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.

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.

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.

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.

Performance Classes    performanceclasses

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 ranchwear. 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 a individual working class (ie: reining, working cow horse, western riding, barrel racing, ect), 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 a 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

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

1. 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.
2. 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 goin
3. Lope. An easy, rhythmical three-beat gait. Horse is to lope on the correct lead (ie: 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:

   1. Head Position. Horses that carry their heads such that the point of the ears is lower than the withers. 2.  Flexed. Horses that are flexed behind the vertical. 3.  Slow Gait. Horses that are excessively slow, at any gait. 4.  Maintain Light Rein. If light contact with reasonably loose rein is not maintained. 5.  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.

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 under neath 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:

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. Horses shall be required to back a straight line. It must be remembered that, above all, a stock horse is one that responds instantly and smoothly to all aids.

3. Rail Work or Place Class. After each exhibitor has been worked individually, the judge may recall either all the exhibitors, or the finalist for rail work, or place the class.

4. Rail Work Procedure. Exhibitors recalled for rail work, shall enter the arena at a walk 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. The horse should be in perfect balance at all times working entirely off its haunches; neck and head should be in direct line with the body, mouth closed and head at normal height.

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 to exhausted to circle correctly. One (1) turn each way may not necessarily result on extra 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.

5 points Not getting one turn each way 95 points each way)

Intentionally crashing cow into the corners to exhaust or making it easier to control.

3 points Biting or striking the cow.

Hanging up on the fence.

Exhausting or over working the cow.

Knocking down the cow with out having a working advantage.

2 points Going past the corners of the arena before turning the cow when going down the fence.

Turning the cow on the short fence of the arena.

Attempting the first turn before the cow passes the center point of the arena.

1 point Loss of working advantage.

Horses that run past the cow shall be penalized one (1) point for every horse's length past the cow. When the horse's buttocks pass the cow's head he is one (1) length past.

Using the corner or end of the arena to turn the cow when going down the fence.

Not allowing cow to pass the center marker before the first turn.

Turning the cow inside the corner marker (within sixteen (16) feet either side of the corner).

Each time the arena is crossed to use the opposite fence to achieve a turn.

Slipping a rein when riding with a romal.

1/2 to 3 points

General bad manners

1 to 5 points

Fall of the horse

0 score Turn tail

Using two hands on the reins in a bridle or two rein class (less than 12 inches between hands is considered two hands.)

Fingers between reins in a bridle class.

Spurring or hitting in front of the cinch at any time.

Bloody mouth

Fall of rider not caused by falling motion of horse.

DQ Leaving the arena before the pattern or work is complete

a) any horse that is out of control while working the cow, thus endangering the rider (ie: crossing the path of the cow) shall be called off the cow.
b) Any horse that runs over the cow thus causing the fall of the horse and/or rider shall terminate the work of that time.

The judge may blow his whistle at any time to terminate the work. A score of zero will be charged if the work is not completed.

Scoring. A reined cow horse class must consists of reined work and cattle work. The required cattle work is boxing fence work, and circling. Contestants shall be judged on a basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance. Half points may be used. Performance only is to be counted. Points scored for reined work and the cattle work(s) are to be totaled. There shall be no ties for the first place horse. In the event of such a tie, the entry with the highest cattle work shall score shall win. If there is a tie between entries in cattle work scores, such ties shall be broken by additional cattle work of a length appropriate under the existing show conditions.

Bloody mouth in any degree by means incurred shall be cause for disqualification. The fall of a horse and/or rider shall be penalized at the judges discretion when scoring the work. If tack or equipment should break or the horse should throw a shoe while negotiating the work, and the difficulty prevents the completion of the work, the entry shall be disqualified. Should the entry be able to continue the work despite the difficulty, and without cruelty to the horse, the contestant may continue without penalty.

Good manners.
Shifty, smooth and having its feet under it at all times; when stopping, hind feet should be well under it.
A soft mouth and should respond to a light rein, especially when turning.
Head should be maintained in its natural position.
Work at reasonable speed and still be under control of the rider.

The judge may request additional work at his/her option.

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Cutting  cutting

Each horse is required to enter the herd sufficiently deep enough to show his ability to make a cut. One such deep cut will satisfy this rule. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in a three point penalty.

