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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; refine throat-latch; well proportioned trip neck; long sloping
shoulder; deep heart girth; short back; strong loin and coupling;
long hip and croup. The ideal standard in evaluating horses in
ranch conformation should include, but not limited to, good working
condition, soundness and correctness in conformation, particularly
feet and legs with emphasis on correct manner of travel. The horse
should show balance and uniform muscling.
For more
information refer to pages 14, 28 and 29 of the 2008-2009 ARHA Rule
Book.
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Performance
events general rules.
Horses are judged
on their ability and willingness to perform. Exhibitors 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. A hard hat with a harness is
optional in all classes. Spurs and chaps are optional.
Horses five years
of age and under are considered junior horses, while those six years
of age and older are considered senior horses. Exhibitors may enter
more than one horse individual working performance classes, (ie
working cow horse, reining, barrel racing), but each horse may have
only one rider per class. Horses that have been disqualified are
not to be placed.
Legal equipment
must be used in all classes. Only junior horses may be ridden in a
curb bit one handed, or in a snaffle bit or bosal. If ridden in a
snaffle or bosal, two hands may be used on the reins. If split
reins are used with a snaffle, the excess end must be crossed over
the horse’s withers. Senior horses must be ridden in a curb bit,
one handed.
Optional
equipment: Rope or riata, hobbles attached to saddle, spurs,
tapaderos, except in working cow horse, and protective boots or leg
wraps except in conformation classes. Tie downs may be used for
roping, speed events and team penning/sorting. Running martingales
are allowed in speed events and team penning/sorting.
Prohibited
equipment: wire curb straps, regardless of how well padded or
covered, jerk lines, tack collars, whips or bats, (except in speed
events). Lip chains in any conformation or in hand class. Draw
reins are not allowed in any event.
Abuse of horses
will not be tolerated. Thus a judge is compelled to disqualify any
horse he/she feel 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 specific
penalty is listed. The judge always has the option of disqualifying
an exhibitor or stopping a class for safety reasons.
For more
information on legal equipment and general rules regarding
performance events refer to pages 31-38 of the 2008-2009 ARHA
Official Rule Book.
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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 walk, jog or lope. Extended jog may be ridden
my sitting in the saddle, posting or standing in the stirrups.
A good ranch
riding 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 reasonable
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 given to a flowing, balanced and willing horse that
gives the appearance of being fit, alert, and a pleasure to ride.
For more information on ranch riding,
refer to pages 39-41 of the 2008-2009 ARHA Official Rulebook.
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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 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 handles 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.
Plain leather,
rope or nylon halters with plain leather, rope or nylon leads may be
used. Chain may be used under the jaw or over the nose. No lip or
mouth chain allowed.
The class shall
have a minimum of six obstacles or maneuvers chosen from the
following:
1)
Trot between obstacles
2)
Move away from pressure
either in 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 food
and one hind foot
9)
Cross bridge or water
hazard
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 or maneuvers. Four
may come from the Yearling list, but two must come from the
following:
1)
Loading and unloading
from the horse trailer
2)
Trotting across poles
3)
Tying and standing
quietly for 30 seconds
4)
Backing a figure 8
5)
Carrying a saddle
For more
information on in hand trail, please refer to the 2008-2009 ARHA
Official Rule Book.
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Ranch Horse
Trail
The trial 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 a walk, jog and lope somewhere between
the obstacles as part of its work. Credit is to be given to horses
negotiating the course with style and demonstrating a willing
response to the rider’s cues.
A minimum of six
obstacles will be used. Three mandatory obstacles listed below plus
at least three of the listed optional obstacles are to be used. The
gaits between the obstacles shall be at the discretion of the judge
and are to be specified on the posted pattern.
Mandatory
Obstacles:
1)
The Gate- A contestant
must open, go through and then close a gate.
2)
Stationary Steer-The
judge shall give credit to the horse that stands easy while the
competitor makes the swing and throws at the steer. The contestant
shall not be penalized for a miss.
3)
Trailer-A contestant
must show that a horse will load and unload quietly and easily from
a normal covered stock trailer.
Optional
obstacles:
1)
Mail box
2)
Slicker
3)
Water Hazard
4)
Bridge
5)
Log Drag
6)
Back through shaped “L”
7)
Ground tie or hobble
8)
Side pass
9)
Obstacle containing four
logs
10)
Logs
11)
Obstacles consisting of
cones or pylons
The judge has the
right and duty to alter the course in any manner or remove any
obstacle deemed unsafe. All courses and obstacles are to be
constructed with safety in mind so as to eliminate any possible
accidents. Mounting blocks may be used if requested by an exhibitor
prior to the class.
For more
information on trail, please refer to the pages 42-45 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Official Rule Book.
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Showmanship
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
conformation 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 horse at a
walk, jog or extended trot, or back in a straight or curved line or
a combination of both. They may also be asked to execute a 90,
180, 270 or 360 degree turn. The judge must have exhibitors set the
horse up squarely for inspection sometime during the class.
Contestants are
to be scored from 0 to 20 with ½ point increment acceptable. Ten
points should allocated towards the overall appearance of the
exhibitor and ten points allotted towards the performance.
