The National Morgan Reining Horse Association!

(affiliate of the National Reining Horse Association)

NMRHA WORKING WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

NATIONAL MORGAN REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION

WORKING WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

ALL BREED HORSE SHOW

Reining /  Working Cowhorse /Ranch Horse Versatility/ Ranch Sorting,

Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Speed Classes, Futures division for 1,2 and 3 year olds.

Date August 23 move in, August 24, 25 show.

Sandhills Global Event Center. Formerly the Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, NE

Judge: Jay Henson

Mt. Chic Photography will be there to capture your moments!

Futures

Sunday, August 25, 2024    Start time approx. 9:00 am

Top Scoring Morgan Awards For Each Class

 NMRHA Membership fee of $25 if not already a member to qualify for NMRHA awards and prizes.

RANCH CONFORMATION

The purpose of a ranch conformation is to preserve ideal breed type by selecting well-mannered individuals in the order of their resemblances to the breed ideal that are the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness, and movement appropriate to the Ranch Horse. The ideal Ranch conformation horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail.

SHOWMANSHIP AT HALTER

The Showmanship class shall be designed to evaluate the exhibitor’s ability to execute, in concert with a well groomed and conditioned 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 body position.

It is mandatory that the judge post any pattern(s) to be worked at least one hour prior to the commencement of the class; however, if the judge requires additional work of exhibitors for consideration of final placing, the finals pattern may be posted. Pattern(s) should be designed to test the showman’s ability to effectively present a horse to the judge. All ties will be broken at the judges’ discretion.

 CLASS FORMAT.

 All exhibitors may enter the ring and then work individually or each exhibitor may be worked from the gate individually. When exhibitors are worked individually from the gate, a working order is required. The following maneuvers are considered acceptable: lead the horse at a walk, jog, trot or extended trot, or back in a straight or curved line, or a combination of straight and curved lines; stop; and turn 90° (1/4), 180° (1/2), 270° (3/4), 360° (full turn) degrees or any combination or multiple of these turns. The pull turn is an unacceptable maneuver. The judge must have exhibitors set the horse up squarely for inspection sometime during the class.

 Showmanship whips will not be allowed at shows for showmanship purposes. War bridles or like devices, or any type of wire or rope over a horse’s head are not permitted for showmanship purposes.

JUDGING

 Overall Presentation Of Exhibitor And Horse - The exhibitor’s overall poise, confidence, appearance and position throughout the class, and the physical appearance of the horse will be evaluated.

1) Presentation and Position of Exhibitor

 a. Appropriate western attire must be worn. Clothes and person are to be neat and clean. The use of any type of artificial aid including not limited to lighters, hay, dirt, sharp pins, etc. will be considered a disqualification.

b. Exhibitors should be poised, confident, courteous and genuinely sportsmanlike at all times, quickly recognizing and correcting faults in the positioning of the horse. The exhibitor should continue showing the horse until the class has been placed or they have been excused, unless otherwise instructed by the judge. The exhibitor should appear business-like, stand and move in a straight, natural and upright manner, and avoid excessive, unnatural or animated body positions.

c. The exhibitor must lead on the horse’s left side holding the lead shank in the right hand near the halter with the tail of the lead loosely coiled in the left hand unless requested by the judge to show the horse’s teeth. It is preferable that the exhibitor’s hand not be on the snap or chain portion of the lead continuously. The excess lead should never be tightly coiled, rolled or folded. When leading, the exhibitor should be positioned between the eye and the mid-point of the horse’s neck, referred to as the leading position.

d. Both arms should be bent at the elbow with the elbows held close to the exhibitor’s side and the forearms held in a natural position. Height of the arms may vary depending on the size of the horse and exhibitor, but the arms should never be held straight out with the elbows locked.

e. The position of the exhibitor when executing a turn to the right is the same as the leading position except that the exhibitor should turn and face toward the horse’s head and have the horse move away from them to the right.

f. When executing a back, the exhibitor should turn from the leading position to face toward the rear of the horse with the right hand extended in front of the exhibitor’s chest still maintaining slight bend in the elbow and walk forward. The ideal position is for the exhibitors left shoulder to be in alignment with the horses left front leg.

g. When setting the horse up for inspection, the exhibitor should stand angled toward the horse in a position between the horse’s eye and muzzle, and should never leave the head of the horse. The exhibitor should maintain a position that is safe for themselves and the judge. The position of the exhibitor should not obstruct the judge’s view of the horse and should allow the exhibitor to maintain awareness of the judge’s position at all times. The exhibitor should not crowd other exhibitors when setting up side-by-side or head-to-tail. When moving around the horse, the exhibitor should change sides in front of the horse with minimal steps and should assume the same position on the right side of the horse that they had on the left side.

h. Leading, backing, turning and initiating the set-up should be performed from the left side of the horse. At no time should the exhibitor ever stand directly in front of the horse. The exhibitor should not touch the horse with their hands or feet, or visibly cue the horse by pointing their feet at the horse during the set-up.