A horse will be rewarded credit for his ability to enter the herd quietly with very little disturbance to the herd or to the one brought out.

When an animal is cut from the herd, it is more desirable that it be taken toward the center of the arena, and credit will be rewarded for same.

Additional credit will be rewarded to the horse which drives its stock sufficient distance from the herd to assure that the herd will not be disturbed by his work; thereby showing his ability to drive a cow.

Credit will be recognized for riding with a loose rein throughout a performance.

Credit will be recognized for setting up a cow and holding it in a working position as near the center of the arena as possible.

If the cutting horse or his rider creates disturbance at any time throughout his working period, he will be penalized.

Any noise directed by the contestant toward the cattle will be penalized one point.

Each time a horse runs into the herd, scatters the herd while working or picks up cattle through fault of the horse, he will be penalized three points.

The judge shall stop any work because of training or abuse of his horse by the contestant or disturbance of the cattle.

A horse will be penalized three points each time the back fence actually stops or turns the animal being worked within one step (three feet) of the fence; the back fence to be agreed on and designated by the judge or judges before the contest starts; meaning the actual fence only, no imaginary line from point to point to be considered. If any of the contestants voice an objection before the contest starts, the judge or judges shall take a vote of the contestants, and a "back fence" acceptable to the majority shall be designated and used.

If a horse turns the wrong way with tail toward animal being worked, an automatic score of sixty points will be given. While working, a horse will be penalized one point each time the reins are used to control or direct (to rein) the horse, regardless of whether the reins are held high or low. A one point penalty shall also be charged whenever a horse is visibly cued in any manner. If the reins are tight enough that the bits are bumped at any time, he shall be penalized one point each time even though the hand of the rider does not move.

A horse must be released as soon as the desired animal is clear of the other cattle.

Additional reining, cuing or positioning will result in a one point penalty for each occurrence. The rider shall hold the bridle reins in one hand. A three point penalty shall be charged if the second hand touches the reins for any purpose except to straighten them.

Spurring behind the shoulder shall not be considered a visible cue. A three point penalty shall be assessed each time a horse is spurred in the shoulder.

A toe, foot, or stirrup on the horse's shoulder is considered a visible cue.

A one point penalty shall be charged for each occurrence.

If a horse lets an animal that he is working get back in the herd, he will be penalized five points.

If a rider changes cattle after visibly committing to a specific cow, a five point penalty will be assessed.

When a horse goes past an animal to the degree he loses his working advantage, he will be penalized one point each time he does so.

Unnecessary roughness, such as a horse actually pawing, biting or kicking cattle, will be penalized three points.

A contestant may quit an animal when it is obviously stopped, obviously turned away, or is obviously behind the turnback horses and the turnback horses are behind the time line. A penalty of three points must be charged if the animal is quit under any other circumstances.

If a horse quits a cow, a penalty of five points will be assessed.

If a horse clears the herd with two or more cattle and fails to separate a single animal before quitting, a five point penalty will be charged. There is no penalty if time expires.

Contestants are limited to a maximum of four helpers.

When a contestant is thrown from a horse or horse falls to ground, an automatic score of sixty points will be given.

Any rider who allows his horse to quit working or leaves the working area before his allotted time is up will be disqualified.

A re-work will be awarded at the judge's discretion.

A judge marks from sixty to eighty points. One-half points are permissible.

One point penalties will be assessed for the following:

(miss) losing working advantage.
reined or visibly cued.
noise directed to cattle.
toe, foot or stirrup on the shoulder.
hold on too long on a cut.
working out of position.

Three point penalties will be assessed for the following:

hot quit
cattle picked up or scattered
second hand on reins
spur in shoulder
pawing or biting cattle
failure to make a deep cut
back fence

horse quitting a cow
losing a cow
changing cattle after a specific commitment
failure to separate a single animal after leaving the herd

if horse turns tail
if horse falls to ground

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Reining   reining

(a) ARHA has 3 AQHA-approved reining patterns may be used. Pattern will be selected by judge and used by all contestants 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.
(e) The following will result in no score:

1. Abuse of an animal in the show arena and/or evidence that an act of abuse has occurred prior to or during the exhibition of a horse in competition.
2. Failure to provide horse and equipment to the appropriate judge or official for inspection.
3. Disrespect or misconduct by the exhibitor.

