Ranch Horse Conformation

The horse will be judged on type and conformation correctness only. Conformation is defined as the physical attributes necessary to perform under saddle. The horse should possess eye appeal with an attractive head; refined throat-latch; well-proportioned trim neck; long sloping shoulder; deep heart girth; short back; strong loin and coupling; long hip and croup. The ideal standard should in evaluating horses in conformation should include, but not limited to, soundness and correctness in conformation, particularly feet and legs, with emphasis on correct manner of travel. The horse should show balance and uniform muscling. Horses are not penalized for scars or brands.

Judging Procedure

All entries will enter the arena individually, walking to the judge one at a time. As the horse approaches, the judge will step to the right (left of the horse) to enable the horse to trot straight to a cone placed at 50 feet away. At the cone, the horse will continue trotting, turn to the left and trot towards the left wall or fence of the arena. After trotting, horses will be lined up head to tails for individual inspection by the judge. The judge shall inspect each horse from both sides, front and rear.

Equipment

Horses are to be shown in good working halter; rope, braided, nylon or plain leather. No silver will be allowed on halters with the exception of the mandatory buckles only. Keepers on open buckles are allowed, but tips are not. No whips will be allowed nor hair dyes nor hoof polish used. The horse should be clean and brushed. It is recommended that a horse should be shown as naturally as possible. Banded or braided manes and tail extensions are not allowed.

Grand & Reserve Champion

a) It is mandatory that the judge select a Grand Champion and Reserve Champion in each sex division in Open. If Amateur and Youth offers Category A (split age divisions) then Grand and Reserve Champion must be held in each sex division.

b) When judging of all classes in halter division has been completed, all first and second-place class winners of that sex division shall return to the ring, with the first place class winners in one line and the second-place horses from each class in another line.

c) Grand Champion Mare, Stallion and Gelding will be chosen from the first (1) place class winners in the respective sex division. If the first place horse does not return, for any reason, the second place horse will move up to first place line and be considered for Grand and Reserve. The third place horse cannot move up to second place in the class.

d) The second place horse in the class from which the Grand Champion had been selected and place it in the line with the first place winners, to be judged equally for the title of Reserve Champion stallion, mare or gelding in the respective sex division.

e) Grand Champions will receive two (2) more points than any other horse in their gender division. Reserve Champions will receive one (1) more point than any other horse in their gender division.

All stallions two years and over shall have two visible testicles. All mares and stallions shall be examined for parrot mouth. All lame horses, cryptorchids and parrot mouthed horses should be excused from the ring prior to final placing by the judge.

Obvious lameness is cause for disqualification. Obvious lameness:

a) Consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances.

b) Marked nodding, hitching or shorten stride.

c) Minimal weight bearing in motion and/or at rest, and inability to move.

Conformation classes maybe offered in Open, Amateur and Youth conformation divisions. Conformation classes (split sexes required) are recommended for every show. Amateur and Youth may offer combined age classes in each sex division (category B) or age division (category A) stated below. Youth are not permitted to show stallions.

Open classes may not combine classes. Open classes as follows:

1. Weanlings, both fillies and colts - only offered in shows held between August 1 and December 31.
2. Yearlings: mares, stallions, geldings
3. Two Year Olds: Mares, stallions and geldings
4. Three Year Olds: Mares, stallions and geldings
5. Four & Over: Mares, stallions and geldings

If Amateur or Youth Conformation Classes are held, the show management may, at its discretion , offer the classes shown in either category A or B. Halter classes cannot be combined or split at the show:

The following group/breeders' classes maybe be offered at the World Show, Regional Shows and at Charter shows at the discretion of the show management. Winners from these classes are not eligible for Grand and Reserve awards.

All offspring shown in the Mare and Foal, Produce of Dam, Sire and Get, and Get of Sire classes must be registered with ARHA.

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Performance Classes

Horse's performance ability and willingness is to be judged. Working tack shall be used. An excess show of silver on saddles or bridles is not allowed.

All competitors shall wear western clothing; it should be appropriate working ranch wear. This will include a long sleeved shirt with a collar, western boots with a heel, and a western hat. Show management or judge may alter the dress require in extreme weather conditions. The hat must be on the rider's head when the exhibitor enters the arena. Spurs and chaps are optional. It is optional that exhibitor may wear a hard hat with harness in all classes.

Horses that have been disqualified in a class shall not be placed.

