Ranch Horse Shows

[Draftmare]

Two of the barns that did four of the six dressage shows I go to every year have sold, and there is no word on if the new owners will be continuing the dressage shows. Showing is ‘my thing’ that I really love to do with my mare, and she is such a cool cucumber whenever I take her places it is a lot of fun to try new things. Since we are getting pretty hot and heavy into the western stuff, I was thinking I might try a ranch show. There is a Ranch Horse Association that holds shows near me, but looking at their show bill I have no idea what some of these things mean.

What is Working Ranch Horse, and what is Ranch Riding? Difference between regular reining and ranch reining? What is expected during a horsemanship class in this setting?

There are no more shows this year, but I am also trying to think ahead to things I can work on during the long months stuck in the indoor.

[paulaedwina]

Do you mean Ranch Pleasure or is there yet another thing-I-can-do-with-Fella that I need to add to my list?

Paula

[Draftmare]

I’m not sure! It’s called ranch riding on their show bill. Hopefully this link works: http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/457998/26263502/1432744866053/2015+BERRIEN+SPRINGS+Showbill+V2-FINAL-front+and+back.pdf?token=GB%2FDHlz4nd0HhR8%2FUMfbJug18LE%3D

[paulaedwina]

Sounds like great fun. Did it come with the patterns for the Ranch Riding? Ranch Pleasure is a pattern competition like dressage, but for working horses and working gaits. You have to show Walk, Jog, Extended Jog, Lope, Extended Lope. The pattern can include walking over poles, loping a pattern including across the diagonal (easy change or flying change), spins etc.

I wonder if Ranch Riding is like this except maybe you have to check fence, go through a gate, dismount and ground tie, etc.

[Draftmare]

Yeah I figured out what Ranch Riding is. Its the new AQHA class, which I have watched a few times now and totally love, but for some reason wasn’t putting two and two together today. When YouTubing working ranch horse all I can find are working cow horse videos. Wondering if they are one in the same.

[N2Equus]

I think this is what you are looking for. I have been contemplating trying this out too!
http://www.americanranchhorse.net/2014_RULEBOOK.pdf

[beau159]

@Draftmare;8387023

There is a Ranch Horse Association that holds shows near me, but looking at their show bill I have no idea what some of these things mean.

What is Working Ranch Horse, and what is Ranch Riding? Difference between regular reining and ranch reining? What is expected during a horsemanship class in this setting?

I’d start off by taking a look at the rule book for the ARHA.
http://www.americanranchhorse.net/RULEBOOK_WEB_revised_3_3_14.pdf

Ranch Riding according to their rule book sounds like a Western Pleasure format, but with ranch horse gaits.

For Working Ranch Horse, you are required to do 3 things: 1) reining pattern 2) cow work 3) roping. And you will have 6 minutes to do so.

As far as the difference between regular reining and ranch reining, typically the spins are going to be a little different. In the ranch version, you are somewhat allowed to have the horse “pick up” their back feet while they are moving. Actual reining, you don’t see too much of that. The sliding stops aren’t usually quite as dramatic either. But all-in-all, it is somewhat similar.

Horsemanship, of course, is where the RIDER is judged while doing a pattern. Very similar to the “western pleasure” version but of course the horse is allowed more natural gaits and more natural head position, as the ranch classes intended.

Again, I’d take a look at their rule book. They go through all the events in great details, as well as tack requirements.

There’s also all sorts of videos on YouTube that you can watch to get an idea of seeing the events in action.

[saddleup]

The class that was originally called Ranch Horse Pleasure in AQHA and APHA shows is now called Ranch Riding. It’s a pattern class, individually showing your horse in a designated pattern. They changed the name because it’s more like a Western Riding class than a pleasure class in that the horse does an individual pattern, and the speeds are much, much more forward and the gaits more natural.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=saddleup;8388672]
The class that was originally called Ranch Horse Pleasure in AQHA and APHA shows is now called Ranch Riding. It’s a pattern class, individually showing your horse in a designated pattern. They changed the name because it’s more like a Western Riding class than a pleasure class in that the horse does an individual pattern, and the speeds are much, much more forward and the gaits more natural.[/QUOTE]

I really love the AQHA Ranch Riding classes.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8388653]
I’d start off by taking a look at the rule book for the ARHA.
http://www.americanranchhorse.net/RULEBOOK_WEB_revised_3_3_14.pdf

Ranch Riding according to their rule book sounds like a Western Pleasure format, but with ranch horse gaits.

