02/22/2024
Ranch Riding is not the Ranch discipline
Originally posted Oct 2023, but as show season starts up just a reminder of what the Ranch discipline is.
I have been showing in the ranch discipline since 2015 when most shows only offered Ranch riding, Ranch pleasure, and ranch confirmation. I’ve attended many AQHA shows that only offered Ranch riding. I understand the confusion, but I would like to let y’all know that The class “Ranch Riding” IS NOT the standard for a great ranch horse. Ranch Riding is one class in a group of classes (That make up the Ranch discipline), each class measures the horses ability to complete maneuvers that you may see on the ranch.
I have heard these phrases recently “I am making a Ranch riding horse” or “I will just show my ranch horse in the ranch riding class.” These statements just say that you, the rider/trainer/teacher, are limiting you and your horse's ability. Ranch horses are made on the ranch, covering the country, and completing tasks to keep the ranch operating. If you're limiting yourself to just making a horse for a specific class then it has become a show horse and not a ranch horse.
I have also heard recently that “Ranch classes do not reward the real ranch horses, and the horses are fake Ranch horses.” I was told by a Texas Cowboy at the beginning of the ranch classes that A horse and rider should be able to go check fences and cows in the morning, then trailer to the show, and without changing anything give the show their best shot. Some horses will show better than others, there will always be ONE winner, so if you don’t win, then go home and fix the things that went wrong at the show. Did you think your ride was perfect, then video your rides and get a coach/trainer, or ride with someone better than you that will push you to be better.
The Ranch classes are made up of some maneuvers that your job is to seamlessly stitch them together so that the maneuvers move together. The maneuvers are walk, extended walk, trot, extended trot, lope, extended lope, lead change, side pass, turn around (Turn on the haunches), Stop, and back up. In the Ranch Trail class they can ask for any of those maneuvers while you address these tasks: opening and closing a gate, dragging an object, moving over poles, backing, going over a bridge, and side pass. These are the minimum required obstacles and more can be added.
At most shows the Ranch classes do not have live cattle, and a true ranch horse should just be scored on their ability to rate, work, and rope a cow. True, but we all have to start somewhere. When I started in the Ranch discipline I thought because I was riding a handy trail horse in a hackamore and we could get the job done then I should win. When I wasn’t winning I started riding with a multi-carded judge and after a tough show we were talking about my rides, and I was confident that I did a good job. She stopped me and said “The brokest horse will ALWAYS win.” The Judge(s) is just looking at the horses in front of them, it's up to YOU to bring them the best horse possible. Do not wait and hold back from showing until you have the best horse, go show, get your score sheets, video your rides, and bring home information on what you need to work on.
Shows are simply a gathering of like minded people that want to show off their skills. Don’t go to a show, stay by your trailer and see everyone as an enemy. Go break bread with other riders, share stories, connect with new and old friends. You are not competing against the other horses and riders there, you are competing against your personal best. As the ranch discipline has evolved and grown, if you dislike what horses the judge is rewarding, then go home and bring back the best horse that they cannot ignore.
In summary the ranch discipline is a collection of classes that challenge the horses and rider in their skills as if they would be on a ranch. Don’t limit yourself or your horse's ability, try all the classes, and if you fall short of your goals then work on it and bring back a better horse. This is not a discipline to show off how much your horse cost, how much your outfit costs, or even what trainer you're with ... .Just come and show off your skills with what you have.
Thoughts from Eddie Landry
Stache Ranch
Lady Raven Stables
Jennifer Sawyer
RD Ranch Versatility Horses
