Sneak Peek at BRC Cowboy Dressage and Ranch Trail Competition

30^th August

Entries Open End of July

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, preferably western style.   Riders are encouraged to wear western type attire, typically jeans, a long sleeve western shirt or jacket and suitable riding boots. A 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.

Cost

Cost for class 1 is $30. Cost for class 2 is $30 or you can do both class 1 and 2 for the discounted cost of $50 (day ticket).  Class 3 is $30. Limit of 2 classes per horse and limit of two horses per rider unmounted class excepted ie you can enter a 3^rd horse in the unmounted class but that horse CANNOT be entered in a ridden class.

Ribbons will be awarded to 6^th place in each class. Day ticket riders will be eligible for a Most Improved prize.