Welcome
The Arabian Working Cow Horse Association (AWCHA) is a non-profit 501(c)5 affiliate club of AHA dedicated to the education, promotion and sponsorship of Arabian reined cow horse. More than a club, we are a collection of people from all over North America who love, ride and complete with Arabian cow horses.
The History of the Cow Horse
The tradition of reined cow horse dates back to the California Vaqueros of the 18th and early 19th centuries. These early cowboys needed a sure-footed, gritty, intelligent horse to handle cattle in this new world. A trusted cow horse became a necessity for daily chores like branding, sorting and doctoring. The need for these horses to be able to cut, rein and hold cattle has resulted in the three events of herd work, rein work and cow work. The journey from a snaffle bit to a finished bridle horses is accomplished over time - and it’s a time-honored tradition that fits our incredible Arabians well.
About AWCHA
AWCHA exists to promote the Arabian cow horse and to serve as a hub, a connecting point, for riders, owners, and enthusiasts of the Arabian cow horse from all over North America. We do this by informing of upcoming Arabian and all-breed competitions, rewarding great riders and horses through our high point program, celebrating youth competitors at the Arabian Youth Nationals, and lending our voice with other clubs in advocating for the advancement of the working western Arabian within AHA.
Upcoming Shows & Competitions
Stay in the know about upcoming shows for you and your horse. Have a competition coming up that you'd like promoted? Let us know!