To compete, contestants must register for the Championship Horse Show through their local  chartered or associate association after successful participation in the shows in their association.  Only the top horses from those associations may register to enter the Show. Classes are open to all breeds of horse and pony; for youth and adults; and classes range from halter, to timed events, to English and Western pleasure, to Gaited horse. Presented awards are buckles, plaques, trophies, and saddles.