Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about nominating, eligibility, and incentive payouts — from the Founding Years through the permanent program beginning in 2030.
General program questions
Why was The Crown Jewel Incentive Program created?
It was created to reward participation, increase the marketability of horses and stallions, and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the reining industry. Designed to benefit participants at every level, it strengthens both the West Coast and national reining communities by creating meaningful opportunities for breeders, stallion owners, horse owners, competitors, and industry professionals.
The program is built around three objectives:
- Provide significant earning opportunities — substantial competition purses and incentive payouts across multiple levels for participants of varying experience.
- Develop a premier futurity platform — a Level 4 Open Futurity that attracts industry attention, spectator interest, and exposure for participating horses, stallions, owners, breeders, and professionals.
- Support industry growth and accessibility — a platform where emerging breeders, developing stallions, horse owners, and up-and-coming professionals can gain recognition and grow.
The program is founded on the principles of clarity, transparency, and sustainability — a clear understanding of how it operates, how funds are distributed, and how opportunities are created.
What is The Crown Jewel Incentive?
The Crown Jewel Incentive is a stallion and offspring nomination program that provides Nominator Incentive payouts tied to eligible horses competing in The Crown Jewel Futurity.
What's the difference between the Incentive and the Futurity?
The Incentive Program governs stallion and horse eligibility and incentive payouts. The Futurity is the actual competition where eligible horses compete.
Why should I nominate my horse?
Nominated horses become eligible to earn Crown Jewel Incentive payouts in addition to competing for futurity prize money.
Stallion nomination questions
Why is the stallion nomination requirement the same for all stallions?
The program was designed to provide equal opportunity for stallions of all sizes and stages of development. Rather than creating different participation levels based on a stallion's earnings, popularity, or number of offspring, it uses a single annual participation requirement for all stallions.
This promotes fairness, simplicity, and accessibility while encouraging participation from both established sires and emerging stallions. A stallion's future impact is not determined solely by current offspring numbers or earnings — developing stallions should have the opportunity to participate alongside proven industry leaders. The result is a platform where stallions are recognized based on the quality and success of their offspring rather than the size of their breeding program.
Why should I nominate my stallion?
Participating stallions make their offspring eligible for the program while creating opportunities for the stallion nominator to receive incentive payouts and promotional exposure.
Other than incentive payouts, what promotional benefits does The Crown Jewel provide?
The program is designed to help participating stallion owners increase visibility and market awareness for their stallions. Promotional opportunities may include:
- Listing and recognition on The Crown Jewel website.
- Stallion profiles featuring pedigree, photos, videos, and breeding information.
- Social media promotion through official Crown Jewel platforms.
- Inclusion in stallion directories, marketing campaigns, and program communications.
- Recognition in event publications, digital media, livestreams, and promotional materials.
- Visibility during the Futurity through arena banners, concourse displays, and video boards.
- Exposure to breeders, mare owners, competitors, spectators, and prospective buyers.
- Promotion of eligible offspring and their competition achievements.
Promotional opportunities may vary by year and participation level. The Crown Jewel is designed to be both an incentive program and a marketing platform for participating stallions.
My stallion is young or breeds a limited number of mares. Is this program right for me?
Yes. The program was designed to create opportunities for all stallions, not just the industry's largest breeding programs. Participating stallions receive marketing exposure, brand visibility, and incentive opportunities that help young, emerging, and regional stallions gain recognition among breeders, mare owners, and competitors.
Unlike programs that favor stallions with large numbers of offspring, The Crown Jewel focuses on participation and performance. A stallion does not need hundreds of offspring to benefit — one successful offspring can create meaningful exposure, recognition, and incentive opportunities.
How do I nominate my stallion?
A stallion may be nominated through one of three methods:
- Stallion Sponsorship Participation
- Stallion Service Auction Participation
- Third-Party Stallion Nomination
See how the program works for the full details of each method.
What is the annual participation requirement?
A stallion must satisfy one approved participation method for the applicable breeding year.
Does my stallion have to be nominated every year?
Yes. Stallion participation is annual and applies to the specific breeding year.
What happens if my stallion's breeding service sells for less than $2,500?
The remaining balance may be paid to satisfy the minimum annual participation requirement.
Can someone other than the stallion owner nominate my stallion?
Yes. Following the owner-exclusive period, a third party may nominate an eligible stallion.
If someone else nominates my stallion, who receives the incentive payouts?
The annual stallion Nominator receives any stallion-based incentive payouts for that breeding year.
Can a stallion owner still receive payouts if they did not nominate the stallion?
No. Incentive payouts are paid to the annual Nominator of record.
Why does The Crown Jewel allow Third-Party Stallion Nominations?
To ensure that the future eligibility of offspring is not dependent solely upon the participation decision of a stallion owner. While stallion owners get the first opportunity to nominate, a Third-Party Stallion Nomination creates a pathway for breeders, horse owners, and other participants to preserve eligibility and incentive opportunities for offspring when a stallion owner elects not to participate.