For more
information on showmanship, refer to pages 45-47 of the 2008-2009
ARHA Rule Book.
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HORSEMANSHIP
This class is available to Amateur and Youth
divisions only.
1. Seat and Hands
A) General: Exhibitor will be judged on seat,
hands, ability to control and show horse and suitability of horse
and rider. Results as shown by performance of horse are not to be
considered more important than the method used by the rider to
obtain them.
B) Hands: Upper arms to be in a straight line
with body, one hand holding reins should be bent at the elbow. Reins
may be held in two hands if the horse qualifies to be ridden in a
snaffle, hackamore or mecate.
C) Basic Position: Exhibitor should sit in
saddle with legs hanging straight and slightly forward to stirrups
or knees bent slightly and weight directly over ball of feet. In
either position the stirrups should be just short enough to allow
heels to be lower than toes. Body should always appear comfortable,
heels relaxed and flexi-ble. Feet should be placed in stirrups with
weight on ball on foot. Consideration, however, should be given to
width of stirrups, which may vary on western saddles.
D) Position in Motion: Exhibitor should sit to
jog and not post. At the lope, he should be close to the saddle. All
movements of horse should be governed by the use of imperceptible
aids. Exaggerated shifting of the exhibitor’s weight is not
desirable.
2. Class Routine
Individual Work:
The judge must first ask each exhibitor to work, individually using
a designated pattern. The pattern shall include any maneuvers that
are normally required in any stock horse class, such as figure
eights and square stops. Individual pattern work must also include
all three gaits and back. It must be remembered that, above all, a
ranch horse is one that responds instantly and smoothly to all aids.
3. Rail Work or Place Class:
After each exhibitor has worked individually, the judge has the
option to recall either all the exhibitors, or the finalists for
rail work, or place the class.
4. Rail Work Procedure:
Exhibitors recalled for rail work, shall enter the arena and be
judged on the rail at a walk, jog, lope. They shall be worked both
ways of the ring and shall always be on the correct lead. The
reverse is to be executed by turning away from the rail.
5. Scoring System
- 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.
For more
information refer to pages 48-50 of the 2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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RANCH CUTTING
This class is designed to show a horse’s ability to
separate a cow from the herd, hold that cow away from herd, then
drive that cow away from herd and to pen it. To be judged on a
horse’s smoothness, cow sense and natural ability to read and work a
cow. Horses should display lightness of handle and quietness in the
herd. Settling of the herd is
permissible by anybody except the first entry of the class.
There is a two and one half (2 1/2) minute time
limit. Time will begin when a rider crosses a timeline just prior to
entering the herd (minimum of ten head). The rider will then quietly
separate one cow from within the herd and work it for approximately
30 seconds before driving it to the opposite end of the arena
and penning it. A whistle will be blown at the one minute point in
the run to let the contestant know to then pen the cow. A contestant
will be disqualified if he fails to pen the cow at the end of 2 1/2
minutes, or if the cow returns to the herd after has been clearly
separated from the herd or if cow crosses back over the time/foul
line when attempting to be penned.
The contestant may have up to four helpers during the
cutting portion - two turn back riders and two herd holders. The
helpers may not assist the contestant in penning the cow.
The pen shall be placed on the side of the arena
two-thirds of the way down the arena for the herd. Show management
may use either a 10’ or 20’ wing when constructing the pen.
Horse will not be penalized for reining during
cutting portion but should display horse’s natural cow ability in
controlling and driving the cow.
For more
information refer to pages 50, 51 of the 2008-2009 ARHA Official
Rule Book.
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WORKING RANCH HORSE
This class combines the reining ability and cow sense
of the horse and will be judged on horse’s ability, cow sense and
smoothness. Each contestant will perform individually. First with
the reining pattern and then releasing one cow into the arena.
1. Each exhibitor will be allowed a maximum of 8
minutes to complete the class. At the 6 minute mark, there will be a
two-minute warning. When the 8 minute time limit has expired, the
exhibitor will be excused from the arena.
2. Each horse will be led into the ring saddled. After entering the
arena, the exhibitor must remove the bit completely from the horse’s
mouth and re-bridle. Exhibitor must then ground tie the horse and
pick up all four of the horse’s feet. Exhibitor will then mount the
horse and begin performing the required reining pattern individually
and separately.
3. After the exhibitor has completed his reining pattern, he will
call for the cow to be turned into the arena. Upon receiving the
cow, contestant shall hold the cow on the pre-scribed end of the
arena sufficient time to demonstrate the ability of the horse to
con-tain the cow on that end. After a reasonable amount of time, the
contestant shall take the cow down the fence, making at least one
turn each way on the fence. Exhibitor must then rope the cow and
bring it to a stop. There is to be no dragging.
4. The exhibitor is allowed only two throws. It is not necessary
that the roper catch for the contestant to receive a score in the
roping portion. However, if there is no catch, a five (5) point
penalty must be subtracted from the score accumulated prior to the
catch (example: if a horse trails and rates
its cow but no catch is made, the horse will receive the score it
has earned up to the point of catch minus five points).
