What to Expect at Your First Event and How to Make the Most of It
Thinking about entering a Legendary Stakes event? Whether you’re a rider, owner, breeder, or dam owner, getting started is simpler than you might think. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from enrollment and paperwork to entry fees, payout structures, and deadlines—so you can focus on showcasing your horse’s talent. If you’re new to the competition, here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how it all works.
Q: How do I get started?
Start by creating a free account on the Legendary Stakes website. Once logged in, go to the “Enroll Horse” section from the sidebar menu on the left. This will allow you to upload your horses into “My Barn.” There, you can manage details and register as the owner, dam owner or breeder. Next, you’ll need to upload a picture of your horse’s registration papers to verify ownership. Now you are all set to enter your first Legendary Stakes event!
Q: What kind of paperwork do I need to provide?
You’ll need to upload official registration papers from your horse’s association (e.g., AQHA, APHA). These documents confirm the breeder and current owner, and help verify sire details.
Q: Do I need to enter the host event separately?
Yes, we recommend you enter the host event first before submitting a Legendary Stakes entry. Legendary Stakes verifies participation after the event using official results. If you’re not listed in the results and haven’t canceled your Legendary Stakes entry, refunds are only issued case-by-case.Q: What is the cost to enter?
Each Legendary Stakes entry costs $250 per division. This fee applies to every role you enter under as—rider, owner, breeder, or dam owner. For example, if you enter both the futurity and open divisions as an owner and a rider, your total fee would be $1,000 because you entered in two divisions and two categories.
The Breakdown:
$250 – Open Division, Owner
$250 – Open Division, Rider
$250 – Futurity Division, Owner
$250 – Futurity Division, Rider
= $1,000 total
Q: What disciplines are included in Legendary Stakes?
Legendary Stakes currently features 14 disciplines: barrel racing, breakaway roping, cutting, cow horse, heading, heeling, team sorting, pole bending, western pleasure, reining, ranch rodeo, steer wrestling, ranch horse, and tie-down roping.Q: How do payouts work and when will I receive earnings?
Legendary Stakes offers both event and annual purses. Each event has three possible payouts per division, and points earned contribute toward year-end leaderboard rankings.
The three types of event payouts are:
- Top Offspring: The highest-placing offspring by a particular sire at an event earns three points.
- Best of the Best: If multiple sires have offspring competing in an event category, the highest-placing horse among all of these entered offspring receives two points. This recognizes the offspring of the most dominant sires across different bloodlines.
- Champion Bonus: The offspring that wins the overall event and becomes the event champion earns one additional point on top of any other points they have earned. This further rewards excellence and recognizes the top-performing horse at each event.
All earnings—both from events and the annual competition—are paid out at the end of the year. You can track your progress anytime on the Results / Leaderboard page.
Q: If I want to enter more than one division or discipline, do I pay multiple fees?
Yes. Each division entry is separate. For example, if your horse competes in both the Open and Non-Pro divisions at a cutting show, that’s two entries at $250 each.Q: What am I competing for?
You’re competing for both event-level purses and the annual purse. At each event, there are three purses per division: Top Offspring Purse, Best of the Best Purse, and Champion Purse. Your event results also earn points toward the annual leaderboard, which determines your share of the annual purse. Payouts grow over time based on total entries—and there’s no cap on how much you can earn.
Q: How can I track my results and earnings?
Visit the Leaderboard page here. Scroll to your division or discipline to see your current standing and number of purses earned. The leaderboard is updated weekly.
Q: What happens if the event is canceled or I can’t compete?
If the host event is canceled—or if your circumstances change before the event begins—you can receive a refund. Please reach out before entries close via email at molly@legendarystakes.com or call us at 817-221-0778.
Q: What is the deadline to enter an event?
Entries close at midnight the night before the host event begins. However, if you’re facing issues, reach out and the team may be able to assist—even retroactively—if it’s clear you planned to enter.Q: What if I want to enter an event that’s not listed on Legendary Stakes?
If you are going to an event that isn’t listed as a Legendary Stakes email Molly at molly@legendarystakes.com or give us a call at 817-221-0778. We regularly add new events based on competitor interest. If you and others are entering an event, there’s a good chance it will be added.Q: How can I get in touch with support?
You can reach Molly directly at molly@legendarystakes.com, fill out the contact form on the website, or call 817-221-0778.
