The
Versatility Ranch Horse competition promotes the athletic ability and
versatility of the horse and is demonstrated in five categories - ranch
riding, ranch trail, ranch cutting, working ranch horse and ranch
conformation. There are divisions for open, amateur, novice amateur and
youth. For complete rules and regulations, refer to rule 477 on page
245 of the
AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations
THE CLASSES
RANCH RIDING
This class shows the horse's ability to move at a working speed with a
rider. Horses will be shown at three gaits -- walk, trot and lope
- in each direction of the arena. Horses also will be asked to
change directions while on the rail, stop and back. A horse will
be given credit for traveling with his head held in a normal position,
ears alert and moving at a natural speed for the gait requested.
Credit also will be given for making a smooth transition between the
gaits, for keeping the correct lead and for maintaining the gait until
the judge asks for a change. A rider must show his horse with only
one hand on the reins, unless the horse is 5 years old or younger and is
being shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore (bosal).
RANCH TRAIL
This class contains a course with a minimum of six obstacles and is
designed to show a horse's ability and willingness to perform several
tasks that might be asked of him during the course of a normal day's
ranch work. Whenever possible, realistic or natural obstacles are
encouraged and the course is encouraged to be set outside of an arena
using the natural terrain of the land. The horse will be judged on
three gaits, walk, trot and lope performed between the six obstacles to
be determined when the judge chooses the pattern. A horse will be
rewarded with higher credit for performing these gaits on the correct
lead and with an alert attitude. Mandatory obstacles include
opening, passing through and closing a gate, and dragging a log either
in a straight line or around a set pattern. The third mandatory
obstacle requires the horse to remain quiet while the rider dismounts,
removes the bit completely from the horse's mouth and rebridles, and
then picks up all four of the horse's feet. Some optional
obstacles include crossing a water hazard, being hobbled or ground tied;
and crossing a bridge.
RANCH CUTTING
A single numbered cow is cut from the herd and the horse must
demonstrate its ability to work the cow. When satisfied that the
horse has proven its cutting ability, the horse and rider must then pen
the cow at the far end of the arena. Contestants will have two and
a half minutes to cut and pen a designated cow from a herd of at least
10 head. Horses will not be penalized for reining during the
cutting portion and should display the horse's natural cow ability.
WORKING RANCH HORSE
This class combines the ability of the working ranch horse to rein,
handle cattle and put its rider in the position to rope and stop a cow.
The class is to be judged in three sections reining, cow horse and
roping with scores from each section added together for the final score
of the class. Each contestant will perform individually. A
maximum of six minutes is allowed to complete the class. When the
six-minute time limit has expired, the exhibitor will be required to
exit the arena.
Reining pattern: One of two approved patterns will be used for
this class. Manoeuvres include at least one circle in both
directions, a change of leads in each direction, at least one 360-degree
turn in each direction, a rollback in each direction, stop and back.
Working the cow: After the exhibitor has completed the reining
pattern, he will call for the cow to be turned into the arena.
Upon receiving the cow, the contestant shall hold the cow on the
prescribed end of the arena for a sufficient amount of time to
demonstrate the ability of the horse to contain the cow. After a
reasonable amount of time, the contestant shall take the cow down the
fence, making at least one turn each way on the fence.
Roping: The exhibitor must then rope the cow and bring it to a
stop. The horse is judged on his ability to trail, rate and stop
the cow. There is to be no dragging and the exhibitor is allowed
only 2 throws. Ropes cannot be tied to the saddle horn. It's
not necessary for the exhibitor to catch in order to receive a score.
However, if there is no catch, a five point penalty will be subtracted
from the roping score.
RANCH CONFORMATION
The goal of the ranch conformation class is to preserve American Quarter
Horse type by selecting well-mannered horses based on their resemblance
to the breed idea. Horses should have a positive combination of
balance, structural correctness and movement with appropriate breed and
sex characteristics, along with adequate muscling. Horses are to
be shown in a good working halter (rope, braded, nylon or plain
leather). Horses will walk to the judge one at a time then trot
straight to a cone. At the cone, the horse will continue trotting,
turn to the left and trot towards the left wall or fence of the arena.
After trotting, horses will be lined up head to tail for individual
inspection by the judge. The judge shall inspect each horse from
both sides, front and rear. The ranch conformation class will be
held after the conclusion of the other four events. All sexes will
be shown together as one class.
Ranch Division: Stallions, mares, geldings
Youth Division: Mares and geldings
DIVISIONS
Open Ranch
This division is for horses shown by the recorded owner or by immediate
family members as outlined in the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and
Regulations; or for horses shown by a full-time employee (six
months or more) and/or children of the ranch which owns the horse.
For exhibitors which are not listed as the current owner of the horse,
the exhibitor must be pre-approved through an AQHA application process
to verify that at least 70 percent of the exhibitor's income is derived
from employment with the listed owner.
Amateur
Horse shown by exhibitors who fulfill the amateur requirements under
rule 403, amateur eligibility. Amateur and novice amateur
divisions will show concurrently with the open ranch division with
placings for each respective division recorded.
Novice Amateur
Youth
Exhibitors 18 years of age or younger (age as of January 1) may show in
this division. The exhibitor must be the recorded owner of the
horse shown or show a horse owned by his or her immediate family
members. The exhibitor may show
horses owned by a ranch where the exhibitor's family is a full time
employee (for six months or more).
GENERAL RULES
› All horses must be
registered with the American Quarter Horse Assciation (AQHA)
› Each exhibitor must have current individual membership in the
AQHA or the AQHYA
› No horses less than three years of age may be exhibited
› No hoof polish
› No braiding or banded manes
› No tail extensions
› Trimming the inside of the ears is discouraged
› Trimming the bridle path is allowed, as well as the fetlocks or
any excessive (long) facial hair.
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