Ranch Rail

What Judges Look For

Judges consider the overall picture presented by the horse throughout the class rather than individual maneuvers.

Higher placements are awarded to horses that remain consistent at all gaits, respond promptly to rider cues, and maintain a pleasant, workmanlike demeanor.

AQHA Rules for Western Rail

SHW425. Working Western Rail. The working western rail class measures the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride and should reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working horse. The horse should be well-broke, relaxed, quiet, soft and cadenced at all gaits. The movement of the working western rail horse should simulate a horse needing to cover long distances, softly and quietly. The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse and the horse’s quality of movement are the primary considerations. Maximum credit should be given to the horse that has a natural flowing stride and consistent, ground covering gaits. Transitions should be performed when requested, with smoothness and responsiveness. The ideal working western rail horse should have a natural head carriage at each gait. The horse should be ridden on a relatively loose rein with light contact and without requiring undue restraint while being responsive to the rider and making timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner. The horse should be soft in the bridle, yield to contact and shall not be shown on a full drape of rein. Riders are encouraged to use adequate space given the extension of gaits required. This class should show the horse’s ability to work at a forward, working pace while under control by the rider. The horse shall be balanced and appear willing and a pleasure to ride in a group situation.​

SHW426. Class Requirements

SHW426.1 All exhibitors will work as a group. Individuals working off the rail will not be penalized and passing is permissible.

SHW426.2 Horses must work both ways of the ring at the walk, trot and lope. Horses must work at least one way of the ring at the extended trot and extended lope. At the option of the judge, horses may be asked to extend their stride at the walk.

SHW426.3 The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be as those described in SHW334 GAITS with an emphasis on forward, free-flowing, and ground-covering movement. SHW426.4 At the extended trot and lope, the exhibitor may post or stand in the stirrups.

SHW426.5 Touching or holding the saddle horn during any extended gait is acceptable.

SHW426.6 Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). They may be required to reverse at the walk or trot at the discretion of the judge but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope.

SHW426.7 Horses are required to back easily and stand quietly. Horses may be brought to the center or backed on the rail.

SHW426.8 The rider shall not be required to dismount except in the event the judge wishes to check equipment.

SHW427. Working Western Rail Apparel and Equipment

SHW427.1 No hoof polish or hoof black.

SHW427.2 No braided or banded manes/tails or tail extensions.

SHW427.3 Trimming inside ears is discouraged.

SHW427.4 Trimming bridle path is allowed, also trimming of fetlocks or excessive (long) facial hair.

SHW427.5 Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Excessive silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.

SHW427.6 It is suggested competitors use a breast collar and a rear cinch.

SHW427.7 When exhibiting in a snaffle bit or hackamore, an exhibitor may switch between two hands and one hand on the reins at any time.

SHW427.7.1 Use of two hands (except junior horses shown in a snaffle bit/hackamore), more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between romal reins (except in the two-rein) shall be cause for disqualification.

Penalties

Ranch Rail Pleasure Penalties.

A contestant shall be penalized each time the following
occur:

- Too slow/per gait
- Over-bridled
- Out of frame
- Break of gait
- Wrong lead, out of lead or cross cantering
- Draped reins
- Trotting more than three strides when taking lead
- Blatant disobedience