2) Presentation of Horse

a. The horse’s body condition and overall fitness should be assessed. The hair coat should be clean, well-brushed and in good condition. The mane, tail, forelock and wither tuft may not contain ornaments (ribbons, bows, etc.), or be braided or banded. The length of mane and tail may vary, as long as they are neat, clean and free of tangles. The mane should be even in length. The bridle path, eyebrows, and long hair on the head and legs may be clipped, except where government regulations prohibit.

b. Hooves should be properly trimmed and if shod, the shoes should fit correctly and clinches should be neat. Hooves must be clean and shown naturally.

 c. Tack should fit properly and be neat, clean and in good repair.

3) Performance

a. The exhibitor should perform the work accurately, precisely, smoothly, and with a reasonable amount of speed. Increasing speed of the work increases the degree of difficulty, however, accuracy and precision should not be sacrificed for speed. The horse should lead, stop, back, turn and set up willingly, briskly and readily with minimal visible or audible cueing. A severe disobedience will not result in a disqualification but should be penalized severely, and the exhibitor should not place above an exhibitor that completes the pattern correctly. Excessive schooling or training, willful abuse, loss of control of the horse by the exhibitor, failure to follow prescribed pattern, knocking over or working on the wrong side of the cones shall be cause for disqualification.

b. The horse should be led directly to and away from the judge in a straight or curved line and track briskly and freely at the prescribed gait as instructed. The horse’s head and neck should be straight and in line with the body.

c. The stop should be straight, prompt, smooth and responsive with the horse’s body remaining straight.

d. The horse should back up readily with the head, neck and body aligned in a straight or curved line as instructed.

e. The horse should be set up quickly with the feet squarely underneath the body. The exhibitor does not have to reset a horse that stops square.

f. On turns of greater than 90 degrees, the ideal turn consists of the horse pivoting on the right hind leg while stepping across and in front of the right front leg with the left front leg. An exhibitor should not be penalized if their horse performs a pivot on the left hind leg, but an exhibitor whose horse performs the pivot correctly should receive more credit.

g. A pull turn to the left is an unacceptable maneuver.

4) Scoring

Scoring will be on a basis of 0-infinity with 70 denoting an average performance. The individual maneuvers scored in ½ point increments from a low of -3 to a high of +3 with a score of zero denoting a maneuver that is correct with no degree of difficulty. A final score of 0 to +5 will be given for overall form and effectiveness at the completion of each run.

A contestant will be penalized each time the following occur:

 a) Three (3) Point Penalty

1) Break of gait at walk or jog/trot for up to 2 strides

2) Over or under turning up to 1/8 of a turn

3) Ticking or hitting cone

4) Sliding a pivot foot

5) Lifting a pivot foot during a pivot and replacing it in same place.

6) Lifting a foot in a set-up and replacing in the same place after presentation.

b) Five (5) Point Penalty

1) Not performing gait or not stopping within 10 feet of designated area

2) Break of gait at walk or jog/trot for more than 2 strides

3) Splitting the cone (Cone between horse and handler)

4) Stepping out of or moving the hind end significantly during a pivot or turn.

5) Failure to stay in set-up during presentation.

6) Over/under turning ⅛ to ¼ of designated turn

7) Horse resting a foot or hipshot in a set-up.

c) Ten (10) Point Penalty (avoids disqualification but should be placed below other exhibitors that do not incur a severe fault

1) Exhibitor is not in the required position during inspection.

2) Exhibitor touching the horse or kicking or pointing their feet at the horse’s feet during set up

3) Standing directly in front of the horse

4) Loss of lead shank or holding chain or two hands on shank.