Exhibitors may enter one or more horses in an individual working class (i.e.: reining, working cow horse, western riding, barrel racing, etc.), but each horse may only have one rider per class.

Junior horses 5 years and younger may be shown two-handed using a snaffle bit or bosal.

Junior horses ridden with acceptable bit, other than a snaffle, must be ridden with one hand on the reins. This rule pertains regardless of a junior horse being ridden in a junior class or an all age combined class.

Senior horses 6 years and older must be ridden in acceptable curb bit and only one hand on the reins unless a romal is used. In the case of romal being used, two hands on the reins are permitted with one hand holding the extension and a 16 inch spacing between the reining hand and the hand holding the extension.

Whenever this rule book refers to "hackamore" it means the use of a flexible, braided rawhide, leather or rope bosal. This bosal must have a maximum diameter of 3/4" or a minimum of 1/4" at the cheek. Absolutely no rigid material will be permitted under the jaw regardless of how padded or covered. This paragraph does not refer to a "mechanical" hackamore.

Whenever this hand book refers to a bit, it means the use of a curb bit that has a solid or broken mouthpiece, has shanks and acts with leverage. All curb bits must be free of mechanical device and should be considered a standard western bit.

Acceptable snaffle bits are conventional O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring with a ring no larger than 4". The mouthpiece should be round, smooth, unwrapped metal. No twisted-wire snaffles will be allowed. The bars must be a minimum 5/16" in diameter, measured 1" from the cheek with a gradual decrease to the center of the snaffle. The mouthpiece may be 2 or 3 pieces. If it is a three (3) piece, a connection ring of 1 1/4" or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (measured from top to bottom) which lies flat in the horse's mouth are acceptable. Chin straps, leather or nylon, or chain must be 1/2" minimum in width. Reins to be attached above the chin strap.

GENERAL RULES FOR WESTERN BITS

a) bits with a maximum shank length of 81/2"

b) Bars of mouthpieces must be round smooth and unwrapped metal 5/16" to 3/4" in diameter measured 1" from the cheek.

c) Bits cannot have protrusions below the bars.

d) The mouthpiece maybe two (2) or three (3) pieces. If it is a three (3) piece, a connection ring of 1 1/4" or less in diameter, or a connecting flat bar of 3/8" to 3/4" (measured from top to bottom) with a maximum length of 2" which lies flat in the horse's mouth is acceptable.

e) The port must be no higher than 21/2" maximum. Rollers and covers are acceptable.

Slip or gag-bits and donut and flat polo, twisted wire mouth pieces are NOT allowed in judged events, except for roping and may be used in speed events, if not severe.

Chain chin straps are allowed, but must meet the approval of the judge, must be at least one-half (1/2") inch in width and must lie flat against the jaw of the horse.

When curb bit is used, one (1) hand only. Index finger only between split rein. Violation of these rules is an automatic disqualification. Whenever the hand book refers to romal, it means an extension of braided material attached to closed reins. This extension is allowed to be carried in the free hand with a 16" spacing between the reining hand and the free hand holding the romal. The romal should not be used forward of the cinch or used to signal or cue the horse in anyway. Any infraction will be penalized severely by the judge.

In all riding classes, horse must be shown in a western, stock type saddle with a horn. Saddles and other equipment should be suitable for ranch work. Excessive silver will be considered a major fault and can be grounds for disqualifications.

In all riding classes, horse must be shown in a western, stock type saddle with a horn. Saddles and other equipment should be suitable for ranch work. Excessive silver will be considered a major fault and can be grounds for disqualifications.

In roping and speed events, use of a hackamore (including mechanical hackamores) or other types of bridles is the optional choice of the exhibitor; however the judge may prohibit the use of bits or equipment that he/she may consider severe.

Twisted wire bits may be used in timed events if the other measurements meet the same specifications as those for bits in the judged events.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

1. Rope or riata, if used the rope or riata must be coiled and attached to the saddle.
2. Hobbles are attached to the saddle.
3. Tappaderos, except in Working Cow Horse where they are not allowed.
4. Protective boots and leg wraps except in conformation.
5. Spurs

PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT

1. Wire chin straps, regardless of how well padded or covered.
2. Jerk Lines
3. Tack Collars
4. Whips or Bats
5. Running martingales. Tie-downs except for team roping, breakaway, calf roping or speed events.
6. Tie-downs with bare metal in contact with the horse head.
7. Draw reins are not allowed in any events.