(f) A rider may untangle excess rein, where excess rein may prevent the rider from continuing the pattern, where said excess can be straightened without affecting the performance of the horse, during hesitations, or when settling a horse; rider's free hand may be used to hold romal in the normal fashion.
(g) The following will result in a score of 0:

1. Use of more than index or first finger between reins.
2. Use of two hands or changing hands.
3.  Improper use of the romal.
4.  Improper use of the romal.
5. Performing the maneuvers other than in specified order.
6. The inclusion of maneuvers not specified, including, but not limited to:

Neither a No Score nor a 0 are eligible to place in go round or class.

   (h) The following will result in a reduction of five points:

1. Spurring in front of cinch.
2. Use of either hand to install fear or praise.
3. Holding saddle with either hand.
4. Blatant disobedience including kicking, biting, bucking, rearing, and striking.
      (i) The following will result in a reduction of two points:
           1. Breaking of gait.
           2. Freeze up in spins or rollbacks.
           3. On walk in patterns, failure to stop or walk before executing a canter departure.
           4. On run in patterns failure to be in a canter prior to the first marker.
           5. If a horse does not completely pass the specified marker before initiating a stop position.
     (j) Starting or performing circles or eights out of lead will be judged as follows:

Each time a horse is out of lead, a judge is required to deduct one point. The penalty for being out of lead is accumulative, and the judge will deduct one penalty point for each quarter of the circumference of a circle or any part thereof that a horse is out of lead. A judge is required to penalize a horse one-half point for a delayed change of lead by one stride.
      (k) Deduct 1/2 point for starting circle at a jog or exiting rollbacks at a jog up to two strides. Jogging beyond two strides, but less than 1/2 circle or 1/2 the length of the arena, deduct two points.
      (l) Deduct 1/2 point for over or under spinning up to one-eighth (1/8) of a turn; deduct one point for over or under spinning from one-eighth to one-fourth (1/8 to 1/4) turn.
      (m) A 1/2 point penalty deduction will be given for failure to remain a minimum of 20 feet (6 meters) from the wall or fence when approaching a stop and/or rollback.
       (n) In patterns requiring a run-around, failure to be on the correct lead when rounding the end of the arena will be penalized as follows: for 1/2 the turn or less, one point; for more than 1/2 turn, two points.
       (o) Penalties against the horse to be scored accordingly, but not to cause disqualification:
              1. Opening mouth excessively when wearing bit.
              2. Excessive jawing opening mouth or head raising on stop.
              3. Lack of smooth, straight stop on haunches-bounding or sideways stop.
              4. Refusing to change leads.
              5. Anticipating signals.
              6. Stumbling.
              7. Backing sideways.
              8. Knocking over markers.

        (p) Faults against the rider to be scored accordingly, but not to cause disqualification:
              1. Losing stirrup.
              2. Failure to run circles or figure eights within the markers is not considered a fault depending on arena conditions and size; however, failure to go beyond markers on rollbacks and stops is considered a fault.

         (q) While horse is in motion, rider's hands shall be clear of horse and saddle.

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Ranch Reining   ranchreining

This event is intended to display the workability of a horse suitable for ranch work. Sliding stops should be those of a working ranch horse.

Each contestant will perform the required pattern individually. 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.

The best reined horse should be willfully guided with no apparent resistance. Any movement made by the horse on his own must be considered a lack of control. Any deviation from the pattern must be considered lack of control, and therefore faulted accordingly. Credit will be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority in performing the various maneuvers while using controlled speed. More credit will be given for flying lead changes, although simple lead changes are allowed.

The following will result in no score:

a) Use of more than index finger between reins.
b) Failure to complete pattern
c) Spurring in front of the cinch
d) Use of free hand to instill fear
e) Touching horse or saddle with free hand.
f) Use of two hands (exception: horse eligible to be shown in snaffle or bosal).
g) Use of any illegal equipment, tie-downs or nosebands. Use of whips or bats.

a) Opening mouth excessively
b) Excessive awing, opening mouth or raising head on the stop.
c) Lack of smooth straight stop on haunches and/or excessive sliding.
d) Refusing to change leads.
e) Anticipating signals.
f) Stumbling
g) Backing sideways

a) Losing stirrup
b) Any unnecessary aid given such as unnecessary talking, petting, spurring, quicking, jerking on reins, ect.
c) Failure to ride beyond the markers in the roll-backs.