5) Severe disobedience including but not limited to; rearing or pawing; horse kicking at other horses, exhibitors or judge; or horse continuously circling the exhibitor

6) Horse stepping out of or moving the hind end significantly during a pivot or turn more than one time.

d) Disqualifications (should not be placed) include:

1) Loss of control of horse that endangers exhibitor, other horses or exhibitors, or judge including the horse escaping from the exhibitor

2) Failure of exhibitor to wear correct number in a visible manner

3) Willful abuse

4) Excessive schooling or training, or use of artificial aids

5) Knocking over the cone or going off pattern

6) Never performing specific gait

7) Over or under turning more than ¼ turn of designated turn

 8) Illegal equipment

RANCH LUNGE LINE

PURPOSE

The purpose of showing a horse on a lunge line is to demonstrate that the horse has the movement, manners/expression and attitude to become competitive Ranch Horse under saddle.

Therefore, the purpose of this class is to reward:

a) Quality of Movement,

b) Manners/Expression/Attitude,

This class should define what it means to be a Ranch Horse prospect. The horse should be judged with its suitability as a future performer under saddle in mind according to the age group. Yearlings are not expected to demonstrate the behavior or quality of a finished show horse etc . The horse must have a performance necessary for a reasonable presentation to the judge.

CLASS FORMAT

The class will consist of a lunging demonstration lasting one and onehalf minutes (90 seconds)

a.  Show Management is required to provide a 5-minute warm-up period for all

b. The use of a scribe for each judge is mandatory.

 c. The lunging demonstration will begin at the sound of a whistle or other audible indicator. When the “begin” signal is given, the exhibitor will be allowed 1 ½ minutes (90 seconds) to present the horse at all three gaits in both directions. At the end of 1 ½ minutes, the signal will be given to signify the end of the demonstration. Show management has the option of adding a “half-way” signal if they choose.

 SCORING

Scoring will be on a basis of 0-infinity with 70 denoting an average performance. Each evaluated element will receive a score that will be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should also be subtracted. The score reflects the horse’s performance on that day.

Penalty 5: Failure to walk a minimum of two horse lengths, failure to jog/trot a minimum of ¼ (quarter) of a circle, failure to demonstrate the correct lead for a minimum of ¼ (quarter) of a circle.

Penalty Score 0: Evidence of lameness, striking of the horse to cause forward or lateral movement, fall to the ground by horse, horse steps over or becomes entangled in the lunge line, improper equipment, evidence of abuse, failure to show all three gaits in both directions, exhibitor shows disrespect toward judge, any time horse becomes detached from the handler, failure to complete trot off for soundness in three attempts

The judge(s) has the sole discretion to use their own personal preference to break any ties in total points.

EQUIPMENT

a.      Well fit western halter.

b.      Lunge line

LUNGING DEMONSTRATION

a.  For the lunging demonstration, the only attachment allowed to the halter is the lunge line. The lunge line may not exceed 30 feet in length with a snap attached to the halter. The lunge line must hang free from the halter without touching any part of the horse.

b. It is permissible to use a lunge whip however, disqualification will occur anytime the exhibitor strikes the horse to cause forward or lateral movement at any time during the lungeing demonstration. 

c. No other equipment is allowed on the horse during the class. Mechanical or retractable lunge lines are not allowed.

d) Exhibitors are not to be penalized for using regular halters and plain lunge lines, nor are they to be rewarded for using show halters and lunge lines. Only movement, manners/expression/way of going, and conformation are being judged. The type of equipment used is not to be a consideration in placing the horse as long as the equipment meets the requirements stated above.

ATTIRE 

Conventional Western attire is mandatory. The type of attire worn by the exhibitor is not to be a consideration in placing the horse as long as the attire meets this requirement.

GAIT

Gaits should be those that would befit a Ranch Horse

MANNERS/EXPRESSION/ATTITUDE

Horses will be penalized for obvious signs of overwork and sourness such as ear-pinning, head-throwing, striking, tail-wringing, or a dull, lethargic manner of going. They will also be penalized for dangerous behavior such as excessive bucking, cutting into the circle, or running off. Additionally, incidental touching the horse with the whip, cross-cantering, balking, backing up on the lunge line and excessive urging from the exhibitor should be penalized accordingly.

RANCH IN-HAND TRAIL

 JUDGING GUIDELINES

Judges should consider the overall appearance of the horse, conditioning and grooming, and the equipment (dirty, ill-fitting or ragged equipment) in their overall scores. Also to be considered is the correctness of the horse while being led. Drifting to the side, leading or stopping crooked, failure to maintain a pivot foot in a turn, leading or turning sluggishly should be considered and evaluated in the horse’s maneuver scores and reflected in his overall score. Handlers should be discouraged from excessive verbal cues and excessive stiff or unnatural movements around horse or when leading. For safety reasons, those handlers continuously holding the chain on the lead, tightly coiling lead shank around hand, or dragging the lead shank should be penalized.  All faults are to be assessed against the horse and not the exhibitor.

