476. VERSATILITY RANCH HORSE

(a) GENERAL RULES

(1) The purpose of the Versatility Ranch Horse class is to

demonstrate the performance, versatility and conformation of the

American Quarter Horse as a working ranch horse.

(2) All horses must be registered with the AMERICAN

QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION.

(3) Each exhibitor must have current individual membership

in the AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION or

the AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE YOUTH ASSOCIATION.

(4) One or multiple Judges may be used. However, when

multiple Judges are used, only one Judge per class is permitted.

Judges must be chosen from the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse

Approved Judges list.

(5) No horses, less than three years of age may be exhibited.

(6) No hoof polish.

(7) No braided or banded manes or tail extensions.

(8) Trimming inside ears is discouraged.

(9) Trimming bridle path is allowed, also trimming of fetlocks

or excessive (long) facial hair.

(10) Equipment with silver should not count over a good

working outfit. Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.

(b) GENERAL RULES FOR TACK AND EQUIPMENT

Will follow guidelines as set forth in AQHA’s Official Handbook of

Rules and Regulations.

(c) LAMENESS

Will follow guidelines as set forth in AQHA’s Official Handbook of

Rules and Regulations.

(d) POINTS

(1) AQHA Points will be awarded based on the final placing of all

eligible horses. To be eligible for points for the Versatility Ranch Class one

rider/one horse must enter all five classes. Credits will be applied per class

according to the placing received based on the number of horses competing in

that particular class. Horses competing and placing in the top nine will be

awarded one credit for each horse or contestant placing below them, plus one

additional credit, not to exceed nine credits for first place. Credits received in

each class will be totaled. After totaling credits, the horse receiving the highest

number of credits will be placed first in the Versatility Ranch Class. The horse

receiving the second highest credits will be placed second in the Versatility

Ranch Class and so on. AQHA points will be awarded in the Versatility Ranch

Class according to the existing point schedule. (See Chart 415A of the Official

Handbook of Rules and Regulations).

(2) Ties in the final placing for the Versatility Ranch Class will be

broken by the highest placing horse in the Working Ranch Class. All exhibitors

should be placed in the Working Ranch Class in order to break ties.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

(1) Current AQHA point system will apply

(2) Versatility ranch points will be awarded based on the

number of horses meeting all requirements outlined.

(3) A year-end High-Point award will be established for

Ranch and Youth divisions.

(4)Horses enrolled in the Incentive Fund will be eligible to receive

money earned based on total versatility ranch points earned.

SHOW APPROVAL

(1) Letter must be submitted a minimum of 90 days prior to the event

stating the date and location of the desired event for tentative approval.

(2) Approval of dates will be based on a 300 mile radius.

(3) The event will be approved if there is not an already

known similar approved versatility ranch event on the same date

within the mileage radius.

(4) Competition may be held in conjunction with other events.

(5) There will be a $50.00 approval fee.

(e) DIVISIONS:

(1) OPEN RANCH - For horses shown by the recorded owner or

by immediate family members as outlined in the AQHA Official Handbook; or

for horses shown by a full-time employee (six months or more), and/or children

of the ranch which owns the horse. In order for a person to show a horse

inVersatility Ranch Horse competition in which the exhibitor is not the current

listed owner, the exhibitor must be pre-approved through an AQHA

application to verify that the exhibitor derives at least seventy percent of their

total income from employment with the listed owner of the horse.

(2) YOUTH - for horses shown by exhibitors’ 18 years of age or

younger (age as of January 1st). the exhibitor must be the recorded owner of

the horse shown or show a horse owned by his or her immediate family members.

Exhibitor may show horses owned by a ranch where the exhibitor’s family

is a full time employee (six months or more).

(f) RANCH RIDING - This class shows the horse’s ability to

move at a working speed with a rider. Horses will be shown at three

gaits - walk, trot, and lope - in each direction of the arena. Horses

will also be asked to reverse away from the rail, to stop, and back.