Abuse of horses cannot be tolerated. Thus a judge is compelled to disqualify any horse he/she feels is being exhibited in a manner that is cruel, abusive or inhumane. This may include exhibition of an animal that is clearly not in a fit or sound condition, the use of abusive equipment, or the use of abusive training or showing techniques by the rider.

Horses may be disqualified for blatant disobedience, bucking rearing, kicking, biting, or any other acts that are unsafe for the rider, horse or others in the class except in individual classes where a specific penalty is listed. The judge always has the option of disqualify an exhibitor or stopping a class for safety reasons.

FAULTS TO BE SCORED ACCORDING TO SEVERITY:

a) Touching horse and/or saddle with free hand in judged classes except in the cattle portion of Working Cow Horse, working ranch horse, roping, cutting, ranch cutting, or select cutting.

b) Excessive nosing out

c) Opening mouth excessively

d) Stumbling

e) Losing stirrups

f) Anticipating signals

g) Any unnecessary aid given by rider

h) Spurring in front of cinch

i) Free hand to instill fear

FAULTS WHICH WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATIONS:

a) Fall to the ground by horse or rider

b) Two hands on reins except when ridden with snaffle, bosal or

In speed events.

c) Failure to display proper exhibitor number

d) Abuse of horse

e) Obviously lame or overly tired horse

f) Misconduct by exhibitor, owner or trainer

g) Equipment failure

h) Excessive Silver

i) Illegal dress or equipment

Judge and show management may give the exhibitor the opportunity to correct equipment at affiliate level shows.

No judge shall place a lame horse.

All judges' decisions are final.

Performance Gaits. The following terminology shall apply in all classes whenever a specific gait is called for.

a) Walk. A natural, flat footed, four beat gait. The horse must move straight, and true, and be alert, with a stride of reasonable length in keeping with the size of the horse.

b) Jog. A smooth, ground covering, two-beat diagonal gait. The jog should be square, balanced, and with a forward movement of the feet. Horses walking behind and trotting in front are not performing the jog. When asked to extend the jog the horse is to move out with the same smooth way of going

c) Lope. An easy, rhythmical three-beat gait. Horse is to lope on the correct lead (i.e.: loping on the left requires left lead and loping to the right requires right lead.) Horses loping in a four-beat gait are not performing at the proper lope and are to be penalized. The horse should lope with a natural stride and appear to be relaxed and smooth. The head should be carried at an angle that is natural to the horse's conformation at all gaits

Ring Procedure

1. Walk, Jog, Lope. Horses are to be shown at a walk, a jog and a lope on a reasonably loose rein without undue restraint. Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits to demonstrate their ability with different leads. The judge shall have the right to ask for additional work from any horse. Judge may, at his discretion ask for extended trot and lope.

2. Reversing. Horses are to be reversed to the inside, away from the rail. Horses may be required to reverse at a walk or a trot or may be required to go from any gait to any other gait at the discretion of the judge. No contestant will be asked to reverse at a lope. In no event will a contestant be required to drop his reins or otherwise leave his horse unattended.

3. Penalties. The judge should penalize a horse’s head position in ranch riding as severely as for a horse being on the wrong lead, excessive speed, bolting or bucking for the following faults:

a) Head Position. Horses that carry their heads such that the point of the ears is lower than the withers.

b) Flexed. Horses that are flexed behind the vertical.

c) Slow Gait. Horses that are excessively slow, at any gait.

d) Maintain Light Rein. If light contact with reasonably loose rein is not maintained.

e) Appearance. Horses that appear sullen, dull, lethargic or emaciated.

4. Free Hand. The free hand shall not be used to support the rider by being placed in any part of the saddle.

5. Judged On Performance Only. Performance classes will be judged on performance only. Conformation is not to be considered in judging.

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Ranch Riding

A horse will be shown at three gaits - the walk, jog, and lope. He will also be asked to reverse away from the rail, to stop and to back. The judge may ask for an extended trot or lope. Extended trot may be ridden by sitting in the saddle, posting, or standing in the stirrups.

A good pleasure horse has a free-flowing stride of reasonable length on keeping with his conformation and covering a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. The motion should be balanced and flowing with the head carried in a natural position in keeping with the horse's conformation. The horse should be shown on a reasonably relaxed rein, but with light contact and control. Responsive, smooth transitions should be shown when changing gaits. The walk and jog should be free-moving and void of peggy, short strided motion. The lope should be a definite three-beat gait, performed on the proper lead, and showing good use of the hindquarters.

