Contestants must be residents or real property taxpayers of San Benito County who have been so for at least 30 days prior to the start of the show, OR a Contestant who has competed in the show in the pasts 5 years.

Contestants who are fully employed in San Benito County (but do not live in the county) are also eligible to enter. Any horse entered in the Rodeo must be owned by someone who would be eligible to be a contestant.

Halter division is open to San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey County residents. This does not automatically qualify for entries into other events.