The judge must ask for an extended trot and extended lope at least

one direction of the ring. A horse will be given credit for traveling

with his head held in a normal position, ears alert and moving at a

natural speed for the gait requested. Credit will also be given for

making a smooth transition between the gaits, for keeping the correct

lead, and for maintaining the gait requested until the judge

requests a change. A rider must show his horse with only one hand

on the reins, unless the horse is five years old or younger and is being

shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore (bosal). Finalists may be worked

individually at the discretion of the judge. Judges are encouraged to

work exhibitors thoroughly, if time permits.

(g) RANCH TRAIL - This class contains a course with a minimum of

six obstacles and is designed to show a horse’s ability and willingness to perform

several tasks that might be asked of him during the course of a normal days

ranch work. Whenever possible, realistic or natural obstacles are encouraged.

Also, the course is encouraged to be set outside of an arena using the natural

terrain of the land whenever possible. The horse will be judged on three gaits

- walk, trot, and lope - performed between six obstacles to be determined when

the judge chooses the pattern. A horse will be rewarded with higher credit for

performing these gaits on the correct lead and with an alert attitude.

(1) Horses to be shown at a ground-covering walk, working

trot, and lope. The horse should perform with a reasonably

loose rein that maintains contact with the horse. A distance of at

least 30 feet or more is mandatory between obstacles to evaluate

the horse’s way of going at each gait.

(2) Six obstacles will be used, three of which are mandatory and

eight that are optional. Combinations of two or more obstacles are permissible.

If three combinations of two obstacles are used, there must be sufficient

distance between one of the combinations to allow the horse to perform two

gaits. All obstacles must meet the approval of the judge.

Mandatory Obstacles:

(1) Opening, passing through and closing the gate. Use a

gate that will not endanger horse or rider. The rein hand may be

changed to work the gate without penalty if the change is made prior

to and after the gate has been worked.

(2) The horse shall remain quiet while the rider dismounts, removes

the bit completely from the horse’s mouth and rebridles, and then picks up all

four of the horse’s feet. The horse should remain still and quiet as the rider

remounts, leaving a loose rein. Once the rider is settled into the saddle and is

still, he or she may then move the horse forward.

(3) Log drag - Horse must be willing to drag a log for a

short distance, either in a straight line or around a set pattern. Rope

should be dallied around the saddle horn and not tied hard and fast.

A five point penalty will be assesed for first refusal, balk or

attempting to evade an obstacle by shying or backing more than

two strides away. An additonal five point penalty will be assesed for

second refusal, balk or attempting to evade an obstacle by shying

or backing more than two strides away.

Optional Obstacles:

(1) Water hazard - The horse should show willingness to

cross a small ditch or shallow pond (or simulated water obstacle).

(2) Hobble or ground tie (contestant’s option) - The horse

shall remain in place while the rider dismounts and performs a normal

ranch task such as moving a rail, moving a bale of hay, etc.

(3) Put on and remove slicker - Rider approaches slicker, removes

slicker from holder, puts on slicker and replaces slicker to holder.

(4) Remove, carry and replace item - Requires the

exhibitor to carry or remove an item that is used everyday on horseback

such as mail from a mailbox, sack, rope, etc.

(5) Bridge - Horse shows willingness to walk across obstacle

designed to simulate a bridge.

(6) Crossing obstacle - While mounted the horse would

walk over obstacle no more than 18” in height.

(7) Ride over at least four logs - Walking only if laid at odd

angles. Laid flat and in measured distances, the measuring point

should be the path the horse would be expected to take.

Trot overs 2’6” to 3’6”

Lope overs 6’ to 7’

(8) Stationary steer - This obstacle is used to show the willingness

of the horse to have a rope thrown from its back. The judge will give credit to

the horse that stands quietly while the contestant makes the swing and throw

at the stationary steer. Shying from the rope will be penalized, but missing the

stationary steer will not be penalized.

