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Any Versatility Ranch Horse Competition Participants Here?

Western
#1

I know it’s been around for a while, but just recently a friend has me interested in attending a 2-day Versatility Ranch Horse clinic in the fall. I have a mare that’s good with obstacles, but requires a bit of contact for faster gaits…she’s no WP horse. How much contact is allowed? Also, she’s always been hit or miss with flying lead changes, so is a simple lead change always going to be scored lower than a flying, no matter how well executed? Not sure how cowy she’d be, but she does get to look at a few of the neighbor’s over the fence. :wink:

I’ve looked at a few youtube videos, but there’s not a whole lot out there.

Would appreciate any first-hand imput.

#2

My mare and I compete in Ranch Horse Versatility competitions. Every organization does theirs a little differently but I’ll answer your questions based on my experience.

You can have contact since it’s ranch horse. :slight_smile: But obviously you’d get marked down for constantly having contact. People who scored higher at the competitions I’d been at (which includes me - we won first in our trail class in June!), would do a check release or soft contact. Loose reins are a plus; EXTREMELY loose reins, not so much as you may have instances on a ranch where you would need to take hold of your horse and you can’t do that quickly/efficiently with extremely loose reins.

[quote=KSAQHA;6471262]so is a simple lead change always going to be scored lower than a flying, no matter how well executed?
[/quote]
Yes. If it asks for a flying change, you’ll get marked down for doing anything less.

[quote=KSAQHA;6471262]Not sure how cowy she’d be, but she does get to look at a few of the neighbor’s over the fence.
[/quote]
You will have to cut a cow and keep it from the heard. In some shows they require you rope the cow (roping may also be part of the trail class) and others may have you take the cow to the other end of the arena and pen it instead of roping. And then in the working cow class you’ll most likely will only have to box your cow (open riders have to box and fence their cows). In both classes they will look for your horse to properly work the cow & will mark you down if your horse does not do so.

If your horse can’t do the cow work you won’t place, but just go out and have fun with it! It’s a show with lots of components, but just have fun with it. If you have a good group of people, they will help each other out (coaching) in vairous classes. It can be a really fun day with your horse!

#3

Thanks for the reply and congrats on your first place showing!

I found a link to VRH…hmmm, are there different organizations/names for the same thing?
http://versatilityranchhorse.com/

My mare doesn’t require constant contact, but sometimes needs a quick check at the lope (think half-halt). I didn’t really read specifically about allowing the option of flying/simple changes…will have to do more research.

But, I’m doomed before I even get started…hopeless with a rope. :eek:

Oh, well, at least with the clinic, we can get our feet wet. It definitely sounds fun, anyway.

#4

My horse was spot-on in the trail class! We placed 3rd in the remaining classes and ended up 3rd overall. It was a fun show!

[quote=KSAQHA;6472041]I found a link to VRH…hmmm, are there different organizations/names for the same thing?
http://versatilityranchhorse.com/
[/quote]
There are a few “dedicated” organizations that do them, there are “stock horse” associations that do them, some state horse associations do them, the AQHA puts them and local clubs/organizations put them on. That is what I’ve shown under - local clubs that use AQHA rules.

Some of the other national associations other VRH are
American Ranch Horse Association, Ranch Horse of America Association, National Versatility Ranch Horse Association.

[quote=KSAQHA;6472041]I didn’t really read specifically about allowing the option of flying/simple changes
[/quote]
That’s because there isn’t the option. The reining patterns call for flying lead changes; if you don’t do one, you get penalized. Of course, you can decide if the penalty for a simple change outweighs the penalty for not getting a change at all or getting penalized for not changing until a certain point in the circle.

[quote=KSAQHA;6472041]But, I’m doomed before I even get started…hopeless with a rope. :eek:
[/quote]
LOL … At the last couple of shows I did, you only had to rope the dummy in the trail class; you got two loops to do it, but you had to rope it or get penalized for the obstacle. In the shows I used to do in a different association, you had to rope the cow after you boxed/fenced it. THAT was hard. I did catch my cow a few times; usually not. :lol:

[quote=KSAQHA;6472041]Oh, well, at least with the clinic, we can get our feet wet. It definitely sounds fun, anyway.
[/quote]
Yep and it is FUN!!