Horse's expression should be alert, mannerly without the appearance of a dull, sullen, lethargic drawn or overly tired attitude. Maximum credit should be to flowing, balanced, and willing horse that gives the appearance of being fit, alert, and a pleasure to ride. A rider must show his horse with only one hand on the reins unless that horse is five years or younger and is being shown in a 0-Ring or D-Ring snaffle bit or bosal.

Credits:

1) Natural ground covering gaits

2) Consistency at all gaits

3) Smooth upward and downward transitions

4) Working off hind quarters when turning

5) Work on reasonably loose rein without excessive cueing to maintain moderate pace.

Fault to be scored according to severity

1) Lack of ground covering gait

2) Excessive speed or slowness of gait

3) Wrong lead

4) Failure to make upward or downward transitions when called for

5) Opening mouth excessively

6) Stumbling

7) Head carried with tips of ears below the withers for less than 3 strides

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In-Hand Trail

This class is designed to provide exhibitors an event to showcase horses too young to show in performance events. Requirements are created to prepare the young horse for a productive performance career without harming them physically or mentally. This class is available only to yearlings and two year olds and must be divided accordingly. The judge must approve class pattern prior to posting by show management.

The judge shall look for a horse that can proceed through the course with the least amount of exhibitor influence and still be correct; a willing attitude; trust in and responsiveness to their handler; and free and natural gaits. Handlers must keep a hand on the gate at all times as they negotiate this obstacle.

Judges should consider the following as undesirable: unnecessary delay when approaching obstacles; pulling back or attempting to run off; bad attitude; displays of aggression or resentment toward handler; losing control of the gate.

Required Equipment:

a) Plain leather, rope or nylon halters only.

b) Plain leather, rope or nylon leads. Stud chain may be used under jaw or over nose.

The yearling class shall contain a minimum of six obstacles/maneuvers chosen from the following:

1. Trot between obstacles.

2. Move away from pressure in either a haunch turn, forehand turn, or sidepass.

3. Backing.

4. Standing quietly

5. Allow handler to "sack" with flag or slicker.

6. Gate - open, pass through and close.

7. Walk over poles.

8. Pick up one front foot and one hind foot.

9. Cross bridge.

10. Pass in or around natural obstacles such as a mock campsite, etc.

The two-year-old class shall contain a minimum of six obstacles/maneuvers. Four may come from the Yearling obstacle list, but two must be chosen from the following:

1. Loading and unloading from horse trailer.

2. Trotting across poles.

3. Tying and standing quietly for 30 seconds.

4. Backing a "Figure 8".

5. Carrying a saddle.

Course Requirements:

1. The pattern must be posted at least one hour before the class is called.

2. Courses must be constructed with safety being of the utmost importance.

3. When measuring distance between obstacles, measure from the inside base to the inside base of each obstacle. Obstacles for backing must be spaced a minimum of 28" apart for Yearlings and 32" for Two-Year-Olds.

4. Poles are to be spaced 15-20" apart for walkovers and 20-30" apart for trotovers.

5. Bridges must be sturdy, safe and a minimum of 36" wide and 6' long. No rocking bridges are allowed.

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Showmanship

Available only in the Youth and Amateur divisions.

Showmanship class shall be judged strictly on the exhibitor's ability to fit and show a horse in a conformation class. The horse is merely a prop to demonstrate the ability and preparation of the exhibitor. The ideal showmanship performance consists of a poised, confident, exhibitor leading a well groomed and conditioned horse that quickly and efficiently performs the requested pattern with promptness, smoothness, and precision. The showmanship class is not another halter class and should not be judged as such.

Exhibitors will perform a designated pattern approved by the judge. The following maneuvers are considered acceptable: lead a horse at a walk, jog or extended trot, or back in a straight or curved line, or a combination of both, stop; or turn 90 (1/4), 180 (1/2), 270 (3/4) 360 (full turn) degrees or any combination or multiple of these turns. The judge must have exhibitors set the horse up squarely for inspection sometime during the class.

Exhibitors are to be scored from 0 to 20 with 1/2 point increments acceptable. Ten (10) points should be allocated towards the overall appearance of the exhibitor and horse and ten (10) points allotted toward the performance.

Appearance and Position of Exhibitor: Appropriate western attire must be worn. The exhibitor should appear business-like, stand and move in a straight, natural and upright manner avoiding excessive unnatural, or animated body positions.