3. An exhibitor that completes all the
requirements of the class must place over another that does not
complete the requirements. If the exhibitor fails to attempt any
part of the class, he/she will receive a zero for the entire class.
4. If time and number of cattle permit, the judge may, at his
discretion, award new cattle, to enable the contestant to show
horse’s ability on the cow, based on the following criteria:
A) The cow won’t or can’t run.
B) The cow won’t leave the end of the arena.
C) The cow is blind or won’t yield to the horse.
D) The cow leaves the arena.
For more information, refer to pages 51-53 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Official Rule Book.
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WORKING COW HORSE
Both the cow work portion of this event and the
reined work portion are mandatory. Scoring emphasis on the cow work
portion shall be based on the horse maintaining control of the cow
at all times, exhibiting superior cow sense and natural cow working
ability without excessive reining or spurring. Failure of an
exhibitor to attempt to complete the cow work portion of the class,
as well as the reined work will result in the exhibitor not being
considered an entry in the class. A horse should keep working until
the judge blows the whistle, or a score of 0 will be given. A horse
going off pattern in the reined work and the cow work portion may be
placed even if disqualified in one portion of the class
(example: If a horse is disqualified and receives a 0
score for the reined work, but scores a 70 for the cow work, its
total score would be a 70 and the horse would be eligible for
placing).
The approved pattern will be used and each contestant
will cause his horse to travel at the gait indicated for each part
of the pattern. When judging reined work, the judge should refer to
the reining portion of the hand book for guidelines.
In approved working cow horse classes, any of the
three approved ARHA working cow horse patterns may be used. One of
the three is to be selected by the judge of the class and used by
all contestants in the class.
Judging begins when the contestant enters the arena.
At the start of the work, each contestant, upon receiving a cow in
the arena, shall hold the cow on the prescribed end of the arena for
a sufficient time to demonstrate the ability of the horse to contain
the cow at the end.
After reasonable amount of time, the contestant shall
take a cow down the fence, making at least one (1) turn each way on
the fence. Then the contestant shall take the cow to an open part of
the arena and circle the animal at least once in each direction. The
contestant shall show his horse to the best of his ability upon the
judge’s instruction, or at this own discretion. The foregoing is
basically the ideal type of cattle work. However, the judge should
take into consideration the size of the arena, condition of the
ground and the disposition of the cattle in scoring each work. If
the ground, arena and/or weather conditions are deemed unfavorable
by the exhibitors, they may elect to alter the required cattle work
for safety reasons.
The greater the difficulty of the run, the more
credit should be given. The difficulty may be due to the extreme
speed of the cow, the stubbornness of the cow (ie: not respecting
the horse), or the cow’s reluctance to move provided the job is
accomplished. When all else balances out equal, the more pleasing or
exciting cow work should be marked highest.
When enough cows are available the contestant should
receive a new cow if the cow drawn is unreasonably
difficult or unworkable. Allowing the horse to quit
working before the judge signals for a new cow will result in zero
score. The judge may blow his whistle at any time to terminate the
work. A score of zero (0) will be charged if the work is not
complete at this point. The contestant has the option to continue
working even though the judge signals for a new cow. Judging ends
when the whistle blows.
Cones or markers shall be set at the half point mark
on the long side of the arena fence and sixteen (16) feet from each
corner on the short and long sides of the arena fence, for a total
of 10 cones or markers (2 on each side and 2 per corner).
Boxing:
Working the cow on the end of the arena until such time as the
contestant has proven the ability of the horse to hold the cow. The
horse should exhibit superior cow sense and natural cow working
ability without excessive reining or spurring. In the head-to-head
working position, the degree of difficulty shall be considered.
Turning on the Fence:
A good turn on the fence may be defined as when a cow, while being
run down the fence on one side of the arena, is turned the other
direction and held near the same fence while being run in a new
direction. During the turn the horse should use himself in a
controlled athletic manner, using his hocks to stop and drive out of
the turn, while using his front end to balance and turn.
The contestant must get at least one (1) turn in each
direction. To be considered a turn, the contestant must be close to
the cow to be the cause of the turn. The turn must be tight enough
so as not to be considered just circling the fence. More than two
(2) good turns in each direction should not result in extra credit
but also should not be penalized, unless the cow is thereby too
exhausted to circle correctly. One (1) turn each way may not
necessarily result in ex-tra credit if the horse and /or cow is out
of control.
Circling:
After turning the cow on the fence, the rider should drive the cow
off the fence and circle it once in each direction. The cow should
be driven in a circle.
For more information, please refer to pages 53-60 of
the 2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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CUTTING
1) The
number of cattle to cut in the two and one-half (2 1/2) minute time
limit is not over three (3) head of cattle. If a cutter can do as
much on two head as he can on three, the cutter working two head
should have the higher score because he has not spent as much time
in the herd.
2)
When approaching
the herd a horse should never be set down hard. Walking or trotting
to the herd is acceptable, provided the horse is taken up very
easily before getting close enough to disturb the cattle. The horse
should not display hesitation, weaving or reluctance to approach and
enter the herd.
