NVRHA Event Class Descriptions

Here is a compilation of NVRHA Event Descriptions. You can jump to a particular Event by clicking one of the following links.

Ranch Riding - Ranch Trail - Ranch Cutting - Ranch Conformation
Working Ranch Horse

Ranch Riding

This is a brief description of our Ranch Riding class. This class is ridden and judged individually. The patterns truly show how broke and responsive your horse is to your queues. (See below for the current patterns).

The patterns will have you walk, trot and lope in both directions, stop and back.  A ranch horse is expected to perform these functions at smooth working speeds.  The judge is looking for smooth transitions between gaits, keeping the correct lead and maintaining the correct gait between markers.

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)

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 our current Rules & Regulations, or, contact us for any clarification of this event www.nvrha.org.

The following are the current riding patterns.

(Click Here to Download a Printable Version)

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Ranch Trail

This is a brief description of our Ranch Trail class. The Ranch Trail class is designed to show your horses willingness to perform several tasks that might be asked of him during the course of a normal work day on the ranch. This class consists of 7 obstacles. Three are mandatory; 1) opening, passing through and closing a gate, 2) dragging a log and 3) dismount, ground tie, drop your bridle and re-bridle, pickup all 4 feet and remount. The horse will be judged on three gaits; the walk, trot and lope being performed between the obstacles.

• Opening and closing a gate. This can be performed several different ways. Be sure to consult your trail pattern for specifics. If you have questions or need clarification ask your event manager and/or judge prior to the class starting. The judge is unable to help you after the competition begins. When performing the gate maneuver you are not to let go of the gate at any time until you are finished. Letting go of the gate results in a penalty.
• Dragging a log. This can also be performed several different ways. Again, be sure to consult your trail pattern for specifics. If you have questions or need clarification ask your event manager and/or judge prior to the class starting.

Credit is given as to how smooth and quiet the horse performs this task.

• Dismount, unbridle & rebridle, ground tie, pick up feet and remount. This requires the horse to stand quietly while the rider dismounts, removes the bit completely from the horse's mouth, rebridles and ground ties. The rider then picks up all 4 feet and remounts all while the horse stands quietly.
  
  Credit is given as to how quiet the horse stands while you perform these functions.

Some of the other/optional obstacles may include crossing a water hazard, or a bridge, side passing over a log, carrying a slicker from one spot to another, roping a stationary steer etc.. Whenever possible, natural or realistic obstacles are encouraged.

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 our current Rules & Regulations, or, contact us for any clarification of this event www.nvrha.org.

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Ranch Cutting

This is a brief description of our Ranch Cutting class. You have two and one half minutes to perform this class will a one (1) minute remaining warning. The Cutting class requires that the horse/rider team sort a specific numbered cow out of the herd and demonstrate the horse's ability to work the cow in the center of the arena and keep it from the herd. Once the rider is satisfied that the horse has proven its cutting ability, you must pen the cow which is located at the far end of the arena. The cow must pass between the wall and a cone/marker and then be penned. If the cow does not pass between the wall and cone/marker or if you do not pen the cow, there is a penalty.

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 our current Rules & Regulations, or, contact us for any clarification of this event www.nvrha.org.

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Working Ranch Horse This is a brief description of our Working Ranch Horse class. This class combines three functions. The reining ability, cow sense and positioning in order to rope and stop a cow. You have 6 minutes to perform this class with a 2 minute remaining warning.

Reining - There are three (3) approved patterns for this class. Maneuvers include at least one circle in both directions, changing leads in each direction, at least one 360-degree turn in each direction, a rollback in each direction, stop and back. See below for Patterns I, II & III.

Working the cow - After the rider completes the reining pattern, he will call for the cow. Be sure you are very clear to the cattle handlers as to when you are ready for your cow. One cow will be turned out into the arena. Upon receiving the cow, you will exhibit your horse's ability to work the cow in the designated end of the arena for a sufficient amount of time. Then you will take the cow down the fence making at least one turn each way. Make sure on your first turn you have passed the center marker before making that turn, otherwise, there is a penalty.

Roping - The rider is judged on how he/she handles their rope. The horse/rider team must then rope and bring the cow to a stop. 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, if there is no catch, you will receive a -7 maneuver score, a -5 no catch penalty and a -5 for not stopping the cow. If using a breakaway, and you make the catch, you are only penalized a -5 for not stopping the cow.

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 our current Rules & Regulations, or, contact us for any clarification of this event www.nvrha.org.

The following are the current riding patterns.

(Click Here to Download a Printable Version)

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Working Ranch Horse Pattern III

Mandatory marker along Fence or Wall. Ride Pattern Follows:

1. Start at end of arena. Run past the center marker and do a square, sliding stop.
2. Back approximately 10 to 15 feet to center.
3. Do 2 spins to the right
4. Do 2 1/4  spins to the left
5. Begin on right lead and complete one right circle, small and slow. Change leads in the center of arena.
6. Complete one large, fast circle to the left. Change leads in the center of arena.
7. Continue loping around the end of the arena without breaking gate. Run straight down the right side of arena past the center marker. Stop and do a left roll back.
8. Continue back around the previous circle but do not close this circle. Run down the left side of the arena past the center marker. Stop and do a right roll back.
9. Continue past the center marker and do a square, sliding stop. 10. Hesitate to complete the pattern.

 

 

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Ranch Conformation

This is a brief description of our Conformation class. Conformation is based on the structural correctness, balance and functional ability of the horse. The horse's form, meaning its' structural correctness and balance, combined with function, meaning its' performance in the cutting, riding, working cow and trail classes, establishes the Ranch Conformation score. We call this "Form to Function".

Horses will walk to the judge one at a time, stop, and setup. The judge will look at your horse from many angles. Bear in mind that setting up and presenting your horse properly can add a great deal of appeal. Know your horses assets and liabilities and work with them the best you can. You will then trot off to a cone, turn left and continue trotting toward the wall or fence of the arena. You will then form a line of head to tail. If you need additional instruction on preparing for this class, be sure to request this at a NVRHA clinic that you attend.

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 our current Rules & Regulations, or, contact us for any clarification of this event www.nvrha.org.

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