Existing categories are:

Under $1000 Rider/Horse - Open to all horses or riders having won less than $1000

Under $3500 - Open to all horses having won less than $3500

Under $7500 - Open to all horses having won less than $7500

Open - Open to all horses, regardless of lifetime winnings, or horses with lifetime earnings in excess of $7500, or non-members.

Juniors (14 and younger)

1. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP. This membership was designed for competing members. The cost is  $50.00 for each horse. These membership fees give the person the opportunity to try to qualify for the Finals on each horse. A person nominating a horse has one voting privilege regardless of how many horses she/he may have nominated, plus she/he will receive a monthly newsletter that provides updates on ACBRA scheduled barrel races and news.
2. ARENA OPERATOR MEMBERSHIP. This membership was designed for people operating arenas for barrel racings. The cost of the first time membership is a $50.00 bond, plus a $30 advertising fee. The bond is refundable at the end of the first year. Thereafter, the membership fee is $30.00 annually. This membership does not include voting rights, but does receive a newsletter.
3. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. This membership was designed for people who are not competing in barrel racing at this time, but would like to be involved with the sport and this association. They will receive a monthly newsletter, but they will not have voting privileges. This membership costs $30.00 annually.

During the season, members have the opportunity to compete at any barrel race held by individual arena operators. This also includes events held outside your state. Jackpot award money is determined by the amount of the fees, less expenses, accumulated from your category level at that event. Points are acquired in addition to money won. This is the most popular factor, since the members with the highest point standings are presented year end awards and awards at the National Finals.