3)
When entering the
herd the cutting horse should enter with ease, concentrating on the
job to be done; not looking over the back fence or biting; he should
be alert, but quiet, making no un-necessary movements that might
disturb the cattle. The horse should enter the herd deep enough to
show his ability to get one out. A rider may enter the middle of the
herd from either side and go to the middle or back side and get the
one they want. A rider may also go behind the herd and bring one
out.
4)
A rider entering
the herd may have light contact while he is in the herd and during
the process if cutting the animal free from the remaining cattle.
When the cow has been cut, the rider should let his horse alone and
the horse should be given enough slack so that it would be obvious
to the judge that the horse was on his own.
5)
The horse should
stay a reasonable distance from the cow if possible, showing a great
deal of expression but no illness towards the cow being cut. Illness
is defined as biting, trying to bite, pawing, kicking and/or
charging. Facial expression and ear position should not be
considered as a sign of illness. The horse should be on his toes,
making counter movements to the cow regardless of the distance
separating them. The horse should not rush or push cattle
excessively in bringing one from the herd unless the cow turns
around and tries to get back to the edge of the herd. The cow should
be brought a sufficient distance from the herd toward the center of
the arena, so that the herd will not be disturbed while being
worked, and set the cow up.
6)
The cow should be
in the middle of the arena or as near this point as possible with
the horse making movements to counter act movements of the cow. This
does not mean the horse should be moving while the cow is standing
still. When the cow moves, the horse should move faster so that he
will hold the cow, not only from returning to the herd,
but also from going side to side (wall to wall),
without excessive help from his turn back riders.
7)
The loss of
working advantage is not determined by the distance that a horse
goes by a cow; it is determined by the response of the horse to the
action of the cow. A horse should have no difficulty maintaining
working advantage over a slow moving cow. The horse that can
maintain a working advantage of a cow which presents a severe
challenge shall receive credit. No penalty should be charged a horse
which immediately regains position after going sufficiently past the
cow to cause it to turn.
8)
There will be no
penalty assessed for cattle leaving the herd so long as it is not
caused by the exhibitor’s horse.
9)
An exhibitor may
quit a cow when he obviously stopped, obviously turns away or is
obviously behind the turn back horses and the turn back horses are
behind the line. A penalty of three (3) points must be charged if
the animal is quit under any other circumstances. but also from
going side to side (wall to wall), without excessive help from his
turn back riders.
7)
The loss of
working advantage is not determined by the distance that a horse
goes by a cow; it is determined by the response of the horse to the
action of the cow. A horse should have no difficulty maintaining
working advantage over a slow moving cow. The horse that can
maintain a working advantage of a cow which presents a severe
challenge shall receive credit. No penalty should be charged a horse
which immediately regains position after going sufficiently past the
cow to cause it to turn.
8)
There will be no
penalty assessed for cattle leaving the herd so long as it is not
caused by the exhibitor’s horse.
9)
An exhibitor may
quit a cow when he obviously stopped, obviously turns away or is
obviously behind the turn back horses and the turn back horses are
behind the line. A penalty of three (3) points must be charged if
the animal is quit under any other circumstances.
For more information, refer to pages 61-63 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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REINING
A) There are 5 ARHA approved reining patterns that
may be used. Pattern will be selected by the judge and used by all
contest-ants in the class.
B) Each contestant will perform the required pattern
individually and separately. All horses will be judged immediately
upon entering the arena and judging will cease after the last
maneuver. Any fault incurred prior to the commencement of a pattern
will be scored accordingly.
C) To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also
to control his every movement. The best reined horse should be
willfully guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance
and dictated to completely. Any movement on his own must be
considered a lack of control. All deviations from the exact written
pattern must be considered a lack of or temporary loss of control
and therefore faulted according to severity of deviation. Credit
will be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and
authority in performing the various maneuvers while using controlled
speed.
D) Scoring will be on the basis of 0 - Infinity, with
70 denoting an average performance.
For more information, refer to pages 63-71 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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RANCH REINING
This class denotes the ability of the Ranch horse to
be reined will-fully through all maneuvers of the patterns.
Contestant should not be penalized for reining their horse through
the pattern in a reasonable manner. Stops should be hard and deep as
if needed to stop and go in the other direction. Stop should be
square and done without resistance (it should be at the judge’s
discretion on what he/she considers too excessive of a slide, but
excessive stops should be considered stops beyond 10 feet). Turn a
rounds should be those of a working horse. They should be correct,
but job efficient.
For more information refer to pages 71-72 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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WESTERN RIDING
This class is designated to showcase the horse that
listens to their rider and can make correct lead changes and
adjustments with speed while remaining quiet and maneuverable.
Horses are to be judged on quality of gaits (walk, trot and lope),
response to rider, manners, disposition and intelligence. All
obstacles are to be negotiated with reasonable speed and control.