SCORING SYSTEM.

Scoring will be on the basis of 0-infinity, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each obstacle will receive an obstacle score that should be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should be subtracted. Each obstacle will be scored on the following basis, ranging from plus 1½ to minus 1½:-1½ extremely poor,- 1 very poor,-½ poor, 0 correct, +½ good, +1 very good, +1½ excellent. Obstacle scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points. Credit will be given to those horses negotiating the obstacles cleanly, smoothly, and alertly with style in prompt response to the handler’s cues. Penalties should be assessed per occurrence as follows:

1. One half ( ½ ) POINT.

Each tick of log, pole, cone, plant or obstacle.

2. One (1) POINT.

a. Each hit, bite or stepping on a log, pole, cone, plant or any component of the obstacle.

b. Incorrect or break of gait at walk or jog for two strides or less.

c. Both front or hind feet in a single-strided slot or space.

d. Skipping over or failing to step into required space. e. Failure to meet the correct strides on trot over log obstacles.

3. Three (3) POINTS.

a. Incorrect or break of gait at walk or jog for more than 2 strides.

b. Knocking down an elevated pole, cone, barrel, plant or obstacle, or severely disturbing an obstacle unless caused by the tail.

c. Stepping outside the confines of, falling or jumping off or out of an obstacle with one foot once the foot has entered obstacle; including missing one element of an obstacle on a line of travel with one foot.

4. Five (5) POINTS.

a. Dropping slicker or object required to be carried on course.

b. First or second cumulative refusal, balk, or evading an obstacle by shying or backing.

c. Letting go of gate or dropping rope gate.

d. Use of either hand to instill fear or praise (slight touching or tapping with one hand to cue horse in a sidepass maneuver only is acceptable).

e. Stepping outside the confines of, falling or jumping off or out of an obstacle with more than one foot once the foot has entered obstacle; including missing one element of an obstacle on a line of travel with more than one foot.

f. Blatant disobedience (including biting, kicking out, bucking, rearing, striking or continuously circling the exhibitor).

5. Zero (0) total score for course (disqualification).

a. Performing the obstacles other than in specified order.

 b. No attempt to perform an obstacle.

c. Equipment failure that delays completion of pattern.

d. Excessively or repeatedly touching the horse.

e. Failure to enter, exit or work obstacle in any manner other than how it’s described, including overturns of more than 1⁄4 turn.

f. Failure to follow the correct line of travel between obstacles.

g. Working outside designated boundary marker of the arena or course area.

h. Third cumulative refusal, balk, or evading an obstacle by shying or backing over entire course.

 i. Failure to demonstrate correct gait between obstacles as designated.

 j. Horse gets loose from exhibitor.

k. Leading or backing on the wrong side of the horse. Leading and backing should be performed from the left side of the horse.

 l. Fall of horse or handler.

m. Excessive schooling, pulling, turning or backing anywhere on course.

n. Failure to complete obstacle (i.e. dropping the rope gate and not picking it up.

E. EXHIBITOR REQUIREMENTS.

1. Exhibitor must use only the right hand on the lead where the chain begins, and lead on the horse’s left side. A chain or cord (5/16in minimum diameter) may be used either under the chin or hanging from the halter, only. Any other use of the chain will result in disqualification. Chain or cord may not be used over the nose. A lead without a chain can be snapped directly to the halter under the chin. Exhibitor must use only the left hand to carry the excess lead, looped loosely except when:

a. Carrying an object from one part of the arena to another.

 b. Dragging an object from one part of the arena to another.

c. Opening/closing a gate, left hand gate only. In these cases, the right hand can also carry the excess lead.

 d. Sidepassing. In this case, the lead at the chain and the excess lead can be held in the hand at the horse’s head.

2. Exhibitors should be poised, confident, courteous and sportsmanlike at all times. The exhibitor should continue showing the horse until the class has been placed or excused.

3. Any stops should be straight, smooth and responsive with the horse’s body remaining straight. Backing and turning should be performed from the left side of the horse. The exhibitor should face the horse when backing. Exception: When negotiating a gate, the exhibitor is not required to face the horse. The horse should back up readily with the head, neck and body aligned in a straight or curved line as 129 instructed.

4. When executing a turn to the right, the exhibitor should face the horse and move the horse away from them. On turns of less than 90 degrees, it is acceptable to lead the horse toward them. On turns of 90 degrees or greater, the horse should pivot on the right or left hind leg while stepping across with the front legs.