Go and have fun and TAKE PICTURES to come back and show us! :yes::yes:

#5

[QUOTE=kewpalace;6472153]
My horse was spot-on in the trail class! We placed 3rd in the remaining classes and ended up 3rd overall. It was a fun show! [/QUOTE] I believe my mare would do well in trail. She doesn’t get too rattled with that sort of stuff. Unless there were a teeter-totter (which, I’m sure they don’t use)…she has to think about those for a moment…or two. :lol:

[QUOTE=kewpalace;6472153]That’s because there isn’t the option. The reining patterns call for flying lead changes; if you don’t do one, you get penalized. Of course, you can decide if the penalty for a simple change outweighs the penalty for not getting a change at all or getting penalized for not changing until a certain point in the circle. [/QUOTE]Would have to play that one by ear.:wink:

[QUOTE=kewpalace;6472153] LOL … At the last couple of shows I did, you only had to rope the dummy in the trail class; you got two loops to do it, but you had to rope it or get penalized for the obstacle. In the shows I used to do in a different association, you had to rope the cow after you boxed/fenced it. THAT was hard. I did catch my cow a few times; usually not. :lol:[/QUOTE]Okay, I could probably manage with a dummy…a live cow, not so much. I missed out last year on access to my neighbor’s cattle (which, belong to someone he leases his pasture to). Was granted permission to simply track them, but the weather went into drought mode last summer, the creek dried up, and the cattle haven’t been back. Now that we’re in extreme drought mode, who knows when or if they’ll return.

[QUOTE=kewpalace;6472153]Yep and it is FUN!!
Go and have fun and TAKE PICTURES to come back and show us! :yes::yes:[/QUOTE]Well, it won’t be until October and hopefully the clinic won’t fill up before I make up my mind to do it…depends on if my friend goes. Do you have any pics you’d like to share?:lol:

BTW, how is your horse bred?

#6

Sometimes they do have a teeter bridge, but it’s not that “teetery”. :cool: I’m sure your mare would do fine!

[quote=KSAQHA;6472262]Do you have any pics you’d like to share?:lol:
[/quote]
SURE, but I have to wait until I get home … work doesn’t allow me access to any photo sites. I do not have any from this year’s show though. There is an old one from one of our first shows on YouTube. Search for “kewpalace” and I’m sure you’ll find it.

[quote=KSAQHA;6472262]BTW, how is your horse bred?
[/quote]
I compete on my half-Arab mare, Cherokee Desert Star. :yes: Her Mom was the Arab (mainly polish bred I believe) and her Dad was a APHA - mostly running bred from what my trainer had told me. She was an accidental backyard bred horse who was given to me as a gift. We also show reined cowhorse and do cowboy races and trail trials.

I also have a cowhorse bred QH filly (she’s three) that we are prepping for reined cowhorse showing maybe next year. Her registered name is Nu Shiney Shocks (we call her Pi). She’s by Shiner’s Buenonic out of Dots Nu Cash. We’ll also do RHV, Cowboy Races, Trail Trials and what ever else will provide some fun! :smiley: I’ll post some pix of her as well.