A judge has the right and duty to alter the course in any manner

or remove any obstacle deemed unsafe. All courses and obstacles

are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to eliminate any possible

accidents. It is permissible to change rein hand to work an

obstacle. An exhibitor that does not complete the course correctly

cannot place over another that performs the course correctly.

(h) RANCH CUTTING This class is judged on the ability of

the horse to work a cow by separating it from the herd, driving it

to the middle of the arena, holding it to demonstrate the horse’s

ability to work the cow and finally to pen the cow. A single numbered

cow is cut from the herd and the horse must demonstrate its

ability to work the cow. When satisfied that the horse has proven its

cutting ability, the horse and rider must then pen the cow at the far

end of the arena.

(1) Minimum number of cattle in the herd will be ten.

(2) Objective will be to cut one designated cow from the

herd and work the cow with the assistance of two turn back riders.

(3) Cattle to be located at one end of the arena. A pen with

wing will be located on the side fence near the far end of the arena.

Wing will stretch to the inside of the arena. (see diagram) A marker

will be placed in the arena with a variable distance of twenty to

forty feet from the side of the arena and corner of the pen.

(4) All cattle will be clearly marked with numbers. Cutters

will draw for cattle.

(5)There is a two and one half minute time limit. A whistle will be blown

at the one minute point in the run. Time will begin when a rider crosses a time line

just prior to entering the herd. The cow’s number is then called. The rider will then

quietly separate his/her numbered cow from the herd. Unnecessary roughness or disturbing

the herd excessively could result in disqualification.

(6) When satisfied that the horse has proven its cutting ability, the two

herd holders will move out of position to the sides of the arena and allow the con230

testant to drive the cow by them at the direction of the exhibitor. Show management

may supply two herd holders, or exhibitors may supply their own herd holders. If

an exhibitor is a herd holder, he or she may use the horse that they are competing on,

or use a different horse. Herd holders’ horses should be American Quarter Horses.

The exhibitor must drive the cow between the marker and corner of the pen and

continue to drive the cow into the pen.

(7) A contestant will be penalized if he fails to pen the cow

before the end of the two and one-half minutes or if the cow returns to

the herd.

(8) A contestant that does not perform all of the required

elements cannot be placed over a contestant that completes all the

required elements of the class.

Scoring: 100% will be judged by the horse’s performance and natural ability.

Horses will not be penalized for reining during cutting portion but should display

horse’s natural cow ability. If time and number of cattle permit, the judge

may, at his discretion, award new cattle, to enable to contestant to show his

horse’s ability on the cow, based on the following criteria:

(1) The cow won’t or can’t run

(2) The cow won’t leave the end of the arena

(3) The cow is blind or won’t yield to the horse

(4) The cow leaves the arena

(i) WORKING RANCH HORSE: This class combines the reining ability,

cow sense and roping ability of the horse and will be judged on horse’s reining ability,

cow sense and roping ability. Each contestant will perform individually. First

with the reining pattern and then releasing one cow into the arena.

(1) Each exhibitor will be allowed a maximum of six minutes

to complete the class. At the four minute mark there will be a

two-minute warning whistle. When the six-minute time limit has

expired, the exhibitor will be required to exit the arena.

(2) The class will be judged in three parts. The reining, the cow

work and the roping portion. At the end of the performance, the scores for

the three portions will be added together for the final score. Rules for scoring

the reining portion are defined in Section 451 of the AQHA handbook.

(3) The reining portion will be performed first using one

of the two patterns approved for this class. Each contestant will perform

the required pattern individually and separately.

(4) Rules for scoring the cow working portion are defined

in Section 452 of the AQHA Handbook. Roping is defined in Section

466 of the AQHA Handbook. However, in the working ranch

horse class, the horse will be judged only on its ability to trail, rate

and stop the cow. It is not necessary that the roper catch for the contestant

to receive a score in the roping portion. However, if there is

no catch, a five point penalty must be subtracted from the roping

score accumulated prior to the catch (i.e., if a horse trails and rates

its cow but no catch is made, the horse will receive the score it has

earned up to the point of the catch minus five points).