 5. Exhibitor is not allowed to touch the horse, except when sidepassing.

F. OBSTACLES

Course will include a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 obstacles and must be designed using a minimum of one obstacle from each of the following divisions. Complexity of courses may increase throughout the calendar year, keeping in mind that this class is designed to expose the yearling two-year-old year. Course designs in January early in the show season should be very basic compared to later course designs.

Division A

1. Lead over at least four logs or poles. These can be in a straight line, curved, zigzag, or raised. The space between the logs is to be measured and the path the horse is to take should be the measuring point. Trotovers cannot be elevated in Novice classes. All elevated elements must be placed in a cup, notched block, or otherwise secured so they cannot roll. The height should be measured from the ground to the top of the element. Spacing for walkovers and trotovers should be as follows or increments thereof.

a. Walk-overs. The spacing for walkovers shall be 20” to 24” (50- 60 cm) and may be elevated to 12” (30 cm). Elevated walkovers should be set at least 22” (55 cm) apart.

b. Trot-overs. The spacing for trot-overs shall be 3’ to 3’3” (90- 100 cm) and may be elevated to 8” (20 cm).

Division B

1.  Sidepass. An object of such nature and length, which is safe may be used to demonstrate the responsiveness of the horse to signals at its side. If raised, height may not exceed 2 feet (60.96cm). The obstacle should be designed to require the horse to sidepass, to the right or left, off pressure or signal, on or near its side. The obstacle should be in the course design such that the horse comes up to it, but does not cross or straddle it while completing the sidepass. The exhibitor is allowed to touch the horse on the side during the sidepass.

2. Lime Circle. Requiring either:

a. Turn on the forehand with front feet inside and back feet turning outside the circle. The handler may hold the horse and the excess lead in his/her left hand during the turn.

b. Turn on the haunches with hind feet inside and front feet turning outside the circle.

3. Square, minimum 8' (2.4383m) sides. Lead into the square. While all four feet are confined in the square, make a 360 degree or less turn and lead out. Handler may remain inside or outside the square.

4. Gate. The gate must be set up so that it is a minimum of four feet (1.2192m) in length and four feet (1.2192m) in height and so that the exhibitor can open from his/her left side. It is permissible to carry excess lead in the right hand while negotiating the gate. Handlers losing control of the gate while passing through shall be penalized and scored accordingly.

Division C

Back through. Shall consist of either:

a. Poles. Straight L, double L, V, U or similar shaped obstacle. Poles should be on the ground, 30 inches (76.2cm) between minimum. Handler may remain outside or inside the poles.

 b. Barrels or Cones, minimum of three. 36 inches (91.44cm) between minimum. Handler and horse can pass between barrels or cones together.

 c. Triangle. 36 inches (91.44cm) between minimum at entry and 40 inches between minimum for sides. Note: If guardrails are used with b. or c. they shall be 3 (91.44cm) to 4 (121.92cm) feet from the sides of the obstacle.

d. Bridge. A bridge with a wooden floor not to exceed 12 inches (30.48cm) in height and with or without side rails not less than 48 inches (121.92cm) apart will be used. 3. Water Hazard. A ditch or shallow pond of water may be used. A horse must pass through this obstacle, which must be large enough so that to properly complete this obstacle all four feet of the horse must step in the hazard. When a water hazard/box is used, it shall remain dry at all times in all divisions. Management may not place any item in the hazard. If a box is used, simulated water is permissible. 4. Simulated Water. Water may only be simulated by using a solid piece of painted wood

Division D.

1. Carrying Object. Any object, other than animal or fowl, and of a reasonable size or weight, may be carried to a specific point.

2. Drag or Pull. Any object other than animal or fowl which can reasonably be pulled or dragged by the exhibitor. This obstacle should be in the course design such that the item to be dragged is on the handler’s left side. The excess lead may be carried in the handler’s right hand.

 3. Mailbox. Remove and/or replace items. Sidepass is optional. Note: Obstacles 1 and 3—if the object will be picked up/put down or opened/closed on the horse’s right side, the handler is allowed to hold the horse and the excess lead in his/her left hand while negotiating the obstacle.

4. Serpentine. Obstacle consisting of four pylons, guardrails optional, through which a horse will maneuver at a walk or jog-trot. Guardrails shall consist of poles placed parallel and a minimum of 4 feet (121.92cm) from the base of pylons; walk-pylons, minimum 4 feet (121.92cm) apart, base to base. Jog-trot pylons, minimum 7 feet (213.36cm) apart, base to base.