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. 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.

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.

Appearance of the Horse. The horse's body condition and overall fitness should be assessed. The coat should be clean, well-brushed, and in good condition. The mane and tail should be neat, clean and free of tangles. Hooves should be properly trimmed or shod. Tack should fit properly and be neat, clean and in good repair.

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

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.

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

When turning the horse to the left 90 degree or less, the horse should turn to the left. On turns greater than 90 degrees, the ideal turn consist 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 penalizes if their horse performs pivot on the left hind leg, but an exhibitor whose horse performs the pivot correctly should receive more credit.

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.

Faults can be classified as minor, major, or severe. The judge will determine the appropriate classification of a fault based upon the degree and/or frequency of the infraction.

Faults in the overall appearance of the Exhibitor and horse include:

a) Poorly groomed, conditioned horse

b) Dirty, ragged or poorly or ill fitted halter or lead

c) Excessively stiff, artificial or unnatural movement around horse or when leading

d) Changing hands or placing both hands on the lead, except when preparing to show the horse's teeth

Severe Faults

a) Leading on the off or right side of horse

b) Complete failure to move around horse by exhibitor or obstructing the judge's view.

c) Exhibitor touching the horse or kicking or pointing their feet at the horse's feet during the set up.

d) Standing directly in front of the horse

e) Exhibitor wearing spur or chaps

Faults of Performance include:

a) Drifting of horse while being led

b) Horse stopping crooked out dropping a hip out when stopping, setting up or standing.

c) Backing, leading or turning sluggishly or crooked

d) Horses not set up squarely or excessive time required setting up.

e) Failure to maintain a pivot foot during turns or stepping behind right front leg with the left front leg when turning to the right.

f) Horse holding head and/or neck crooked when leading, stopping, or backing

g) Failure to perform maneuvers at designated markers, but horse is on pattern

Severe Faults:

a) Knocking over a cone

b) Omission or addition of maneuvers

c) Severe disobedience including rearing or pawing; horse kicking at other horses, exhibitors or judge; or horse continuously circling the exhibitor.

Disqualifications (should not be places):

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

b) Failure of exhibitor to wear correct number in visible manner

c) Willful abuse

d) Excessive schooling or training, or using artificial aids.

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Ranch Horse Trail

The Trail class is judged on the performance of the horse over obstacles with emphasis on manner, attitude, and response to the rider. Horses must not work on the rail; however the course should be designed to require each horse to show three (3) gaits (walk, jog, and lope) somewhere between the obstacles as part of its work. Credit is to be given to horse negotiation obstacles with style and demonstrating a willing response to rider's cues.

A horse not completing the course or incorrect order of maneuvers shall be cause for disqualification. A horse not performing over any particular obstacle but moving on to negotiate the balance of maneuvers shall not be disqualified but shall be penalized for missing the obstacle. After three (3) refusals of an obstacle the horse must move on and be penalized for missing the refused obstacle. The judge also has the right to blow whistle and ask contestant to move to the next obstacle.

Six (6) obstacles will be used. The three (3) mandatory obstacles listed below plus three (3) of the listed optional obstacles are to be used and shown on the posted pattern. The gaits between obstacles shall be at the discretion of the judge and are to be specified n the posted pattern. The course or pattern to be used must be posted at least one (1) hour before the scheduled time of the class.

Mandatory Obstacles:

The Gate - A contestant must open, go through and then close a gate. The same hand must be used during this procedure. Reins may not be switched between hands unless done prior to or immediately after this obstacle. There will be a one minute time limit for this obstacle. If contestant fails to complete obstacle within the time limit, he shall be directed to continue on to the next obstacle.

Stationary Steer - The judge shall give credit to the horse that stands easy while the competitor makes the swing and throw at the steer. The contestant shall not be penalized for a miss.

Trailer - A contestant must show that a horse will load and unload quietly and easily from a normal covered stock trailer. The contestant has the choice of entering with the horse. Optional Obstacles - suggested, but not limited to: Ground Tie or Hobbles - Horse shall remain in place while his rider dismounts and performs a normal ranch task.

Optional Obstacles:

1. Mail Box - Rider approaches mailbox, opens and then closes the door.

2. Slicker - Rider approaches slicker, removes slicker from holder, dons slicker and then travels to second holder, where he removes the slicker and replaces it in the holder.

3. Water Hazard - Horse shows willingness to cross small ditch or shallow pond.