2Q Show Rules and Policies

Show Eligibility
The 2Q Ranch Versatility Schooling Show Series is open to all breeds and all riding levels. No breed registration or association membership is required to compete.

Divisions Offered
The following divisions are offered as part of the 2Q Ranch Versatility Schooling Show Series: Open Division and Age Division Classes (Non-Professional Only). Exhibitors earn points only within the division entered.

1. Open Division
   The Open Division is open to all riders, including professional trainers and riders receiving compensation. There are no age, experience, or professional status restrictions. Open riders compete only against other Open entries. Points earned apply only toward Open Division awards.

2. Age Division Classes (Non-Professional Only)
   Age Division classes are restricted to non-professional riders. A Non-Professional rider is defined as an individual who does not receive payment for training, riding, or showing horses, does not accept compensation for riding instruction beyond reasonable expenses, and does not earn income as a professional horse trainer. Show management reserves the right to verify eligibility.

   1. Age Divisions
      Age divisions are determined by the rider’s age as of January 1 of the current show year. Divisions are as follows: Leadline (ages 0–6), Youth (ages 6–12), Junior (ages 13–17), Adult (ages 18–49), and Distinguished Adult (ages 50 and over). Riders may earn series points in only one age division per show and may not change age divisions during the show year. Ages are determined as of January 1, 2026.

General Class Rules
Riders are expected to perform the gaits required by each class or pattern entered. Patterns and expectations will be appropriate for the division. Horse and rider combinations are judged separately. Excessive speed is discouraged, with emphasis placed on correctness, control, form, and effectiveness.

1. Leadline Rules
   Leadline riders must remain on the leadline at all times. Assistance from a handler is permitted and encouraged. Patterns will be simplified and age appropriate. Leadline classes may be scored or non-scored at the discretion of show management.

2. Walk/Trot Classes
   Walk/Trot classes are limited to walk and trot gaits only. In patterns that ask riders to lope, riders will extend the trot instead. Horse/rider pair may not cross-enter the same class at the Walk/Trot/Lope level at the same show.

3. Walk/Trot/Lope Classes
   Walk/Trot/Lope classes are intended for riders and horses capable of performing all three gaits with control and consistency. Riders may not cross-enter the same class at the Walk/Trot level at the same show on the same horse. Riders are not allowed to change gait divisions during the show, but may change divisions between shows, however their end-of-series points will not convey to the new division. Show management reserves the right to move an exhibitor to a more appropriate gait level if safety or competitive fairness becomes a concern.

Series Points Calculation
Series points are calculated per horse and rider combination and accumulate across the entire series.

1. Classes with Five or More Riders
   In classes with five or more riders, first place receives points equal to the number of riders in the class with a max of 10 points earned per class. Each subsequent placing receives one point less. (i.e. 14 riders in class = 1st: 10 points, 2nd: 9 points, 3rd: 8 points…..). Riders who finish course but do not place will still receive 1 point. No points will be awarded for DQ or No Scores. 

2. Classes with Fewer Than Five Riders
   In classes with fewer than five riders, a minimum five-point scale will be used. First place receives five points, second receives four points, third receives three points, fourth receives two points, and fifth receives one point if applicable.

3. Minimum Class Requirement
   To earn series points at a show, exhibitors must enter and compete in a minimum of five of the six eligible mounted ranch versatility classes at that show. In-hand classes do not count towards the minimum class eligibility. Exhibitors entering fewer than five eligible classes will not receive series points for that show.

4. Series Participation and Qualification
   The series consists of four designated shows. To be eligible for end-of-series buckle awards, exhibitors must compete in at least three of the four shows. If all four shows are attended by a rider, the lowest show score will be dropped. 

5. Buckle Awards
   Buckle awards will be presented to the High Point Champion in each division following the last show of the series. High Point Champions are determined by the highest total accumulated series points.

   1. Tie Breaking
      In the event of a tie, ties will be broken by the highest number of first-place finishes, followed by the highest number of total classes competed in during the series. Final determination rests with show management.

6. Administrative Provisions
   Points do not transfer between horses or riders. Scratches, no-shows, or disqualifications earn zero points. Show management reserves the right to combine or split classes and retains final authority over rule interpretation.

Rule Modifications
2Q Ranch Versatility Schooling Shows may adjust or clarify rules as needed throughout the season to support safety, fairness, and a positive show experience. Any updates will be communicated when possible, and all management decisions are made with the best interest of horses and exhibitors in mind.

Horse Welfare and Safety
2Q Ranch Versatility Schooling Shows place the welfare and safety of the horse as the highest priority at all times. Any form of inhumane treatment of a horse or unsafe behavior by a rider or handler will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, excessive or abusive use of hands, legs, spurs, crops, or reins; striking a horse in anger; aggressive or reckless riding; or continuing to ride a horse that is clearly distressed, unsound, or unsafe. Any action that compromises the welfare of the horse, the safety of the rider, other exhibitors, spectators, or show personnel may result in immediate disqualification. Show management and the judge reserve the right to excuse any horse or rider from the arena or show grounds at any time for welfare or safety concerns. All such decisions are final and are made in the interest of horse welfare and overall show safety.