Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I try Versatility Ranch Horse in this association?
You will enjoy educational and social opportunities in a supportive, fun-loving environment. You can improve your horsemanship skills over time while having a barrel of fun. People have started with little knowledge of ranch horse skills and moved up in competence, yet there is no pressure to move anywhere. You can progress at the level you feel comfortable.
- What is the general feeling and atmosphere at these events?
You will find people to be very friendly and congenial. You are there to learn new skills and horsemanship but also to have fun! The evenings are about socializing, laughing, and relaxing!
- What do you do in a three-day event?
The first two days are typically clinic days where you will ride with others of similar ability in morning and afternoon sessions with the clinicians. i.e. herd work, trail, reining, cow work, ranch riding, etc. Generally, there is a dinner social in the evening. The third day is a schooling competition. The novices are coached through the classes by the judge/clinician. All riders will be given their score sheets to take home to review the judges' comments!
- What do I have to wear to compete?
Not too fancy -but a long sleeved collared western shirt and cowboy hat and boots are required. Riding helmets are permissible.
- What about tack?
Traditional ranch work saddles and bridles (not too much silver) are most often used. Split reins or a romal are acceptable. Horses six years and older must be ridden one handed and with a bridle bit. Horses five years and younger may be ridden two handed with a snaffle bit.
- What level rider do you need to be to compete in National Versatility Ranch Horse events?
Events are designed for all levels of riding skills: Youth, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced and Open for Trainers.
- What kind of horse do I need to compete?
Principal attributes of a versatility horse are a good mind, a balanced body and athletic ability.
- What are the events in Versatility Ranch Horse?
There are five: Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Ranch Cutting, Working Cow Horse, and Conformation.
- What is Ranch Riding?
This is an individual pattern that shows the horse's ability to move at a working speed with a rider at three gaits; walk, trot and lope, with the emphasis on smooth transitions.
- What is Ranch Trail?
This class contains a course with a minimum of seven obstacles where the horse will be judged on willingness and correctness at a walk, trot, and lope. Three mandatory obstacles include a gate, log drag, and ground tying.
- What is Working Cow Horse?
This class combines a reining pattern, boxing a cow and taking it down the fence to turn it both ways, and then roping it and bringing it to a stop. Fencing and roping are not included in Youth and Novice. This is a 6 minute timed event.
- What is Ranch Cutting?
This class is judged on the ability of the horse to separate a numbered cow from the herd, hold it away from the herd in the middle of the arena and then pen the cow. This is a 2 ½ minute timed event.
- Is VRH scoring the same or similar as AQHA?
There are many similarities, however NRVHA has their own Rules and Regulations handbook. One major difference is there is no DQ (Disqualification) Our “major penalty” is a -10 instead. Please see the web site for the current rules and regulations.
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