Working Ranch Horse
This class combines three areas of skill development for you and your horse. First you will complete a NVRHA Reining pattern. Second you will indicate you are ready for your cow to enter the arena where you will box the cow (for novice), box the cow on both ends (for Limited), box, fence and your choice to circle or rope and stop the cow (for Amateur/Open).
Reining – See the NVRHA web site to review the approved NVRHA patterns. One pattern is also approved for use at those events that are held in conjunction with an NVRHA & AQHA Versatility show.
Working the cow – After the rider completes the reining pattern, he or she will call for the cow which will be turned out into the arena where you will exhibit your horse’s ability to work the cow (box it) in the designated end of the arena for a sufficient amount of time (Novice / Limited)
The Amateur level riders will also box the cow and then also take the cow down the long side of the fence and strive to make the cow turn once each way on the fence. The first turn must be passed the center marker but the second turn can be made as quickly as possible on the fence for the higher maneuver score. Once the fencing is completed, the rider can choose to either circle the cow both directions to complete the run, or choose to rope and stop the cow. The decision on if the rider wants to rope or circle is often based on the particular type of cow that is drawn and how the cow is responding to the horse and rider in the boxing and fencing.
Roping or Circling– The rider is judged on how he/she handles their rope and stops the cow. The horse is judged on its ability to rate, track, and stop the cow. You are allowed two loops to be thrown in catching the cow. The rider’s rope cannot be tied hard to the saddle horn. It is not necessary for the rider to make a catch. However, there are penalties associated with not catching. If using a breakaway there are also associated penalties. If the rider chooses to circle, the object is to maneuver the cow smoothly at least 360 degrees in each direction without interference from the fence. The circle's size, symmetry, speed and relative balance from right and left show control.
See the NVRHA’s score sheets for all 5 classes for the scoring system. The pluses and minuses as well as minor and major penalties are clearly described. For further information on this category, refer to the NVRHA's current Rules & Regulations, or contact us for any clarification of this event.
See below for a sample of the Working Ranch Horse reining pattern.
Reining – See the NVRHA web site to review the approved NVRHA patterns. One pattern is also approved for use at those events that are held in conjunction with an NVRHA & AQHA Versatility show.
Working the cow – After the rider completes the reining pattern, he or she will call for the cow which will be turned out into the arena where you will exhibit your horse’s ability to work the cow (box it) in the designated end of the arena for a sufficient amount of time (Novice / Limited)
The Amateur level riders will also box the cow and then also take the cow down the long side of the fence and strive to make the cow turn once each way on the fence. The first turn must be passed the center marker but the second turn can be made as quickly as possible on the fence for the higher maneuver score. Once the fencing is completed, the rider can choose to either circle the cow both directions to complete the run, or choose to rope and stop the cow. The decision on if the rider wants to rope or circle is often based on the particular type of cow that is drawn and how the cow is responding to the horse and rider in the boxing and fencing.
Roping or Circling– The rider is judged on how he/she handles their rope and stops the cow. The horse is judged on its ability to rate, track, and stop the cow. You are allowed two loops to be thrown in catching the cow. The rider’s rope cannot be tied hard to the saddle horn. It is not necessary for the rider to make a catch. However, there are penalties associated with not catching. If using a breakaway there are also associated penalties. If the rider chooses to circle, the object is to maneuver the cow smoothly at least 360 degrees in each direction without interference from the fence. The circle's size, symmetry, speed and relative balance from right and left show control.
See the NVRHA’s score sheets for all 5 classes for the scoring system. The pluses and minuses as well as minor and major penalties are clearly described. For further information on this category, refer to the NVRHA's current Rules & Regulations, or contact us for any clarification of this event.
See below for a sample of the Working Ranch Horse reining pattern.
WORKING RANCH HORSE PATTERN I
- Beginning at the center of the arena, take, a right lead and complete two circles to the right, away from the judge, of moderate size and speed.
- At the center of the arena, change leads, and do two circles to the left, both of moderate size and speed.
- At the center of the arena, change leads.
- 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 the marker.
- Do a square, sliding stop, then hesitate.
- Turn left and begin a run to the opposite end of the arena Run the length of the arena past the marker.
- Do a square, sliding stop, then hesitate.
- Turn right, and begin a nmdown past the center marker of the arena.
- Do a square, sliding stop, and back to the center of the arena or at least 10 feet. Let the horse settle in the area of the stop.
- Do two spins to the right.
- Do two spins to the left.
- Hesitate to show completion of the pattern.
Above button is a link to the NVRHA's complete (printable) list of reining patterns for the Working Ranch Horse class.
