The NRHA/IHSA Western Semi-Finals represent the final step for IHSA Western teams and individuals on their quest to qualify for the National Championship. The IHSA is proud to have the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) as the official sponsor of the Semi-Finals. Western Areas are assigned to a Semi-Final based upon a number of factors, including participation in hosting a Semi-Final, placement in the prior year’s National Championships and travel-distance concerns.

Each Western Area will send their top-two individual riders per division, their Regional High-Point Team and their Regional High-Point Rider to their assigned Semi-Final. At each of the Semi-Finals, the top-four individuals per division and the top-four teams qualify to move on to the National Championship. The Regional High–Point Riders compete in a Zone-qualifying class for the chance to participate in the Back On Track Western High-Point Rider class at the National Championship. The top-five riders from the class will advance to the National Championship.

The 2026 NRHA/IHSA Western Semi-Finals will be held March 20-22.