(5) After the exhibitor has completed his reining pattern,

he will call for the cow to be turned into the arena. Upon receiving

the cow, contestant shall hold the cow on the prescribed end of the

arena sufficient time to demonstrate the ability of the horse to contain

the cow on that end. After a reasonable amount of time, the

contestant shall take the cow down the fence, making at least one

turn each way on the fence. Exhibitor must then rope the cow and

bring it to a stop. There is to be no dragging. The exhibitor is

allowed only two throws. Any catch that holds the animal is a legal

catch. For shows conducted in Europe, allow circling of cow each

direction be substituted in place of roping or breakaway roping.

(6) For the entire class, reining, cow work and roping, an

average score will be 210 points. If the contestant fails to attempt

any part of the class, he or she will receive a zero for the entire class.

(7) Riders are not permitted to have their rope tied onto

the horn of the saddle.

(8) If time and number of cattle permit, the judge may, at

his discretion, award new cattle, to enable the contestant to show his

horse’s ability on the cow, based on the following criteria:

(1) The cow won’t or can’t run

(2) The cow won’t leave the end of the arena

(3) The cow is blind or won’t yield to the horse

(4) The cow leaves the arena.

WORKING RANCH HORSE PATTERN 1

Beginning at the center, take a right lead and do two circles to the

right, away from the judge, of moderate size and speed.

2. At the center of the arena, change leads and do two circles to

the left both of moderate size and speed.

3. At the center of the arena, change leads.

4. Go to the end of the arena without stopping or breaking gait,

and begin run down near the approximate center of the arena;

run the length of the arena past marker.

5. Do a square, sliding stop, hesitate.

6. Turn left and begin a run to the opposite end of the arena;

run length of arena past the marker.

7. Do a square, sliding stop, then hesitate.

8. Turn right, and begin a run down past the center marker of

the arena.

9. Do a sliding stop, and back to the center of the arena or at

least 10 feet (3 meters). Let horse settle in approximate area of

stop.

10. Do two spins to the right.

11. Do two spins to the left.

12. Hesitate to show completion of pattern.

WORKING RANCH HORSE PATTERN II

1. Start on right side of arena and lope to far end

of arena.

2. Stop and rollback to the right. Continue to other end

of arena.

3. Stop and rollback to the left. Continue to center of

arena.

4. Lope small, slow circle to left. Change leads.

5. Lope right circle with medium speed. Change leads.

6. Lope large fast circle to left. Change leads.

7. Lope large fast circle to right. Change leads.

8. Continue down arena.

9. Stop and back 10 to 15 feet.

10. Do 360-degree spin right or left.

11. Do 360-degree spin opposite direction taken in

12. Hesitate to show completion of pattern.

(j) RANCH CONFORMATION

Ranch

Stallions

Mares

Geldings

Youth

Mares

Geldings

The purpose of this class is to preserve American Quarter Horse type

by selecting well-mannered individuals in the order of their resemblance

to the breed ideal and that are the most positive combination

of balance, structural correctness, and movement with appropriate

breed and sex characteristics and adequate muscling. The ranch conformation

class should be held after the conclusion of the other four

events. All sexes will be shown together as one class. The Ranch conformation

class will be based on balance, structural correctness, breed

and sex characteristics, and degree of muscling with balance being the

most important. Horses are to be shown in a good working halter,

rope, braided, nylon, or plain leather halter. Horses will walk to the

judge one at a time. As the horse approaches, the judge will step to

the right to enable the horse to trot straight to a cone placed at 50 feet

away. At the cone, the horse will continue trotting, turn to the left

and trot toward the left wall or fence of the arena. After trotting, horses

will be lined up head to tail for individual inspection by the judge.

The judge shall inspect each horse from both sides, front and rear and

place the horses in order of preference.