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My understanding was you need to swing and throw a rope, but for scoring purposes it doesnāt matter if you actually rope the target (they are just looking for the horse to stand still). But someone please correct me if Iām wrong!!!
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In some classes under some organizations, yes, you are required to throw a rope. I mostly show at American Ranch Horse Association shows, for example, which require you to attempt to rope a dummy in the Ranch Trail class. Luckily, you arenāt required to actually ācatchā said roping dummy. The only thing I have ever successfully roped in that class is my own horseās head.
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I didnāt want to take any chances and used a TW rep who took tracings and then adjusted the panels when the saddle arrived! But otherwise you do send them tracings, they send you the saddle roughly configured to your horse and then you use the shims to make final adjustments.
Here is more info about the process: https://specializedsaddles.com/quick-start-guide/
I wonder if they have reps in New York State. I am in Central New York.
That is pretty funny. I watched a few videos and got a kick out of this. I will try and lasso my husband, age 67!
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Love your fingers and the horse. You look legit.
Yes, in Ranch Trail I have had to throw a rope. I find if I stay sitting in the saddle I canāt do it, so I stand in my stirrups as I throw and have had pretty good luck actually roping the āsteerā.
And, as an aside, the other competitors will cheer for any effort as they sit on their horses and watch, and itās an amazing feeling. Even the ones who rope their own heads, knock off their hats, or manage to rope their foot! Support Iāve never had when I showed the all-around classes at the breed shows. In the Ranch classes the experience is very different. I hope it stays that way.
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That actually sounds like my kind of p[eople and a lot of fun.
You are not required to wear chaps, although chaps are fun! I see mostly Chinks in Ranch, probably because they are in style and for warmer weather although any leather on your leg is going to be hot. She is wearing Chinks in the pic, those are western chaps that stop at the knee, meant for warmer weather climates. I also see A TON of Romels especially in the Arabian/Morgan world, although without the traditional Romel training. More of a current fashion again.
Western dressage does not (edited) require a horn.
No, horn is optional under WDAA rules! Just has to be a western type saddle with swells, skirt, and western fenders and stirrups. 
Oh wow! I swear I read otherwise. Oh well, canāt return that new saddle now 
Enjoy the new saddle. Youāll likely need the horn for the Ranch classes. I donāt think you can show the without it.
I have a friend who shows in the ranch classes on her QH with Romel reins. The East Coast Ranch Riding Association doesnāt allow a two-rein set up and she doesnāt like split reins, which are required if you donāt use Romels, even if you are riding in a snaffle bit. I showed for 2-3 years in just jeans; treated myself to a pair of chinks this year. I donāt like regular chaps because I am super short and anything off the rack is too long.
So I have a few more questions about the TW system. If I were to order a western dressage saddle, can I use that in ranch versatility classes? Also, are the adjustments in these saddles within the saddle itself or are they just shims? Last, I am trying to find a way to contact them and ask them some questions. Did they communicate with you when you ordered your saddle?
The TW western dressage saddle would be legal for ranch versatility.
Instead of the wool/fleece underside most western saddles have, the TW has a fiberglass covered wood tree which is all velcro on the underside. There is a thick foam panel that attaches to the tree, and then you use additional small foam wedges to tailor the fit. Here is a video that shows the process: https://youtu.be/gn_DFyy9rvY?feature=shared
I used a local rep who did that for me, itās probably not that hard but Iām just not confident trying to do it myself. Iāve had the fitter back once in the 2.5 years Iāve had the saddle for some adjustments.
I only dealt with my local rep (who was great), not corporate/HQ so I donāt know how helpful or responsive they are.
It looks like there are 2 reps in PA, that are probably closest to you. Maybe check if either serves your area? https://twsaddlery.com/sales-reps/