5. Jog-around. Square consisting of 4 poles, minimum 12 feet (3.6576m) long, and a pylon placed in the center of the square. Exhibitor will enter over a designated pole, perform a minimum 90 degree jogaround the pylon and exit over the designated pole. The handler should be in the box with the horse. For jog-arounds greater than 90 degrees, the jog-arounds will be performed as a left turn where the exhibitor will be next to the pylon during the jog-around.

 6. Jog-through. Shall consist of poles L, double L, V, U or similar shaped obstacle. Poles should be on the 3 feet (91.44cm) minimum and 4 feet (121.92cm) maximum. Handler may be inside or outside the jog-through.

FUTURES RANCH RIDING PATTERN WALK-TROT

The purpose of the ranch riding class is to measure the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse should reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working ranch horse riding outside the confines of an arena. The horse should be well-trained, relaxed, quiet, soft and cadenced at all gaits. The ideal ranch horse will travel with forward movement and demonstrate an obvious lengthening of stride at extended gaits. The horse can be ridden with light contact or on a relatively loose rein without requiring undue restraint, but not shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the ranch riding horse to make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner, as well as the quality of the movement are of primary considerations. The ideal ranch riding horse shall have a natural head carriage at each gait.

For this class only walk or trot maneuvers will be used.

MANEUVERS

1. Each horse will work individually, performing both required and optional maneuvers, and scored on the basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each maneuver will receive a score that should be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should be subtracted. Each maneuver will be scored on the following basis, ranging from plus 1 1/2 to minus 1 1/2.: -1 1/2 extremely poor, -1 very poor,-1/2 poor, 0 correct, +1/2 good, + 1 very good, + 1 1/2 excellent. Maneuver scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points. 

2. The required maneuvers will include the walk, trot, and lope both directions and the extended trot and extended lope at least one direction, as well as stops and back.

3. Three optional maneuvers may include a side pass, turns of 360 degrees or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, trot, or lope over a pole(s); or some reasonable combination of maneuvers that would be reasonable for a ranch horse to perform. 

4. The maneuvers may be arranged in various combinations with final approval by the judge.

5. The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be as those with an emphasis on forward movement, free-flowing, and ground covering for all gaits. Transitions should be performed where designated, with smoothness and responsiveness. 

6. No time limit.

7. Posting or standing in the stirrups at the extended trot is acceptable.

8. Touching or holding the saddle horn is acceptable.

APPAREL AND SHOW EQUIPMENT

All legal show equipment and apparel is acceptable. Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.

GAITS

In all gaits, movement of the ranch riding horse should simulate a horse needing to cover long distances, softly and quietly, like that of a working ranch horse with a natural topline with a bright, attentive expression, as a representation of the breed and conformation of the horse. The following terminology shall apply:

a. Walk-The walk is a natural, flat footed, four-beat gait. The gait is rhythmic and ground-covering. As in all gaits, the horse should display a natural topline with a bright, attentive expression.

b. Trot- The trot is a natural two-beat gait demonstrating more forward motion than the western jog.

c. Extended Trot- The extended trot is an obvious lengthening of the stride with a definite increase in pace. The horse should be moving in a manner as if it were covering a large area on a ranch with an above level topline.

d. Lope- The lope is a three-beat gait. The lope should be relaxed and smooth with a natural, forward moving stride.

 e. Extended Lope- The extended lope is not a run or a race but should be an obvious lengthening of the stride, demonstrating a forward, working speed. The horse should display a natural topline with a bright, attentive expression.

RANCH RIDING PENALTIES. A contestant shall be penalized each time the following occur:

One (1) point penalties:

1. Too slow/per gait

2. Over-Bridled

3. Out of Frame

4. Break of gait at walk or jog for 2 strides or less

Three (3) point penalties:

 1. Break of gait at walk or jog for more than 2 strides

2. Break of gait at lope; wrong lead or out of lead

3. Excessive draped reins

4. Severe disturbance of any obstacle

Five (5) point penalties:

Blatant disobedience (kick, bite, buck, rear, etc.) for each refusal.

Placed below horses performing all maneuvers:

1.      Eliminates maneuver.

2.      Incomplete maneuver

 Zero (0) score:

1. Illegal equipment including hoof black, braided or banded manes, or tail extensions

2. Willful abuse

3. Major disobedience or schooling

No specific penalties will be incurred for nicks/hits on logs but deduction may be made in maneuver score.

No specific penalties will be incurred for over/ under spins but deduction may be made in maneuver score