Ranch Trail

Judges evaluate both the quality of execution of each obstacle and the overall flow of the course. Desired qualities include willingness, confidence, straightness, correct foot placement, smooth transitions, and a relaxed, attentive expression.

Hesitation, rushing, resistance, excessive cueing, inaccurate lines, and breaks of gait will lower scores.

Ranch Trail is scored using AQHA-based maneuver scoring, beginning with a base score of 70. Higher scores are earned through clean execution, consistent rhythm, minimal visible cueing, and confident first attempts. Degree of difficulty is rewarded only when performed correctly.

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The ideal ranch trail horse moves forward with a natural working ranch pace, remains adjustable, and travels straight unless the obstacle requires bend. Transitions between obstacles should be smooth and purposeful, reflecting a horse suitable for long days of practical ranch work.

SHW423 CREDITS AND PENALTIES. All runs begin upon entering the area of competition and any infractions are subject to penalty at that time (such as two hands on the reins, using either hand to instill fear, etc.). The rider has the option of eliminating any obstacle, however this will result in being off pattern (OP) and the horse/rider team may not place above others who have completed the pattern correctly. A judge may ask a horse to pass on an obstacle after three refusals or at any time for safety concerns.

SHW423.1 Credit is given to horse/rider teams who negotiate the obstacles correctly and efficiently. Horses should receive credit for showing attentiveness to obstacles and ability to negotiate through the course when the obstacles warrant it while willingly responding to rider’s cues on more difficult obstacles. Quality of movement and cadence should be considered part of the maneuver score for the obstacle. Natural ranch horse appearance will also be evaluated ranging from plus 1 ½ to minus 1 ½. Maneuver evaluations and penalty applications are to be determined independently. The following penalties will be applied to each occurrence and be deducted from the final score:   

SHW423.2 One (1) point: Over-bridled (per maneuver) Out of frame (per maneuver) Each hit, bite or stepping on a log, cone plant or any component of the obstacle Incorrect or break of gait at walk or trot for two (2) strides or less Both front or hind feet in a single-stride slot or space at a walk or trot Skipping over or failing to step into required space Split pole in lope-over Incorrect number of strides, if specified One to two steps on mount/dismount or ground tie except shifting to balance Wrong lead or out of lead for two (2) strides or less

SHW423.3 Three (3) points: Wrong lead or out of lead for more than two (2) strides Draped reins Break of gait at lope, except when correcting an incorrect lead Break of gait at walk or trot for more than two (2) strides Three to four steps on mount/dismount on ground tie Trotting for more than three (3) strides in lope departures or exiting a rollback into a lope from a stop or walk Knocking down or over, or severely disturbing an obstacle Stepping out of or falling off an obstacle with one (1) foot Missing or evading part of a log/obstacle with one (1) foot

SHW423.4 Five (5) points: Spurring in front of cinch Blatant disobedience Use of either hand to instill fear Stepping out of or falling off an obstacle with more than one (1) foot Dropping an object required to be carried 1st or 2nd cumulative refusal Letting go of gate Five or more steps on mount/dismount or ground tie Missing or evading part of a log/obstacle with more than one foot

SHW423.5 Off-Pattern (OP) - Exhibitors cannot place above others who complete pattern correctly Incomplete maneuver Eliminating or adding a maneuver 3rd refusal Repeated blatant disobedience, and failure to dally and remain dallied Use of two hands (except junior shown in a snaffle bit/hackamore), more than one finger Between split reins or any fingers between romal reins (except in the two-rein) Failure to open and shut gate, or failure to complete gate

SHW423.6 Disqualified: 0 – Score Lameness Abuse Leaving working area before pattern is complete Illegal equipment Disrespect or misconduct Improper western attire Fall of horse/rider SHW425.