This protects the value and marketability of offspring, encourages broader participation, and prevents horses from becoming ineligible solely because a stallion owner chooses not to enroll the stallion. If a Third-Party Stallion Nomination is completed, the Third-Party Nominator assumes the rights associated with that annual stallion nomination, including eligibility for applicable stallion nominator incentive payouts.
Why doesn't The Crown Jewel require stallion owners to nominate their stallions?
Stallion owners are frequently asked to support the industry through many participation requirements — sire and dam incentives, stallion service auctions, sponsorships, advertising, and other initiatives. Rather than creating another program that requires mandatory participation in order for offspring to remain eligible, The Crown Jewel was designed to provide flexibility and reduce barriers.
Owners get the first opportunity to participate and receive the benefits of stallion nomination. But if an owner elects not to participate, the future eligibility of offspring does not have to end — through the Third-Party Stallion Nomination option, breeders, owners, and other interested parties may preserve eligibility and incentive opportunities. The Crown Jewel is designed to reward participation, not require it.
Horse eligibility questions
Is my horse eligible?
A horse's eligibility depends on several factors, including:
- The horse being properly nominated for the applicable Crown Jewel Futurity division(s).
- All required nomination forms, documentation, fees, and deadlines being satisfied.
- Compliance with all eligibility requirements, rules, and procedures established by Program Management.
Founding Years (2026–2029): stallion nomination is not required for a horse to compete in eligible Crown Jewel Futurity divisions. However, stallion nomination is required for eligibility to receive certain Crown Jewel Incentive payouts.
Beginning in 2030: eligibility requirements include stallion nomination requirements as established by the official rules in effect for the applicable competition year.
Can any breed participate?
Yes, subject to program eligibility and documentation requirements.
Do I have to nominate my horse every year?
No. During the Founding Years (2026–2029), a horse nominated for an eligible division is nominated only for the applicable competition year and does not require annual renewal.
Beginning in 2030, eligibility is established through the offspring nomination process. Once properly nominated under the rules in effect for that competition year, a horse retains eligibility as provided under the applicable program requirements and deadlines. Consult the official nomination schedule and rules applicable to the horse's competition year.
If I buy a nominated horse, does competition eligibility transfer?
Yes. Competition eligibility remains with the horse and transfers to subsequent owners. However, ownership of a nominated horse does not automatically entitle the new owner to Crown Jewel Incentive payouts — incentive payouts are awarded to the eligible Nominator of record as determined by the official rules and procedures.
If my nominated horse places Top Five after I sell it, can I still receive payouts?
Yes. Crown Jewel Incentive payouts are awarded to the eligible Nominator of record, not necessarily the current owner of the horse. An eligible Nominator may remain entitled to receive applicable incentive payouts earned by a properly nominated horse even after ownership has transferred. All payouts remain subject to the official rules, eligibility requirements, and payout procedures in effect for the applicable competition year.
Can a horse compete if the stallion was not nominated when the offspring was born?
Potentially, through a late or retroactive stallion nomination option, subject to program rules and fees.
Incentive payout questions
Who receives incentive payouts?
Payouts are distributed to the eligible Nominator of the enrolled stallion or horse as outlined in the official rules.
How are payouts calculated?
Payouts are determined by the official Crown Jewel Incentive payout formulas and available incentive funds for that competition year. See the projected payouts for a full breakdown.
Are payouts guaranteed?
No. Payouts depend on participation, nomination revenue, entries, and available funds.
When are payouts paid?
Payouts are issued following verification of results, eligibility, and tax documentation.
What placings qualify for payouts?
Top Five placings in eligible Crown Jewel Futurity divisions.
Do I need to provide tax information?
Yes. A completed W-9 (or other required tax documentation) must be provided before payouts are released.
Founding Years vs. permanent program
The Founding Years (2026–2029) build the program while paying out immediately. In 2030 it transitions to its permanent, self-sustaining structure.
| Feature | Founding Years (2026–2029) | Permanent Program (2030+) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Build program foundation | Long-term incentive system |
| Primary funding | Horse nomination fees | Stallion participation, offspring nominations, sponsorships |
| Incentive recipient | Horse Nominator | Stallion Nominator and/or Offspring Nominator |
| Structure | Transitional | Permanent |
| Goal | Grow participation | Sustain and expand payouts |
What are the Founding Years?
The years 2026 through 2029 are the Founding Years. During this period the program builds participation, funding, and long-term sustainability while providing immediate incentive opportunities — rather than requiring a multi-year waiting period before payouts begin.
Why are the Founding Years structured differently than the permanent program?
They establish the financial foundation, participation base, and long-term sustainability of the program while providing immediate incentive opportunities. Unlike traditional incentive programs that may require participants to wait several years for offspring to reach competition age, the Founding Years allow eligible nominators to participate in payout opportunities immediately. This encourages early participation, grows the Incentive Fund, and supports the transition into the long-term structure beginning in 2030.
What changes beginning in 2030?
Beginning in 2030, the program transitions into its permanent incentive structure — a self-sustaining system supported by multiple revenue sources rather than relying primarily on Founding Years nomination fees.
How is the Founding Years incentive program funded?
During the Founding Years, incentive funds are generated primarily through horse nomination fees collected at the time of entry into eligible Crown Jewel Futurity divisions.