For more information refer to pages 72-76 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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ROPING EVENTS
(Refer to Bit Rule Page 33)
The purpose of an ARHA roping class is to provide an
opportunity for the horse to demonstrate and be judged on its
natural talent and ability, its willingness to perform and the level
of training that makes it suitable for competitive timed roping
events. The rope horse will be evaluated through a series of
individually judged maneuvers that when combined result in a score
that most accurately exemplifies that rope horse’s ability to allow
it rider to catch and handle a calf and /or steer most efficiently
and effectively.
The purpose of these events is to show the ability of
the horse with speed being or lesser importance. Calves in the
Tie-Down contest are recommended not to exceed 250 pounds. Horses
must start from the roping box.
Tie-Down and heading horses only (whether being
judged or not) in dally team roping must start from behind a barrier
(an electronic barrier is acceptable).
Only the horse’s performance, including manners in
the box and at all other times, is to be judged.
The contestant shall not attempt to rope the animal
until the barrier flag has been dropped. Any attempt by a contestant
to position his horse behind the barrier enabling the contestant to
rope the animal without attempting to leave the box shall be
disqualified.
Breaking the barrier, or any unnecessary whipping,
jerking reins, talking or any noise making, slapping, jerking rope
or an unnecessary action to induce the horse to perform better, will
be considered a fault and scored accordingly.
At the judge’s discretion, a rerun may be given if
the animal being roped leaves the arena or in the event of a
malfunction of the chute or barrier.
Scoring will be on the basis of 0 - 100, with 70
denoting an average performance.
Participation in jackpots paid on time in roping
events must be at the contestant’s option.
In all roping events a run must be completed within a
one-minute time limit.
It is recommended that all heading and heeling cattle
should be protected by horn wraps. At show management’s discretion;
muley cattle or cattle with strap on horns may be used.
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TIE DOWN
ROPING
The calf roping
horse will be judged on manners in the box, scoring, speed to calf,
rating calf, stopping, working the rope and its manners while the
roper is returning to horse after the tie has been made.
The roper may
throw only two loops and must have done so within a one-minute time
limit from the time the calf leaves the chute. Ropers who desire to
throw the second loop, must recoil rope.
Any catch that holds is legal, as long as the calf’s
head passes through the loop, but rope must remain on calf until tie
is completed and roper has mounted horse.
If calf is jerked down by horse, the roper must
re-throw calf by hand, crossing any three feet and tie with not less
than one complete wrap and a half hitch.
Failure of calf to stay tied until roper has
remounted and ridden forward to loosen rope shall disqualify entry.
Rope must be run through a foul rope around the
horse’s neck and may, at the discretion of the rider, be run through
a ―keeper‖.
If a keeper is used, it must be attached to the noseband of the
tie-down and cannot be attached to the bit or bridle.
Only the roper may touch the calf while the horse is
being judged.roper may dismount from either side and leg or flank
calf.
For more information refer to pages 78-79 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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BREAKAWAY
ROPING
Available only in
the amateur and youth divisions, this is a timed event with a
one-minute time limit.
This event shall be performed following the same
general rules as youth calf roping under the usual common rodeo
standards and conditions.
Horse must start from in the box. A 10 second penalty
will be added for breaking the barrier. Calves must be used.
Two loops will be permitted. One rope is to be tied
to the saddle horn by a heavy string, in such manner as to allow the
rope to be released from the horn when the calf reaches the end of
the rope. A visible cloth or flag must be attached to the end of the
rope tied to the horn to make it easier for the flagger to see it
break free.
Should the roper desire to use a second loop, he must
recoil. If the second loop falls loose, it cannot be rebuilt.
The contestant shall be disqualified should he break
the rope from the horn by hand or touch the rope or string after the
catch is made. If the rope dallies or will not break free when the
calf reaches the end of it, the contestant will be disqualified. A
legal catch is any catch as long as the calf’s head passes through
the loop and that causes the string to break away from the saddle
horn. Roping the calf without releasing the loop from the hand is
not permitted.
The contestant shall not attempt to rope the animal
until the barrier flag has been dropped. Any attempt by a contestant
to position his horse behind the barrier, enabling the contestant to
rope the calf without leaving the barrier or box, shall be
considered a disqualification.
Rope may not pass through bridle, tie-down, neck rope
or any other device.
A judge may, at his discretion, use the ring steward,
other show officials or approved ARHA judges to assist as barrier
judges and to help determine legal catches or any rule infractions.
It is recommended, whenever possible, that the judge
be on horse-back and flag the class.
For more information, refer to pages 79-80 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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TEAM ROPING –
HEADING & HEELING
The heading horse and the heeling horse are to be
entered and scored individually, not as a team. If a contesting
horse makes more than one run as a header, or as a heeler, it must
be designated ahead of time as to which run is to be judged. At the
option of the show management, two judges may be used at the same
time, with one judging heading horses and the other judging heeling
horses. The judge judging heading horses must judge all heading
horses, and the judge judging heeling horses must judge all heeling
horses.
The heading horse shall be judged on the rate of
speed to steer, ability of horse to rate, check, turn and set steer
in position for heeler.
The heeling horse will be judged on ease of manner in
which he turns and prepares for heeler’s position to throw loop and
stretch steer.
It is recommended that all heading and heeling cattle
should be protected by horn wraps. It is also acceptable to use
muley cattle when horned cattle are not available.
