New to ranch horse!

[SparkieHorse]

My horse and I do AQHA hunter under saddle, showmanship, equitation, and horsemanship. Recently, we were asked to enter in a ranch riding class to pad it. And we really enjoyed it! Here’s some questions I have:
Mane? I know they can’t be banded, so in the past I took out her bands before the ranch class. So, is a short mane ok? I still want to to showmanship where a neat mane is a must.
Lead changes: Will they ever call for a flying? When I did it before, it said you can choose simple too. (We’ve got a nice collected flying change one way, but a lot of kinks the other way we’re working on)
Clothing: I know nothing blingy is allowed, but does it have to be really “ranchy” (chinks) or can it just be a plain shirt and plain show chaps?

Any other helpful advice is appreciated

[spotnnotfarm]

I show ranch and have for a few years. It is a fun class! Yes, you can show with a short mane. While it may not look “ranchy” it should not matter if your horse has the proper movement and you are correct on the pattern. A flying or simple is acceptable. A really good simple will beat a crappy flying! As far as I know, there are no plans to change the rule. No bling! I wear a plain, workman type shirt and a simple pad.

Where do you show? I hope you stick with it! It is a fun class!

[beau159]

I agree for the mane. You are fine to have it short. The judge will obviously see that you are entered in multiple events with the same horse. I’m the opposite. I won’t cut my horse’s long flowing mane but we do showmanship. I agree I’d go without the bands.

Lead changes: Do what your horse does best. You can certainly do a flying change and may score higher for it IF it is done nicely. Most of the patterns I have seen will let you do a simple change.

Clothing: It does not have to be overly ranchy but should be plain. No sparkle. No bling. For show chaps it depends what COLOR you have. If they are brown, you’d probably be okay. Otherwise I would maybe go without. I have chinks, so I wear those for ranch horse.

Scarves are pretty popular for ranch horse right now!
http://instrideedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/20140612-183831-67111909.jpg

[KieraDancer2011]

I am also knew to this exciting show world for Ranch horse. I have trained my mare in a snaffle I run barrels on her in an o" ring snaffle I ride 1 hand and switch hands; hence she is very light and all legs and butt i don’t need to touch the bit for her to whoa. In the ranch horse shows I can ride in my snaffle with split reins? (She is 7 now) do I have to ride 2 handed? Or can I ride 1 handed with my reins crossed? I have never rode her 2 handed, it was too much so I rode 1. She levels her head and works very nicely. Any advise? I am new to the ranch showing this year.

[bugsynskeeter]

@KieraDancer2011

I am also knew to this exciting show world for Ranch horse. I have trained my mare in a snaffle I run barrels on her in an o" ring snaffle I ride 1 hand and switch hands; hence she is very light and all legs and butt i don’t need to touch the bit for her to whoa. In the ranch horse shows I can ride in my snaffle with split reins? (She is 7 now) do I have to ride 2 handed? Or can I ride 1 handed with my reins crossed? I have never rode her 2 handed, it was too much so I rode 1. She levels her head and works very nicely. Any advise? I am new to the ranch showing this year.

Depends on the show rules. If AQHA, you cannot show a 7 y/o in a snaffle. Must ride 1-handed in a curb.

[KieraDancer2011]

“Depends on the show rules. If AQHA, you cannot show a 7 y/o in a snaffle. Must ride 1-handed in a curb”

I’m not doing Aqha. It would be the Western
States stock horse. I know AQHA rules as far as age. I’m wonder for non AQHA shows.

[KieraDancer2011]

@bugsynskeeter

Depends on the show rules. If AQHA, you cannot show a 7 y/o in a snaffle. Must ride 1-handed in a curb.

I’m wondering for the Western States stock horse. I’m not doing the Aqha, and am well aware of their rules, I’m just curious for the non AQHA shows primarily.

[jvanrens]

@KieraDancer2011

I’m wondering for the Western States stock horse. I’m not doing the Aqha, and am well aware of their rules, I’m just curious for the non AQHA shows primarily.

Western States must tell you somewhere what rules they use? Maybe contact someone on the show committee and ask. I know around here most shows used to follow AQHA rules for open shows unless it was a show put on by the local Arabian club.

[paulosey]

We have a little local show series and they added Ranch Pleasure this year. I am really looking forward to it. I have the chinks and a lovely plain Bona Allen saddle. My guy should be great, as he is more forward then they want for Western rail classes.

[beau159]

@KieraDancer2011

In the ranch horse shows I can ride in my snaffle with split reins? (She is 7 now) do I have to ride 2 handed? Or can I ride 1 handed with my reins crossed? I have never rode her 2 handed, it was too much so I rode 1. She levels her head and works very nicely. Any advise? I am new to the ranch showing this year.

You will need to check the RULES of the show you plan to attend. A lot of them will still follow AQHA guidelines even if it isn’t an AQHA show. Just depends on show management. Their handbook is listed right on the homepage of their website. I breezed through it quickly but didn’t have time to look specifically for their bit rules.

In most cases, horses over age 5 need to be shown 1-handed in a curb bit. But again, depends on the show.

The handbook, I did see, lists class descriptions and how each class is judged and scored, so you will know what the judges are looking for.