckle and Cash (TBA) .There will also be ribbons & buckles for all Go Round Winners, and a perpetual Trophy for the Winner of Australia's Greatest Horsewoman.
Applications Close 15th December 2025
As a selected competitor your entry fee will be $1500.00 Senior and $700 Junior, $700 Rookie (junior riders cannot enter Rookie) you will receive the following from us at The Australian Cowgirl.
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Individual promotion before and at the event (Bio and Image of you and your horse Provided by you)
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Bio of yourself and your horse in the Event Program
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Competitor Dinner - Saturday Evening.
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The Australian Cowgirl Competitor Pack which includes
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Exclusive Australia's Greatest Horsewoman Competitor T'Shirt
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Australia's Greatest Horsewoman Competitor Cap
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Event Program
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The Australian Cowgirl Tote Bag
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Take Home Vinyl Back Number exclusive to the Australia's Greatest Horsewoman
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Top Ten Finalist Take home vinyl back number.
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One Competitor Access Pass
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One Support Person 4 day Pass
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Banner Advertising around Venue(provided by you)
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Ladies Fence work Finale entry for those who do not make the top 10.
Should you wish to participate in Australia's Greatest Horsewoman please fill out the attached application
as soon as possible, once accepted you will receive your entry form and more information.
We look forward to receiving your application
Kindest Regards
The Australian Cowgirl Team
The Australian Cowgirl Co.
0411 322 230