#7

Here’s some pix of my mare at the Ranch Horse Show we did i, 2010:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/40747_1637303213186_6612513_n.jpg
[https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/71561_1637304333214_1399698_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/40759_1637309173335_6002522_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/66255_1637317493543_7517451_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/37915_1637318293563_8230063_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/68383_1637305053232_5008172_n.jpg

A few of my filly with my trainer:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376359_4207025694642_1288412363_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539724_4207028894722_1757180409_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/394339_2889181949372_1705205340_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/208883_4207032974824_1535674_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/528807_4207032054801_1365459748_n.jpg

A few of me and Pi

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/532997_10151015326503558_302284219_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/304840_10151015350933558_1111870218_n.jpg
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/405302_10151015346748558_2036632208_n.jpg

#8

Great pics of your competition! Your photographer did a good job taking action shots. Pretty mare and she looks like she knows her job. As kids, my brother had a registered 1/2 Arab (xPaint) mare. She was smart, willing, and sweet as could be…really liked that mare. Okay, I covet your chinks. :lol: I’ve been keeping my eye out for a pair that aren’t too frilly.

I’m liking your little red filly, too. Nice breeding and looks like she’s coming along just fiiiine. :slight_smile: She’s pretty similar in looks and breeding to my little red 6-yr old mare, Cats Smart Shiner, I bred and own. She’s by a 2004 world reserve jr. heeler, with Shining Spark and Smart Chic Olena on her top side, and Doc Bar (a ways back) on her bottom side. Unfortunately, she’s on the lazy side and doesn’t have much of a work ethic, so I mostly trail ride on her. I don’t think her pedigree is on allbreeds, will have to check. Gotta run to work, now, but will post a pic or two of her, later. :slight_smile:

Thanks for posting the pics!

#9

She did do a good job in taking pix. I was happy with the shots she got. Glad you enjoyed the pix … looking forward to yours!

[quote=KSAQHA;6473210]Pretty mare and she looks like she knows her job. As kids, my brother had a registered 1/2 Arab (xPaint) mare. She was smart, willing, and sweet as could be…really liked that mare.
[/quote]
M mare is great and loves to get out and DO! Maybe its’ the ArabxPaint crosses that are really special … I know mine is!

[quote=KSAQHA;6473210]Okay, I covet your chinks. :lol: I’ve been keeping my eye out for a pair that aren’t too frilly.
[/quote]
Ebay special. I think when I got them three years ago they were $150. The company I got them from on ebay still sells some like these, but they added a leather boarder with the dots on the outside and raise the price some. I’m really looking at Lost Buckaroo custom chinks in the near future! They are awesome.

[quote=KSAQHA;6473210]I’m liking your little red filly, too. Nice breeding and looks like she’s coming along just fiiiine. :slight_smile:
[/quote]
She was started at 18 months by the original owners with an eye for the SBF. They lost interest and $$. She was sold and the guy who bought her couldn’t make the payments and the owners took her back. I was fortunate that the girl who was keeping her for the owners knew me from the cowhorse shows and I got her for a steal. She basically had last year off, with little riding by my trainer. He just had her for a month. Not doing anything big, just getting her to relax and doing basic movements. We are just taking it slow and easy. She’s all business under saddle (yeah!) and wants to work. Nice, nice filly. Without the saddle she loves to play and will rear straight up like Trigger or goes to bucking like a bronc. :lol: I’m glad she’s never even though about that under saddle.

[quote=KSAQHA;6473210]She’s pretty similar in looks and breeding to my little red 6-yr old mare, Cats Smart Shiner, I bred and own.
[/quote]
Looking forward to seeing some pix of your girl. She sounds awesome!

Since my re-rider entry into horses as an adult, I’ve had Arabians. I love their spirit and try and character. Never really wanted anything else. But while my 1/2 Arab mare will hold her own at a cowhorse show (if I’m riding well, which is really hit and miss this year) & loves her some cow, nothing beats a horse that is bred to work cows. So I’m really looking forward to the show pen with Pi.

