Herd Work:
This class will be judged on the horse’s natural ability to cut a cow from a small herd and keep it from returning. Exhibitors will be given 2 ½ minutes to work at least 2, but not more than 3 head of cattle. You may have up to 4 volunteer helpers for this class.
Boxing:
This class will be judged on a demonstration of control of a single cow worked (boxing) on the end of the arena to include position, control, degree of difficulty and eye appeal. The time limit of this class is 50 seconds from the time the gate is closed behind the cow entering the arena.
Tracking:
The object of this class is to demonstrate the rider’s ability to follow or “track” a single cow’s movements. This class is designed for those who are just starting with cattle work.
Flag:
This class is very similar to boxing, but work is done with a mechanical flag instead of live cattle. Flag Work is a great way to simulate cow work and is designed for riders who are working towards participating in cattle events.
Trail:
This class will be judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles with emphasis on efficient, correct working of each obstacle, manners and quality of performance.
Ranch Conformation:
The horse will be judged on type, conformation correctness, and athletic ability with the all-around equine in mind. Ranch Horse Conformation is defined as the physical attributes necessary to perform under saddle in multiple ranch horse events.
Ranch Showmanship:
Not judged on the conformation of the horse but shall be judged strictly on the exhibitor’s ability to communicate with the horse from the ground and show horse as if he were accomplishing basic unmounted ranch tasks by executing the posted pattern.
Ranch Riding:
This is a rail class. All horses work simultaneously in both directions at the required gaits at the direction of the judge.
Leadline:
These are free classes meant for our youngest riders. Horses will be guided with a lead line by an adult who is present for safety and support. The focus of these classes is fun and encouragement rather than competition.
Ranchmanship:
The purpose of this class is to bring forth the versatility in both the ranch horse and exhibitor, in the task of performing designated patterns, consisting of both Ranch Trail obstacles and Ranch Reining maneuvers.
Horsemanship:
This class is designed to evaluate the rider’s ability to execute, in concert with their horse, a set of maneuvers prescribed by the judge with precision and smoothness while exhibiting poise and confidence, and maintaining a balanced, functional, and fundamentally correct seat.
Working Western Eq:
This class focuses on the rider’s ability to control the horse with emphasis on proper riding techniques and horsemanship skills. This is a rail class. You may be asked to change or extend gaits, drop your stirrups, or perform basic maneuvers.
Ranch Reining:
This class will demonstrate the ability of the ranch horse to be reined willfully through all maneuvers of the posted pattern.
Many of our classes follow the guidelines of the American Ranch Horse Association. Further details of each class can be found in the ARHA rulebook. A PDF of the ARHA rulebook can be found here.