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This class is designated to showcase the horse that listened 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 intelligence. All obstacles to be negotiated with reasonable speed and control.

The following pattern and routine are prescribed. It is essential that judge and exhibitors adhere to it.

1. On the pattern, the short, triple line represents a swinging gate which the horse must put the rider in position to open, pass through, and close without dismounting. It may be located in any part of the arena and should be one which will not endanger horse and rider.
2. The eight (8) small circles represent pylon. These should be separated by a uniform distance not less than thirty (30) nor more than fifty (50) feet.
3. The rectangle represents an obstacle (one small log recommended) just high enough to break the animal's stride.
4. The long and sometimes twisting line indicates the direction to travel and the gaits at which the horse is to move. The dotted line (.......) indicates the walk, the dash line (------) indicates the jog, and the solid line ( ______ ) indicates the lope.

The exhibitor will put his/her horse through the gate and then proceed on the routine as indicated in the pattern. Any horse not following exact pattern will be disqualified. The horse should cross the log both at the trot and the lope without braking gait or radically changing stride. After jogging over the log, the lope should be started approximately twenty (20) feet.

It is permissible to change hands when opening a gate, if the gate is positioned in such a position as to justified a change of hands on the rein.

Scoring will be based on a basis of zero (0) to one hundred (100) with seventy (70) denoting an average performance.
         a) Scoring guidelines to be considered: points will be added or subtracted from the eight (8) maneuvers on the following basis, ranging from plus 1.5 to minus 1.5:

b) the eight (8) maneuvers are as follows:
          1. Gate/walk
          2. Jog/log
          3. Jog/ transition to lope
          4. Line (side) lead changes( plus/minus 1/2 point per change)
          5. First two crossing lead changes (plus/minus 1/2 point per change)
          6. Log (lope)
          7. Second two crossing lead changes (plus/minus 1/2 point per change)
          8. Lope/stop/back, minimum of 10 feet.
          9. Overall pattern accuracy and smoothness (plus/minus 1/2 point)

A contestant shall be penalized for:

a) Releasing gate due to horse's disobedience, knocking over gate, unable to complete gate- 5 points
b) Failure to change leads - 3 points
c) Use of hand to instill fear in horse - 3 to 5 points
d) Breaking gait at lope simple lead changes - 3 points
e) Additional lead changes any where on course - 3 point
f) Failure to take prescribed gait where designated- 2 points
g) Hitting log - 1 point
h) Failure to change leads behind:
           1. From 1/2 stride up to cone - 1/2 point
i) Ticking (light touch) log 1/2 point

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Roping Events   ropingevents

The purpose of a 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 its 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 of lesser importance. Calves in the Calf Roping contest are recommended not exceed 250 pounds.

Horses must start from the roping box.

Calf roping 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 any 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 managements discretion; muley cattle or cattle with strap on horns may be used.

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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 be 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.

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Breakaway Roping   breakawayroping

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 penalty will be assessed 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 a 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 catch as catch can 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 horseback and flag the class.

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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 the 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 the heeler is automatic disqualification.

The roper 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 the 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.

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 roper 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 the 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.

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.

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, contestant or non-contestant, or any adult.

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Ranch Roping  ranchroping

This is a timed 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 announce to the contestant when the horse crosses the stating line. Each contestant may have the option of a herd holder. The herd holder may not cross the starting line before the contestant. The sole duty of the herd holder is to assist in holding the cattle at the working end of the arena. The helper cannot sort cattle and doing so will result on a "no-time" for 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 on the loop, nor any potion of the calf's body behind the shoulder. The judge shall serve as the flagger. Youth exhibitor's may have their ropes tied to the saddle horn instead of dallying, at their discretion.

Penalties that may be applied to exhibitor's time:

a) 10 second penalty if over half the herd crosses the starting line.
b) 10 second penalty if the judge feels there has been excessive running of the herd.

Steer Stopping         steerstopping

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 from the time the steer leaves the chute.

Loss of the rope by the steer stopper is automatic disqualification.

The roper may throw only two loops. If more than one loop is thrown, rider must recoil rope and build additional loop.

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Barrel Racing   barrelracing

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 flag man 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 contestants time will be announced immediately after the run.