#10

Here’s the current style from the people I bought my chinks from - they are now $189
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHINKS-LADYS-BUFFALO-HAND-TOOLED-BASKET-SILVER-STUDS-NEW-MADE-TO-ORDER-AMISH-/320952756200?pt=US_Mens_Athleticwear&hash=item4aba4667e8

#11

Of course they’re $189.00, NOW. lol! Really nice chinks, but I’m hoping to find something more in line with my budget. Since, I don’t really compete, they’re not something I really need…just something I WANT. Would feel rather pretentious just wearing them down the trail. :lol:

Okay, I entered my red mare’s info on allbreed. I don’t seem to have the function to change the link name like yours…oh well.
http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/cats+smart+shiner

A few pics…no one in my family ever seems too interested in taking pics of ME :mad: , so the first two are from when I first started “Gidget” as a 3-yr old. The third is from last fall with my daughter, ready to hit the trails.
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/caburke/Gidget6-09.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/caburke/100_1314-2.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/caburke/ShelbyGidget10-11.jpg

This is the mare I would like to do the VRH stuff with. “Tawny” is a 9-yr old mare I bought as a yearling…nothing special up close on her papers, but she’s a fun ride.
http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/lotsa+freckled+flax

Under saddle last fall, and one from a few weeks ago after a bath…a tough cookie to keep clean, loves to roll.
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/caburke/PICT0016.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/caburke/103_2886.jpg

Gotta run and feed…but any ol’ excuse to share pictures.:wink:

#12

You might check out tack trader or even Craig’s List - you can sometimes find people getting out of showing selling their chaps/chinks. Even arena chaps would work, so maybe horse.com or horseloverz would have something.

[quote=KSAQHA;6474657]Okay, I entered my red mare’s info on allbreed. * * *A few pics
[/quote]
Aw, she does look like my Pi, especially in the younger pix!! I like her lots, she’s cute!

[quote=KSAQHA;6474657]I don’t seem to have the function to change the link name like yours…oh well.
[/quote]
It’s just a code: [url = ** [B]insert the url here ** ] [/B]insert the text of what you want to hotlink here ** (take out the spaces and asterisks). So for mine I just put (w/out spaces & asterisks)[url = **http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/nu+shiney+shocks** ] Nu Shiney Shocks ** :slight_smile:

[quote=KSAQHA;6474657]This is the mare I would like to do the VRH stuff with.
[/quote]
I like her too! She looks like she’d be FUN to do ranch horse stuff with!! :yes: Purty color!!

Thanks for sharing the photos!! Loved seeing them and looking forward to the ones from your clinic (so see you have to go now! :winkgrin::lol:)

#13

Arena chaps?? Oh great, I have western show chaps and english schooling chaps, but none of THOSE. :lol: I’m definitely a CL addict and always looking for bargain. With this drought, though, the horse ads are getting pitiful…some are painful to read.

I spoke with my friend this morning and she corrected herself (and me)…it IS the National Ranch Horse Versatility Assoc. that will be putting on the clinic. I haven’t yet had a chance to check out their website. She’s also checking with her trainer…he mentioned having a dry/cow work practice sometime this weekend, so am hoping to get in on that.

Do you have any competitions coming up?

p.s. Thanks for the code info. Had toodled around in the FAQ section a while back and wasn’t able to get it to work…user error, I’m sure.

ETA: She still didn’t get it right. :lol: It’s National Versatility Ranch Horse Assoc…as in your link.

#14

Oh, you don’t need those, it was just a suggestion of places to look. Really for the RHV shows, you don’t need “show” chaps/chinks. Anything is fine, even just the plain working chaps/chinks. Don’t stress!! :smiley:

[QUOTE=KSAQHA;6476076]She’s also checking with her trainer…he mentioned having a dry/cow work practice sometime this weekend, so am hoping to get in on that.
[/quote]
Hope you get to go!! Sounds like FUN!!

[QUOTE=KSAQHA;6476076]Do you have any competitions coming up?
[/quote]
There are two RHV coming up - one in Oct. and one in Nov. I may be able to go to both. I have a cowhorse show on 9/2 and then a double show end of Oct. I think that will do me until next year!

[QUOTE=KSAQHA;6476076]Thanks for the code info. Had toodled around in the FAQ section a while back and wasn’t able to get it to work…user error, I’m sure.
[/quote]
My pleasure; it took me a while when i first started using it to get it right, so you’re in good company!

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