For Working Ranch Horse, you are required to do 3 things: 1) reining pattern 2) cow work 3) roping. And you will have 6 minutes to do so.

As far as the difference between regular reining and ranch reining, typically the spins are going to be a little different. In the ranch version, you are somewhat allowed to have the horse “pick up” their back feet while they are moving. Actual reining, you don’t see too much of that. The sliding stops aren’t usually quite as dramatic either. But all-in-all, it is somewhat similar.

Horsemanship, of course, is where the RIDER is judged while doing a pattern. Very similar to the “western pleasure” version but of course the horse is allowed more natural gaits and more natural head position, as the ranch classes intended.

Again, I’d take a look at their rule book. They go through all the events in great details, as well as tack requirements.

There’s also all sorts of videos on YouTube that you can watch to get an idea of seeing the events in action.[/QUOTE]

Thanks! I couldn’t seem to find a link to rule book.

Hmm, looks like I may have to start thinking about working my mare one handed, and then working towards a shanked bit.

[beau159]

[QUOTE=saddleup;8388672]
The class that was originally called Ranch Horse Pleasure in AQHA and APHA shows is now called Ranch Riding. It’s a pattern class, individually showing your horse in a designated pattern. They changed the name because it’s more like a Western Riding class than a pleasure class in that the horse does an individual pattern, and the speeds are much, much more forward and the gaits more natural.[/QUOTE]

This is why a person needs to read the rulebook of where they plan to compete.

The rule book for ARHA clearly states that Ranch Riding is a rail class.

In my own area, we have a very local show that the first year they had Ranch Pleasure, it was done as a rail class. This year, they still called it Ranch Pleasure but they had you do a pattern instead.

Just depends on the show, for what they want to call their class and how they will execute it.

[Draftmare]

So my instructor tonight alerted me to the fact that only registered stock type horses can show in ARHA shows. Looking at the rules it does say…

3.The following breed associations are accepted for permanent ARHA
Certificate Of Eligibility. A copy of horses breed association papers must
accompany registration application. Accepted breed associations are:
a) AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association)
b) APHA (American Paint Horse Association)
c) ApHC (Appaloosa Horse Club)
d) IBHA (International Buckskin Horse Registry-stock/quarter type)
e) PBHA (Palomino Breeders Horse Association-stock/quarter type)
f) PtHA (Pinto Horse Association-stock/quarter type)
g) ABRA (American Buckskin Registry Assn.– stock/quarter type)
h) NQHR (National Quarter Horse Registry).

Does that mean that those are the only breeds that can show with them? If so I guess this endeavor is coming to an end before it begins.

[paulaedwina]

I found this article by a clinician laying out Ranch Pleasure AQHA, Ranch Riding ARHA, etc.

http://www.thehorsemenscorral.com/ranch-pleasure-is-back-to-basics/

Paula

[beau159]

[QUOTE=Draftmare;8391788]

Does that mean that those are the only breeds that can show with them? If so I guess this endeavor is coming to an end before it begins. :([/QUOTE]

That’s what it seems to sound like.

What breed is your horse?

You could always contact the ARHA to be sure and see if they make exceptions with documentation.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=beau159;8393979]
That’s what it seems to sound like.

What breed is your horse?

You could always contact the ARHA to be sure and see if they make exceptions with documentation.[/QUOTE]

She’s a Sugarbush Draft. I may contact them since by definition Sugarbushes have Appaloosa blood in them. She moves more like a stock horse.

[Cuttergal]

I know this post is a little old, but I show some ARHA shows. Yes, unfortunately the horses have to be registered in a breed association to be eligible to compete. You may encounter a show which offers Open classes, which don’t require registration, and they don’t count points.

Ranch riding is just like western pleasure, walk, trot, lope, stop, change directions, and some extend the trot.

[Draftmare]

[QUOTE=Cuttergal;8467485]
I know this post is a little old, but I show some ARHA shows. Yes, unfortunately the horses have to be registered in a breed association to be eligible to compete. You may encounter a show which offers Open classes, which don’t require registration, and they don’t count points.

Ranch riding is just like western pleasure, walk, trot, lope, stop, change directions, and some extend the trot.[/QUOTE]

I don’t see that they offer any open shows, or even open classes that don’t require a membership.