Quarter Horse Races
North Dakota's premier quarter horse racing events — from open futurities to ND Bred stakes, there's a race for every horse and horseman.
Racing in North Dakota
NDQHRA sanctions and promotes quarter horse racing across North Dakota, offering a variety of race programs designed to showcase the speed and athleticism of the American Quarter Horse.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or entering your first stakes race, our programs provide fair competition, strong purses, and a welcoming community of horsemen.
Race Programs
Northern Plains Futurity
The marquee event of the NDQHRA season, the Northern Plains Futurity is open to two-year-old quarter horses nominated through the official futurity program. Horses compete in trials with the top qualifiers advancing to the championship final.
Two-year-old American Quarter Horses nominated by the published deadline. Horses must be registered with AQHA.
- Championship final with added money
- Trials format — top qualifiers advance
- AQHA-registered horses only
- Two-year-olds only
ND Certified Bred Races
Exclusive to horses bred in North Dakota, the ND Certified Bred Races celebrate the quality of locally-raised quarter horses. These races offer competitive purses and are a point of pride for North Dakota breeders and owners.
Horses must be certified as North Dakota-bred through the NDQHRA ND Bred program. Open to all ages as specified per race conditions.
- Exclusive to ND-bred horses
- Supports local breeders
- Multiple age divisions
- Certification required
Stallion Auction Race
A unique and exciting format where horses are auctioned to the highest bidder before the race. Buyers share in the purse based on their horse's finish, making this one of the most thrilling and community-driven events on the NDQHRA calendar.
Open to eligible quarter horses as specified in the race conditions. Horses are selected and auctioned prior to the race. No prior nomination required.
- Horses auctioned before the race
- Buyers share in purse winnings
- No advance nomination needed
- Open to all eligible horses
Open Quarter Horse Races
NDQHRA sanctions open quarter horse races throughout the season at member tracks. These races are open to all eligible AQHA-registered quarter horses and provide competitive racing opportunities across multiple distances.
Open to all AQHA-registered quarter horses meeting the conditions of each individual race. Horses must be in good standing with AQHA.
- Multiple distances available
- Open to all AQHA horses
- Sanctioned at member tracks
- Competitive purse structure
General Eligibility & Registration
All horses competing in NDQHRA-sanctioned races must be registered with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and in good standing. Owners and trainers must comply with all applicable AQHA and NDQHRA rules.
For specific race conditions, nomination deadlines, and entry requirements, contact the NDQHRA office or visit the individual race pages. Early nomination is strongly encouraged for futurity and stakes events.
Ready to Compete?
Have questions about race eligibility, nominations, or the upcoming race schedule? Our team is here to help you get started.