Who receives incentive payouts during the Founding Years?
Incentive payouts may be awarded to:
- The participating Nominator of a horse properly nominated and entered in an eligible Crown Jewel Futurity division; and/or
- The participating annual Stallion Nominator of an enrolled stallion whose eligible offspring earns a qualifying placing in an eligible division.
Eligibility is determined by the official rules, nomination requirements, division eligibility, available funds, and payout procedures established by Program Management.
How is the program funded beginning in 2030?
Beginning in 2030, funding is generated through annual stallion participation, offspring nominations, horse nominations, sponsorships, and other approved revenue sources as determined by Program Management.
Who receives incentive payouts beginning in 2030?
Payouts are distributed to the eligible nominator(s) in accordance with the official payout structure, eligibility requirements, and rules in effect for the applicable competition year. Eligible categories may include Stallion Nominator Incentive Payouts, Offspring Nominator Incentive Payouts, and any additional categories established by Program Management.
Will horses still need to be nominated beginning in 2030?
Yes. Beginning in 2030, horses seeking eligibility for Crown Jewel Incentive payouts must be properly nominated through the applicable offspring nomination process (or an approved late nomination option), and must satisfy all eligibility requirements, deadlines, and fees in effect for the competition year.
Where do nomination fees go during the Founding Years?
Nomination fees are contributed to the Founding Years Incentive Fund and used to support Nominator Incentive payouts and program operations.
What are the benefits of nominating my horse before its competition year?
Early nomination lets participants secure eligibility and Nominator status at a reduced cost before the horse reaches futurity age. For example, a horse nominated as a weanling during the Founding Years may be nominated for a lower fee than the same horse would require if nominated during its competition year. By nominating early, participants may:
- Lock in lower nomination fees.
- Secure Nominator status before the horse reaches competition age.
- Maintain eligibility for applicable Nominator Incentive payouts.
- Increase the marketability of the horse through Crown Jewel eligibility.
- Support the growth and sustainability of the Incentive Fund during the Founding Years.
The eligible Nominator of record retains the opportunity to receive applicable payouts when that horse competes — even if the horse is sold prior to competition. See the Nominator Incentive for worked examples.
Why should I nominate early?
Early participation secures eligibility, supports the growth of the Incentive Fund, and positions the Nominator to participate in future payout opportunities. Because payouts are awarded to the eligible Nominator of record — not necessarily the current owner — a Nominator may remain eligible to receive payouts earned by a properly nominated horse even after ownership transfers. Early nomination may also provide reduced costs during the Founding Years.
Will nomination fees increase in future years?
Yes. Founding Year nomination fees increase annually according to the published fee schedule.
Futurity competition questions
Does my horse have to be nominated to enter The Crown Jewel Futurity?
Yes. All horses competing in eligible divisions must be properly nominated and satisfy all applicable nomination requirements, deadlines, and fees in effect for the competition year. Proper nomination is required for both competition eligibility and eligibility to receive Crown Jewel Incentive payouts.
Are nomination fees different than entry fees?
Yes — they serve different purposes. Competition entry fees contribute to the purse and payouts for the applicable division. Nomination fees are separate and are used to fund Crown Jewel Incentive payouts and support the program. Paying a nomination fee does not increase the competition purse; instead, it creates additional incentive payout opportunities for eligible nominators.
Does The Crown Jewel Futurity retain a percentage of entry fees?
No. The Crown Jewel Futurity is designed with a 0% event retainage model on competition entry fees. Entry fees are paid back to competitors through the official NRHA payout structure, subject only to applicable NRHA fees and trophy fees.
What NRHA category is The Crown Jewel Futurity?
It is conducted as an NRHA Category 6 closed, age-restricted futurity, open to eligible horses that satisfy the applicable entry, nomination, and eligibility requirements in effect for the competition year.
Can a horse enter multiple levels?
Yes, provided the horse meets eligibility requirements and pays the applicable nomination fees for each level seeking incentive eligibility.
Are late nominations allowed?
Yes, subject to applicable Late Nomination Fees and deadlines. See how to enter for the fee schedule.
Are post entries allowed?
Yes, until the published deadline and subject to applicable Post Entry Fees.
Will there be Open and Non Pro divisions?
Yes, subject to the divisions offered for the applicable competition year and NRHA requirements.
What happens if the event is canceled?
All rights, obligations, refunds, and eligibility matters will be governed by the official Crown Jewel rules and policies.
The Marketplace
A sales marketplace for Crown Jewel nominated horses and prospects is planned for the official website. These answers preview how it will work.
How do I find Crown Jewel nominated horses?
The Crown Jewel website will include a sales marketplace featuring nominated horses and prospects.
Can I list my nominated horse for sale?
Yes. Crown Jewel nominated horses may be advertised through the official marketplace.
Does Crown Jewel guarantee horses listed for sale?
No. Crown Jewel provides a marketing platform only and does not represent, inspect, guarantee, or warrant any horse listed for sale.
How do buyers verify eligibility?
Buyers may verify nomination status through official Crown Jewel records.
We're here to help.
Reach out to The Crown Jewel Incentive management — or explore the program and projected payouts.