Ranch Horse Versatility

Working ranch horse competitions, like this one sponsored by the American Paint Horse Association, emphasize practical skills. During the trail segment, this contestant drags a log. Photo courtesy APHA.

If you pay attention to the press, "specialized" seems to be the name of the horse game. But before you decide to trade in good old Mr. Reliable for a horse who can star in just one discipline-you might want to consider getting involved in versatility ranch horse events.

There's currently a push to celebrate horses that aren't super at just one thing but competent at many! These are the kind of good, all-around horses that have truly shaped our country-the kind of horses that are probably standing right out in your pasture today.

Interest in versatility has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years-and not just among cowboys. For example, the American Ranch Horse Association (ARHA), home-based in Kentucky, formed in 2004 with 12 initial members. It now has more than 3,500 members and nine charter organizations. It's just one of the many organizations that are carving out a place for horses and riders with a variety of talents.

What is Ranch Horse Versatility?
Long before horse shows as we know them began, ranch cowboys got together to show their stuff, just for fun. The versatility aspect is what gives ranch horse riding its flavor today. Versatile ranch horses are expected to be competent in a range of situations. And while not every organization recognizes the exact same events in the ranch horse tradition, for the most part, there are five dimensions to the competition:

1. Ranch Conformation. These horses aren't built like the halter horses at the Quarter Horse Congress. Well-built ranch horses are balanced and designed to do the jobs that life on a ranch requires.

"It's form to function. Conformation does not necessarily mean pretty. Conformation is correct. Pretty can be correct, but I've been on some plain-Jane horses that have been put together well," says trainer and ARHA judge Bill Black.

2. Ranch Riding. This division is the ranch horse equivalent to western pleasure.

"When you spend 10 to 12 hours in the saddle, you're looking for a horse that makes it easy for you," says Southern Stockhorse Association (SSA) president Creig Dawes.

In competition, a horse is judged on the gaits, consistency, and manners that are necessary in a working horse.

3. Ranch Trail. Again, think about the trail class at the local 4-H show. In addition to the usual mailbox, gate, and raincoat tasks, horse and rider traverse obstacles that are encountered on a ranch, such as roping a dummy (fake) steer, loading and unloading from a trailer, or dragging a log.

4. Working Ranch Horse, Working Cow Horse or Roping. The difference between working ranch horse and working cow horse is minimal. In both, the horse and rider perform a reining pattern, cut or work a cow at one end of the arena, turn the cow, and move the cow in a circle. This requires the widest range of skill of all the events. Some organizations provide the option of roping a cow instead, without the necessity of tying it fast to the saddle.

5. Cutting or Ranch Cutting. In cutting, a rider guides his horse into a herd of cows, separates one from the herd, and does not interfere with the horse as it keeps the cow from returning to the herd. Ranch cutting is the same idea, although the rider is allowed to assist the horse in keeping the cow from returning to the herd.