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 three to the finish line need not be reduced five 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.

Penalties or disqualifications:

a) Failure to follow or complete the course shall be cause for disqualification.
b) If a hat or helmet is worn and is not on the exhibitor's person the entire time on the arena a five (5) second penalty shall be assessed.
c) Knocking over a pole shall carry a five (5) second penalty for each pole knocked over.

Equipment and Dress:

1.Safety helmets are allowed and recommended but not required. If a helmet or Western hat is worn upon entering the arena, such helmet or hat is to remain on the exhibitor's person the entire time the exhibitor is in the arena.

2. Tack and equipment. Mechanical hackamore, tie down with noseband of leather, rope, nylon or padded covering may be used. Slip or gag-bits and donut and flat polo mouth pieces are allowed, if not severe. Leg wraps, boots martingale, whips, bats, spurs, and chaps are optional at the discretion of the rider.

In the event of a tie:

The contestants involved in a tie, for placing, maybe determined by mutual consent to either runoff or flip a coin to break the tie. If contestants cannot agree, the judge shall make the decision. In the case of a runoff. The horse declared the winner in the runoff must have re-run the pattern within two (2) seconds of it's original time or the runoff must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to determine the two (2) second time but will apply to the final runoff time.

In the event of a tie. The contestants involved in a tie, for placing, maybe determined by mutual consent to either runoff or flip a coin to break the tie. If contestants cannot agree, the judge shall make the decision. In the case of a runoff. The horse declared the winner in the runoff must have re-run the pattern within two (2) seconds of it's original time or the runoff must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to determine the two (2) second time but will apply to the final runoff time.

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Pole Bending    polebending

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, weave the poles back to the end pole, and then run to the finish line. Two stop watches and a flag man 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 than 14 inches in diameter.

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 contestants time will be announced immediately after the run.

Penalties or disqualifications:

a) Failure to follow or complete the course shall be cause for disqualification.
b) If a hat or helmet is worn and is not on the exhibitor's person the entire time on the arena a five (5) second penalty shall be assessed.
c) Knocking over a pole shall carry a five (5) second penalty for each pole knocked over.

Equipment and Dress:

1.Safety helmets are allowed and recommended but not required. If a helmet or Western hat is worn upon entering the arena, such helmet or hat is to remain on the exhibitor's person the entire time the exhibitor is in the arena.

2. Tack and equipment. Mechanical hackamore, tie down with noseband of leather, rope, nylon or padded covering may be used. Slip or gag-bits and donut and flat polo mouth pieces are allowed, if not severe. Leg wraps, boots martingale, whips, bats, spurs, and chaps are optional at the discretion of the rider.

In the event of a tie:

The contestants involved in a tie, for placing, maybe determined by mutual consent to either runoff or flip a coin to break the tie. If contestants cannot agree, the judge shall make the decision. In the case of a runoff. The horse declared the winner in the runoff must have re-run the pattern within two (2) seconds of it's original time or the runoff must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to determine the two (2) second time but will apply to the final runoff time.

In the event of a tie. The contestants involved in a tie, for placing, maybe determined by mutual consent to either runoff or flip a coin to break the tie. If contestants cannot agree, the judge shall make the decision. In the case of a runoff. The horse declared the winner in the runoff must have re-run the pattern within two (2) seconds of it's original time or the runoff must be held again. Penalty time will not apply to determine the two (2) second time but will apply to the final runoff time.

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Team Penning      teampenning

1. 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.
2. All cattle will be bunched on the cattle side of the starting line before the time begins. The judge will raise the flag to signal when arena is ready. Contestants will be given their cattle penning number 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 committed once they enter the arena.
3. Any delay will be disqualification.
4. 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 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

7. A team will be disqualified for any action he feels to be unnecessary roughness to the cattle or horses, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
8. Fall of horse and/or rider shall not eliminate the entry; however, any attempt by a dismounted rider to work cattle before remounting will result in an automatic disqualification.
9. If five or more cattle are across the starting line at any one time, that team will be judged no time.
10. Points will be awarded based on the number of teams entered.
11. Disqualification of a team member will result in disqualification of the entire team.
12.  In the event of a tie, points will be divided equally.
13. Numbers must be a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) tall and colored neckbands be a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. A change of one horse/rider combination constitutes a new team.

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