15 - Ranch Trail

15.1 Categories

Available in Walk/Jog, Novice Rider, Amateur, Open and all Youth divisions and all horse classes.

15.2 The ranch trail class should test the horse's ability to cope with situations encountered while being ridden through a pattern of obstacles generally found during the course of everyday ranch work. The horse/rider team is judged on the correctness, efficiency, and pattern accuracy with which the obstacles are negotiated, and the attitude and mannerisms exhibited by the horse. Judging emphasis is on identifying the well broke, responsive, and well-mannered horse which can correctly navigate the course. The ideal ranch trail horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each manoeuvre.

15.3 The ranch trail course will include no less than six and no more than nine obstacles (in enclosed arena) or no less than six and as many as the terrain will allow (in an outdoor course). It is mandatory that the horse be asked to walk, trot and lope during the course. Walk can be part of obstacle score or be scored with approaching obstacle. Trot must be at least 35ft and scored with approaching obstacle. Lope must be lead-specific, at least 50ft and scored with approaching obstacle. Care must be exercised to avoid setting up any obstacle that may be hazardous to horse or rider.

15.4 When setting courses management will be mindful that the idea is not to trap a horse/rider team or eliminate it by making an obstacle too difficult. All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to reduce the risk of accidents. Show management shall have the option of setting up the trail course to best fit the arena conditions. An outdoor course can be used if appropriate terrain is available.

15.5 Judges must walk the course and have the right and duty to alter the course if it is not in keeping with the intent of the class. Judges may remove or change any obstacle they deem unsafe, non-negotiable or unnecessarily difficult. Any time a trail obstacle becomes unsafe during a class, it shall be repaired or removed from the course. If the course cannot be repaired and some horses have completed the course, the score for that obstacle shall be deducted from all previous draws in the class.

15.6 The course must be designed using mandatory obstacles and manoeuvres plus optional obstacles. Combining two or more obstacles is acceptable.

15.7 Prohibited Obstacles: Tarps, water obstacles with slick bottoms, PVC pipe used as a jump or walk over, tyres (unless filled), rocking or moving bridges, logs elevated in a manner that permits such to roll in a dangerous manner.

15.8 Mandatory Obstacles and/or Manoeuvres

1. Ride over obstacles on ground (natural logs are recommended). Walk, trot or lope may be used but one gait is required. Walkovers: no more than five logs no more than 10" high, spacing 26-30 inches. Trot overs: no more than five logs no more than 10" high, spacing 36-40 inches. Lope overs: no more than five logs no more than 10" high, spacing 6 to 7 feet.
2. Opening, passing through and closing a gate. Use a gate that will not endanger horse or rider and requires minimum side passing.
3. Ride over wooden bridge. Bridge should be sturdy, safe and negotiated at a walk only. Heavy plywood lying flat on ground is an acceptable simulation of a bridge. Suggested minimum width 36 inches wide and at least 6 foot long.
4. Backing obstacle: to be spaced at a minimum of 28 inches. If elevated, 30 inches spacing is required. Back through and around at least three markers through an L, V, U or straight or similarly shaped course which may be elevated no more than 24 inches.
5. Side pass obstacle: Any object which is safe and of any length may be used to demonstrate responsiveness of the horse to leg signals. Raised side pass obstacles should not exceed 12 inches.
6. Drag an obstacle: The drag may be a complete figure of eight and may begin in either direction. The exhibitor MUST HAVE THE ROPE DALLIED ON THE SADDLE HORN (half or full dally) for the duration of the drag. This obstacle is not allowed in the Youth 13 & Under division; Youth 14-18 should be a straight drag between two posts.

15.9 Optional Obstacles: Optional obstacles may be used provided the obstacles can be found in everyday ranch work. Selection may include but is not limited to:

• A jump obstacle whose centre height is not less than 14 inches high or more than 25 inches high. Holding the saddle horn is permissible for this obstacle.
• Carry object from one part of the arena to another.
• Remove and replace materials from a mailbox.
• Trot through markers spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart.
• Cross natural ditches or ride up or down embankments.
• Swing rope or throw rope at a dummy steer head.
• Step in or out of obstacle.
• Put on slicker or coat.
• Stand to mount with mounting block.
• Walk through water obstacle.
• Open gate on foot.
• Pick up feet.
• Walk through brush.
• Ground tie (hobbles are allowed).
• Lead at the trot.

15.10 Credits and Penalties: All runs begin upon entering the pen and any infractions are subject to penalty at that time. The rider has the option of eliminating any obstacle, however this will result in being "off pattern" (OP) and the horse/rider may not place above others who have completed the pattern correctly. A judge may ask an exhibitor to pass on an obstacle after three refusals or any time for safety reasons.

15.11 Credit is given to horse/rider teams who negotiate 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 manoeuvre score for the obstacle. Manoeuvre 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:

1 point:

• Over-bridled (per manoeuvre); out of frame (per manoeuvre); 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 or two steps on mount/dismount or ground tie except shifting to balance; wrong lead or out of lead for two strides or less.

3 point:

• 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 or ground tie; trotting more than three (3) strides in lope departures; knocking down or over or severely disturbing an obstacle; stepping out of or falling off an obstacle with one foot; missing or evading part of a log/obstacle with one foot.

5 point:

• Spurring in front of cinch; blatant disobedience; use of either hand to install fear/praise; stepping out of or falling off an obstacle with more than one 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 (1) foot.

15.12 Off-Pattern (OP) Exhibitors cannot be placed above others who complete pattern correctly or exhibitors with fewer off-patterns.

• Incomplete manoeuvre; eliminating or adding manoeuvre; 3rd refusal; repeated blatant disobedience; failing to dally and remain dallied; use of two hands (except when using snaffle bit or hackamore); more than one finger between split reins or any finger between romal reins; failure to open and shut gate or failure to complete gate.

15.13 Disqualified 0-Score

• Lameness; abuse; leaving working area before pattern is complete; illegal equipment; disrespect or misconduct; improper western attire; fall of horse/rider.