Legal catches in heading are both horns, half-head
and around the neck. Any figure-eight catch or front leg in the
catch is not legal. Any catch made by the heeler not being judged
must be a legal catch defined as a catch which holds from behind the
steer’s shoulders and back, around the flank or on one or both
heels, but not by the tail only. Any catch made by the header not
being judged which holds from the neck forward, other than a front
leg in the catch, is considered legal and acceptable.
It is an automatic disqualification when both the
header and heeler fail to complete both catches within one-minute
from the time the steer leaves the chute.
Loss of rope by either the header or heeler is
automatic disqualification.
The heeler on the horse being judged may throw only
two loops. If more than one loop is thrown, rider must recoil rope
and build additional loop or loops. If the roper fails to catch, he
will retire from the arena with no score.
The header must head the steer and the heeler must
heel the steer. Horses cannot switch positions.
Riders are to stay mounted. When both ropes are
dallied and both horses are facing stretched steer, run is
completed. The rope must be wrapped around the saddle horn at least
one complete turn before it is considered a dally. Riders age 50 and
over, females and youth are permitted to have their rope tied onto
the horn of the saddle when heeling. However, a Hector Heeler or
similar quick release device is to be used when ropers tie on.
The header on the horse being judged may throw only
two loops. If more than one loop is thrown, rider must recoil rope
and build additional loop or loops. If the roper fails to catch, he
will retire from the arena with no score.
The rider who is heeling for the header may use two
loops within one-minute time limit from the time the steer is
released from the chute.
The rider who is heading for the heeler may use two
loops.
The header must head the steer and the heeler must
heel the steer. Horses cannot switch positions.
Each contestant will select the other member of his
team, who may or may not be competing in this class.
The amateur being judged may be assisted by anyone,
amateur or non-amateur.
The youth being judged may be assisted by any youth,
contest-ant or non-contestant or any adult.
For more information refer to pages 80-81 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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Ranch Roping
The idea of this class is to show the ability of the
horse and rider skill of handling cattle as if they were doctoring
injured or sick cattle. Cattle should be handled as calmly and
slowly as possible. The judge should judge this class as if the
cattle belonged to him or her. Entry does not have to separate their
cow from herd and should not receive credit for separation from
herd. When cow is separated from the herd there should be no
excessive running or cutting of the cow.
This is a judged event with a 90 second time limit.
The rope must be thrown and the contestant may throw only two loops.
A second rope may be used, but the total number of loops thrown may
not exceed two (2). The Honda on the rope used must be of a
breakaway design.
Horse and rider must start from behind a starting
line which will be located 1/3 of the arena length away from where
ten (10) calves are held as a herd with each bearing a number 0 - 9.
A random draw will be used to select the calf to be roped, which
will be announced to the contestant when the horse crosses the
starting line. Each contestant may have the option of a herd holder.
The herd holder may not cross the starting line. The sole duty of
the herd holder is to assist in holding the cattle at the working
end of the arena; any assistance from the helper will result in
disqualification of the contestant. The contestant must make a legal
head catch of the designated calf and dally up. When the calf breaks
free from the honda, the Flag Judge will signal the end of the run.
A legal catch is to be any loop that goes completely over the calf’s
neck. No feet or legs can be caught in the loop, nor any portion of
the calf’s body behind the shoulder. The judge shall serve as the
flagger. Youth exhibitors may have their ropes tied to the saddle
horn instead of dallying, at their discretion.
For more information, refer to pages 81-82 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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STEER STOPPING
The horse shall
be judged on the rate of speed to steer, ability of horse to rate,
check and stop the steer. The horse will start in the box.
All cattle shall be protected by horn wraps. Legal
catches are both horns, half-head and around the neck. Any
figure-eight catch or front leg in the catch is not legal.
It is an automatic disqualification when the steer
stopper fails to complete the catch within one-minute (60 seconds)
from the time the steer leaves the chute. Loss of the rope by the
steer stop-per is automatic disqualification. The roper may throw
only two (2) loops. If more than one loop is thrown, rider must
recoil rope and build additional loop.
For more information, refer to page82 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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TEAM PENNING
(TIMED EVENT)
A) Within a 90 second time limit, a team of three
must cut from the herd and pen three head of cattle with the
assigned (same) identity number or colored neckband. The fastest
time wins. A warning must be given the team working the cattle at 30
seconds, prior to a final time being called. In the event a warning
is not given, a rerun may be given at the request of the team. If
the team requests a rerun the cattle will be settled and a rerun
will immediately be given using the same numbered or color banded
cattle.
All cattle will be bunched on the cattle side of the
staring line before the time begins. The judge will raise the flag
to signal when arena is ready. Contestants will be given their
cattle penning num-ber or color of neck band when the line flagman
drops his flag as the nose of the first horse crosses the starting
line. Riders are com-mitted once they enter the arena.
B) Any delay will be disqualification.
