Patterns

Ranch Riding Patterns (provided by AQHA)

See PDF to the Right for pattern details. Junior & Senior are the same patterns

Ranch Riding serves to measure the ability of the horse to be functional and a pleasure to ride at a working speed while being used as a means of conveyance from one western stock horse task to another. The horseʹs performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. This horse should be well‐broke, relaxed, quiet, soft, and cadenced at all gaits. The horse should be responsive to the rider, yield to contact, and make all required transitions smoothly, timely and correctly. The horse should perform with reasonable speed, and be obedient, well‐mannered, free, and easy moving.

Class consists of pattern work which is ridden individually. For each maneuver, the horse is judged on quality of gaits, response to the rider, manners, and disposition.

A horse will be given credit for traveling with his head held in a normal position, ears alert and moving at a natural speed for the gait requested. The horse should be ridden on a relatively loose rein with light contact and without requiring undue restraint. Excessively long floppy reins will be penalized.

All transitions should be smooth without undue exaggeration or resistance from the horse.

Use of hands: Only one hand may be used on reins and hands must not be changed. Reins may be held in any manner. Two hands may be used when using a snaffle bit or bosal on a horse or pony 5 years of age or younger.

The judge or show management will select which Ranch Riding pattern will be used. The class may be conducted inside or outside of an arena.

Sitting the regular trot and lope is recommended; though standing in the stirrups at the extended trot and extended lope, or posting the extended trot, is acceptable.

Scoring will be on the basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance.

Note for all Ranch Riding Patterns:

Show management may choose to provide start/stop cones and/or cones marking perimeter boundaries.

The drawn description of these patterns is only intended for the general depiction of the pattern. Exhibitors should utilize the arena space to best exhibit their horses.

Gymkhana or Speed Events

See PDF to the Left for pattern details. Junior & Senior are the same patterns

• Barrel Race is a traditional 3 barrel "clover" pattern

• Pole Bending is 6 poles

• Stake Race has 2 poles and 2 cones