BRC Cowboy Dressage and Ranch Trail Competition
30th August
(Entries Open 29 July)
For BRC & Adult EA members (18 and over)
Ranch trail and Cowboy Dressage Competition
What is a Ranch Trail class?
A 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 everyday property work. The horse/rider team is judged on 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 responsive and well-mannered horse which can correctly navigate and negotiate the course.
The Course
The Ranch Trail course will include no less than six (6) and no more than eleven (11) obstacles. For extra fun the course will have a Wild West theme.
There are mandatory obstacles and/or manoeuvres:
• Ride over logs on the ground.
• Gate Opening, passing through and closing a hinged swinging gate (not a rope gate).
• Bridge (walk only).
• Backing an L, V, U or zig zag shape or in a straight line.
• Side-pass any object which is safe and of any length
Optional Obstacles.
Optional obstacles may also be used.
Examples are:
• a jump obstacle (maximum height 35 cm)
• only live or stuffed animals which would normally be encountered in an outdoor setting
• carry object from one part of the arena to another
• remove and replace materials from a mailbox
• weave through cones or other objects
• swing rope or throw rope at a dummy steer head
• step in and out of obstacle
• put on drizabone or coat
• stand to mount with mounting block and lunge your horse
• walk through water obstacle
• open gate on foot
• pick up feet
• walk through brush
• ground tie
• lead at the trot
Scoring
Each competitor begins with 70 points. Points are awarded on the quality of each manoeuvre but penalties also apply, for instance, if an obstacle is knocked or for a break of gait. More specific details on scoring will be provided to competitors prior to the event.
Cowboy Dressage
This competition is also providing an opportunity to “have a go” at cowboy dressage. The test to be ridden is included here. Dressage is simply French for training so why not make it more versatile so we can ride our horses safely in rough country, chase a cow, wade through deep water, swing a rope, and gallop in wide open spaces and just not in an enclosed arena. A soft feel is the goal of cowboy dressage. This does not mean a long uncommunicative rein and allowing the horse to travel unbalanced – it means a soft/light contact that is achieved when the seat, reins and aids are used in balance.
Classes available
There will be three classes – Class 1 will consist of both a cowboy dressage test (provided) and a ranch trail run. Class 2 will consist of a ranch trail run only. Canter will be optional in both classes. Class 3 is an unmounted class – those entered in this class get two runs of the ranch trail course. Any horse entered in the unmounted class CANNOT be entered in a ridden class ie class 1 or 2.
Saddlery and Attire
A saddle and bridle is required, western style encouraged. Riders are also encouraged to wear western type attire, typically jeans, a long sleeve western shirt or jacket and suitable riding boots. An EA approved and tagged helmet must be worn at all times when mounted.
Other information
The draw and details of the pattern for the ranch trail class will be emailed in the week prior to the competition.
There will be prizes for 1st place in classes 1 and 2 and ribbons to 6th place in each class.
The dressage test to be ridden on the day is attached.
Cost
Cost for each class is $30 or you can do both class 1 and 2 for the discounted cost of $50 (day ticket).
Limit of 2 classes per horse and limit of two horses per rider -unmounted class excepted - ie you can enter a 3rd horse in the unmounted class but that horse CANNOT be entered in a ridden class.