C) To call for time, one rider must stand in the gate
and raise a hand for the flag. Flag will drop when the nose of the
first horse enters the gate and the rider calls for time. All
undesignated cattle; must be completely on cattle side of starting
line or there will be no time. If a team calls for time with only
one or two of their cattle in the pen, the remainder of their
designated cattle DO NOT have to be on the cattle side of the
starting line.
E) A team may call for time with only one or two
assigned cattle being penned. However, teams penning three head of
cattle place higher than two, and two higher than one, regardless of
time.
F) A team calling for time with any wrong numbered or
colored neck banded cattle in the pen will be judged no time.
Contact with cattle by hands, hats, ropes, bats,
romal or any other equipment is a disqualification. A team
exhibiting any unnecessary roughness will be judged no time. No
hazing with whips, hats or ropes allowed. Romals or reins may be
swung or popped on chaps. All penalties incurred will be added to a
qualified run, even if the penalty time exceeds the 90 second time
limit.
G) A team will be disqualified for any action he
feels to be unnec-essary roughness to the cattle or horses or
unsportsmanlike con-duct.
H) Fall of horse and/or rider shall not eliminate the
entry; however, any attempt by a dismounted rider to work cattle
before re-mounting will result in an automatic disqualification.
I) If five or more cattle are across the starting
line at any one time, that team will be judged no time.
J) Points will be awarded based on the number of
teams entered.
K) Disqualification of a team member will result in
disqualification of the entire team.
L) In the event of a tie, points will be divided
equally.
M) Numbers must be a minimum, of 6 inches (15cm) tall
and colored neck bands be a minimum of 6 inches (15cm) wide.
Numbers must be applied to both sides of the animal, high up on its
side, with the top near the midline of the animals back between the
shoulder and the hip. The numbers or colors and working order will
be drawn for by the judge and show management before the start of
the contest.
N) Numbers must be a minimum, of 6 inches (15cm) tall
and colored neck bands be a minimum of 6 inches (15cm) wide.
O) Numbers must be applied to both sides of the
animal, high up on its side, with the top near the midline of the
animals back between the shoulder and the hip. The numbers or colors
and working order will be drawn for by the judge and show management
before the start of the contest.
P) The optimum number of cattle per herd is 21;
however, a maximum of 30 are allowed and a minimum of 15 per herd is
required even if there are less than seven teams. All cattle within
a herd must be numbered in groups of three.
Q) There shall be one flagman, at the entrance to the
pen. The judge must be located at the start/foul line. There shall
be at least two timekeepers. The first timer shall be the official
time and the second timer shall be the back-up time, in the event
the first timer misses the time or his watch fails. The starting and
foul line must be designated by markers located on the arena fence,
which are easily viewed by the line judge and the exhibitors. In
order to promote the highest standards of horsemanship and cattle
skills, the start/foul line will be a distance of 40/60 percent of
the arena with the cattle being contained in the 40%. Show officials
may move the start/foul line to 50/50 percent at their discretion.
R) A change of one horse/rider combination
constitutes a new team.
S) At time of entry rider must declare team that will
count for points. Only one set of points will be earned per horse at
show for the class.
For more information refer to pages 82-84 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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TEAM SORTING
(TIMED EVENT)
A) In a 2 minute time limit, a team of three shall
sort out and move 10 head of cattle across the foul/start line in
numerical or-der. The most cattle with the least amount of time
wins.
B) Cattle shall be clearly numbered from 0-9 and
bunched on cattle side of starting/foul line.
C) An imaginary line between 2 colored posts or flags
shall serve as the starting line for time and boundary line for
cattle. In order to promote the highest standards of horsemanship
and cattle skills, the start/foul line will be a distance of 40/60
percent of the arena with the cattle being contained in the 40%.
Show officials may move the start/foul line to 50/50 percent at
their discretion.
D) Three horseback contestants, forming a team, ride
to starting line and wait for announcer to draw a number from 0-9.
The number is called out and the team may begin.
E) Timing begins when first horse’s nose crosses the
start line.
The number called out must be the first animal
sorted. Sorting then continues in numerical order. If #4 is called
the team must sort #4 across the line first, followed by
5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2,3.
F) Cattle must be sorted and cross the line in proper
numerical order.
G) Disqualification is called if calves cross the
line out of order or pass back across the line and retreat to the
original side.
H) Teams must be given a warning when 30 seconds
remain.
I) The judge or judges and flagman must be seated at
the start/foul line.
J) There must be two timekeepers; first timer shall
be the official time, with second timer for backup.
K) Timekeepers must be at start/foul line unless
flagman is used and must be in position to see flagman clearly.
L) Judge will keep time and determine which cattle
have crossed prior to time limit and judge any disqualifications.
M) If animal leaves arena of its own accord, team may
be given a rerun.
N) The team can be disqualified if animal leaves
arena due to un-necessary roughness. The judge’s decision is final.
O) A team may be disqualified for unnecessary
roughness to cattle or horses or any unsportsmanlike conduct.
P) The rider can make no contact with the cattle.
Q) A change of one horse/rider combination
constitutes a new team.
R) At time of entry rider must declare team that will
count for points. Only one set of points will be earned per horse at
show for the class.
