Ranch Riding

The purpose of the Ranch Riding class is to measure the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance for performing one ranch task to another. The horse's performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. This class should show the horse's ability to work at a forward, working speed while under control by the rider. Light contact should be rewarded and horse shall not be shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse while performing the maneuver requirements and the horse's quality of movement are the primary considerations. The ideal ranch riding horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each maneuver.

Class Requirements

1. Each horse will work individually, performing both required and optional maneuvers, and scored on the basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each maneuver will receive a score that should be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should be subtracted. Each maneuver will be scored on the follow basis, ranging from +1 ½ to - 1 ½ : -1 ½ Extremely Poor, -1 Very Poor, -1/2 Poor, 0 Correct, +1/2 Good, +1 Very Good, +1 ½ Excellent. Maneuver scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points.
2. The required maneuvers will include the walk, trot, and lope both directions: and the extended trot and extended lope at least one direction; as well as stops, and back.
3. Three optional maneuvers may include a side pass, turns of 360 degrees or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, trot, or lope over a pole(s); or some reasonable combination of maneuvers that would be reasonable for a ranch horse to perform.
4. The maneuvers may be arranged in various combinations with final approval by the judge.
5. The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be as those described in GAITS, with an emphasis on forward movement, free-flowing, and ground covering for all gaits. Transitions should be performed where designated, with smoothness and responsiveness.
6. No time limit.
7. One of the suggested patterns may be used, however a judge may utilize a different pattern as long as all required maneuvers and the three (or more) optional maneuvers are included. Should a judge use one of their own patterns, it is recommended to not have the stop following an extended lope.
8. The use of natural logs is encouraged.
9. Posting at the extended trot is acceptable.
10. Touching or holding the saddle horn is acceptable.

Tack and Attire

1. Refer to Western performance or timed event tack and attire requirements pages 17-26.
2. The 4-H armband is required.
3. Hoof polish is discouraged.
4. Braided or banded manes or tail extensions are discouraged.
5. Trimming inside ears is discouraged.
6. Trimming bridle path is allowed, also trimming of fetlocks or excessive (long) facial hair.
7. Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.
8. It is suggested competitors use a breast collar and rear cinch

Optional: Chaps

Prohibited: Unorthodox or severe mouthpieces, martingales, draw reins, cavesson noebands, crops, whips, bats, or over and under ropes on the saddle horn. No ropes can be carried or used during the class.

Penalties

Maneuver evaluations and penalty applications are to be determined independently. The following penalties will be applied to each occurrence and be deducted from the final score. The exhibitor shall be penalized for:

1 Point Penalties

• Too slow (per gait)
• Over-bridled (per maneuver)
• Out of frame (per maneuver)
• Break of gait at walk or trot for 2 strides or less
• Wrong lead or out of lead for 2 strides

3 Point Penalties

• Break of gait at walk or trot for more than 2 strides
• Break of gait at lope, except when correcting an incorrect lead
• Wrong lead or out of lead for more than 2 strides
• Draped reins (per maneuver)
• Out of lead or cross-cantering more than two strides when changing leads
• Severe disturbance of any obstacle
• Trotting more than three strides when making a simple lead change
• Trotting for more than 3 strides in lope departures or when exiting a rollback

5 Point Penalties

• Blatant disobedience (kick, bite, buck, rear, etc.) for each refusal

10 Point Penalties

• Unnatural ranch horse appearance (Horse's tail is obvious and consistently carried in an unnatural manner in every maneuver)

Placed Below Horses Performing All Maneuvers

• Eliminates maneuver
• Incomplete maneuver
• Repeated blatant disobedience
• Use of two hands, more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between romal reins

Disqualifications (No Score)

• Illegal equipment
• Willfull abuse
• Major disobedience or schooling

Note: No specific penalties will be incurred for nicks/hits on logs but deduction may be made in maneuver score. No specific penalties will be incurred for over/under spins but deduction may be made in maneuver score.