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RANCH SORTING
(TIMED EVENT)
Ranch Sorting is a timed event class consisting of
two riders with the objective of sorting 10 head of cattle from one
pen into another in designated sequence. The team that sorts the
most cattle in the correct order with the fastest time will be
declared the winner.
A) The basic concept of ranch sorting is that there
are 10 numbered cattle, 0-9.
B) Ranch Sorting will take place between two pens of
approximately equal size with the Show Management’s option of
working cattle back and forth or only one way. If cattle are to be
worked back and forth, they need to be moved to the opposite pen and
back before each new herd entering the arena is worked. Recommended
sorting area to be 50’-60’ in diameter with no 90 degree corners ie:
round pen or octagonal (stop sign) design.
C) The start foul line will be recommended as a 12’ -
16’ opening between the two pens.
D) There will be a 90 second time limit . Show
management must used either an electric display clock or two
stopwatches. Time will continue until all cattle are sorted or the
time limit is reached.
E) A lap timer is to be used in sorting classes to
eliminate ties only. The lap timer will be utilized ONLY in the case
of a situation where a tie (or ties) occur. IE: A team has sorted 8
head and has a time of 75 seconds with a lap time of 64.32, while
another team sorts 10 head in 67.32 seconds, clearly the 10 head
team will be in the lead. The lap timer will then be used to break
ties of all the 8 head runs in that go. Also, for breaking ties with
multiple go rounds, it will be the determining factor to eliminate
the ties by setting the order of combined times for placing
purposes.
F) The judge will be positioned evenly with the foul
line.
G) All cattle will be bunched on the cattle side of
the gate within the designated area before the time begins. At the
conclusion of each run, the judge will designate the need to bunch
cattle.
H) The judge will raise the flag to signal when the
arena is ready. The flag will drop when the nose of the first horse
crosses the start/foul line and the announcer will provide the
number to be sorted first. The riders will be given their numbers
instantly. Any delay in crossing the foul line may result in a
―no-time‖
for the team.
I) All cattle must have approved back or neck
numbers. The cattle are sorted in order, if any part of a numbered
cow crosses the start/foul line prior to its correct order; the team
receives a no-time.
J) The order of sorting is determined by the picking
of a random number by the announcer and then that cow must be sorted
first. For instance, if number 3 is drawn as the first number, 3 is
sorted first, then cow 4 must be sorted, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and so on. A
cow is considered sorted when the entire cow is completely across
the start/foul line.
K) If a numbered cow jumps the fence and either
leaves the arena or ends up in the opposite pen, but did not pass
through the gate, it will results in a re-ride for that team at the
end of the herd, (assuming it was not caused by roughing) and time
cannot be improved.
L) A person can compete on more than one horse, but
only one horse may be entered per class.
M) In youth and amateur classes, both team members
must hold cards in their division.
For more information, refer to pages 85-86 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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BARREL RACING
This is a timed
event. The standard cloverleaf pattern is to be used, with the
contestant having the option of running to either the left or right
barrel first. Two stop watches and a flagman will be used if an
electronic eye is unavailable. Knocking over a barrel shall carry a
five (5) second penalty. Failure to follow the course shall cause
disqualification. A contestant may touch the barrel with his/her
hands in barrel racing. Either or both hands may be used on the
reins.
Timing shall begin as soon as the horse’s nose
reaches the starting line and will be stopped when the horse’s nose
passes over the finish line. Contestants are allowed a running
start. The contestant’s time will be announced immediately after the
run.
The course must be measured exactly as stated below
and cannot exceed these dimensions:
· 35 yards between barrels 2 and 3 and barrels 1 and
3.
· 30 yards between barrels 1 and 2.
· 20 yards between barrels 1 and 2 and
starting/finishing line.
However, if the course is too large for the available
space, the pattern should be reduced 5 yards at a time until the
pattern fits the arena.
Adequate space must remain between barrels and any
obstacle. The distance from barrel number 3 to the finish line need
not be reduced 5 yards at a time if there is sufficient room for the
horse to stop. When measuring the area for the barrel course, allow
ample room for horses to complete their turns and stop at the
finish. It is recommended there be at least 45 feet from the
starting line to the end of the arena, at least 18 feet from barrels
1 and 2 to the fence and 36 feet from barrel 3 to the end of the
arena.
For more information refer to pages 87-88 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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POLE BENDING
This
is a timed event with the standard six-pole pattern. A horse may
start either to the right or the left of the first pole and then run
the remainder of the pattern accordingly. They must first run to the
end pole, weave the poles back to the first pole, and weave the
poles back to the end pole and then run to the finish line. Two stop
watches and a flagman will be used if an electronic eye is
unavailable. Either or both hands may be used on the reins.
Poles shall be set 21 feet apart with the first pole
21 feet from the start/finish line. Poles shall be set on top of the
ground, six feet in height, with no base more that 14 inches in
diameter.
Timing shall begin as soon as the horse’s nose
reaches that starting line and will be stopped when the horse’s nose
passes over the finish line. Contestants are allowed a running
start. The contestant’s time will be announced immediately after the
run.
For more information refer to pages 88-89 of the
2008-2009 ARHA Rule Book.
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