Overview

The Ranch Horse curriculum book provides completion rules for a comprehensive event including individual competitions in the following categories:

  • Knowledge Test
  • Roping - Heading and Heeling
  • Sorting Cattle
  • Ranch Riding or Working Cow Horse Patterns

The Working Ranch horse project is set up in levels (1-4), in accordance with member enrollment and assessment. The levels are intended to be progressive in skill and knowledge development. A member should be assessed to determine proper placement in a level based on skills, keeping safety in mind.

  • Members shall enter only 1 level per year and per competition.
  • Members shall progress forward in levels. You may remain in the same level for up to 3 years but may not drop back to a lower level at any point. Level placement is determined through skills of rider, not the capabilities of the horse.

Scoring Information

  • Each event will be scored individually. Scores will be tabulated by the office to calculate cumulative scores.
  • Judge’s decision is final. 
  • A contestant is judged from the time the contestant enters the arena until the run is finished. Horses are judged on performance only. 
  • The scoring system is designed to be positive, straightforward, and always encourage growth and improvement in both horse and rider. The scoring system is designed to give credit for the work done.

Knowledge Test: Levels 1-4

The knowledge test involves a written exam OR an oral interview with a Judge. 

  • 100 points possible.
  • Tests will be evalkuated against a standard answer key. 
  • Questions shall be taken from the 4-H Working Ranch Horse and 4-H Horsemanship manuals.
  • For 4-H youth in Levels 3 & 4, questions may also be taken from equine science books.

Roping, Sorting and Patterns

Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4

Level 1 Skills and Evaluation

Event How Level 1 Participants are Evaluated Level 1 Scoring
Roping: Heading & Heeling

Evaluates skills of rope handling and throwing loops at a stationary dummy while standing on the ground.

  • Allowed maximum of 5 loops within a 2-minute time limit.
  • May only use one rope and must re-coil and build a new loop for each throw. A different rope may be used for heading and for heeling.
  • May move to various positions around the dummy appropriate to loop being thrown.
  • Participants are encouraged to “call their shots” to show knowledge of loops.

Additional points may be awarded by judge for calling shots but bonus points are awarded only for calling and throwing an “alternative shot.” Overhand and sidearm are considered traditional shots. Backhand, Houlihan, Scoop Loop, Hip Shot and more are considered alternative shots.

Heading or Heeling: 100 total points possible for each

  • 30 points - Handling and control of rope
  • 5 points – Position
  • 50 points – Throws (1-10 points awarded for each throw). Catches shall receive higher credit than misses, but points are also applied to correctness, style, delivery and calling shots.
  • 15 points – 3 points for each catch using a declared alternative loop

 

Sorting Cattle

General rules: 

  • 90 second time limit with 30 second warning whistle. A lap timer is used for recording of time for each animal as it is sorted through opening.
  • Cattle will be bunched and settled in one pen at start of run. Time starts when rider enters cattle pen. The number of the cow to begin sort on will be called as rider enters pen. (If #5 is called, contestant will sort cow #5 first, followed by #6 and then #7.)
  • A gate person will be designated by show management and is responsible for controlling the gate, just like in everyday ranch work. 

 

Option A – Sort maximum of 3 head of cattle in sequence.

  • This format is used for most competitions and can be applied to any or all levels.
  • Requires a lower competitor to cattle ratio for event as cattle are handled less.

Option B – Sort as many cattle as possible in numbered sequence.

  • Within 90 second time limit
  • This format is offered for upper level competitors to enhance competition.

This event is scored and timed

  • 50 possible points are available for cattle sorted by fastest time.
  • 50 possible points are scored by the judge on the horsemanship, cattle handling and herdsmanship ability of the rider. Smoothness, approach, ability to read cattle, efficiency and working advantage will all be considered by judge. Sorting is not only about speed but about how to effectively separate and handle cattle in a calm, controlled and effective manner with a horse.
  • Each sorting run will be timed using a lap timer. Time will be recorded for each animal passing through the gate. Time is noted for each animal as it passes through the gate by indication of the judge’s flag.
  • Time: Fastest time in the class on correct sequence sorted animals will be awarded 50 points, second fastest time will receive 48 points,  and on down in 2-point increments.
  • Placing: 3 animals sorted places before 2 animals and before 1 sorted. Ranking: moves to 3 animals “not in sequence”, 2 animals ... and so on. Any run with cows out of sequence must place below runs in correct sequence.

Show management may use a different point spread increment when converting time to points if necessary based on number of contestants or similar factors. 

Ranch Riding Patterns

Patterns may include gaits of walk, trot, lope and back as well as introductory maneuvers like pivots. In the case of a “Horsemanship Level 1” rider being entered in “Ranch Horse Level 1” – for the sake of safety the rider may trot the lope portions of the pattern and will be judged according to ability. The show committee will make efforts to inform judge of any rider that is only of walk/trot ability prior to start of class.

There will be no cattle work in Level 1 Ranch Riding Patterns. 

Other information:

  • Patterns will be posted a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of the show and will be available from the show office. 
  • Patterns for practice or show committee use are available in the 4-H Ranch Horse Curriculum and on the Montana 4-H Horse Project page. The available patterns are intended to be a resource and to set example and style for each level.
  • Patterns used state competitions are not limited to those posted on website or in curriculum.
Option A – Base 70 score
  • 100 points possible
  • 60-80 points awarded on pattern elements. Each run starts with a score of 70 and each maneuver is scored with a +/- point system.
  • 1-20 points are awarded on style, execution and eye appeal of overall performance. 

Option B – Base 10 scoring

  • 1-10 points awarded per maneuver (0 given for off pattern or missed element).
  • Judge or steward will attempt to designate pattern maneuvers into 10 parts when possible to create possible 100 points.

The AQHA novice/rookie rule will be used regarding off pattern elements. Scores will be tabulated for all runs. All exhibitors in class will be placed but off-patter ("OP") scores will be placed after those with correct pattern execution.

  • Tie breaker maneuvers will be determined by judge prior to start of In event of tied total score the tie breaker maneuvers will be used to determine class placing.
  • The discretion of the judge and show committee will determine which scoring procedure to be used.
Event How Level 2 Participants are Evaluated  Level 2 Scoring
Roping: Heading & Heeling

Evaluates skills of rope handling, control and position while throwing loops at a stationary dummy and dallying while mounted on a

  • Allowed a maximum of 5 loops within a 2-minute time limit.
  • May only use one rope and must re-coil and build a new loop for each  throw. A different rope may be used for heading and for heeling.
  • The participant is allowed and encouraged to move to various positions around the dummy appropriate to loop being thrown. 
  • Participants are encouraged to “call their shots” to show knowledge of loops.

Additional points may be awarded by judge for calling shots but bonus points are awarded only for calling and throwing an “alternative shot.” Overhand and sidearm are considered traditional shots. Backhand, Houlihan, Scoop Loop, Hip Shot and more are considered alternative shots.

Heading or Heeling: 100 total points possible for each

  • 30 points - Handling and control of rope
  • 5 points – Position
  • 50 points – Throws (1-10 points awarded for each throw). Catches shall receive higher credit than misses, but points are also applied to correctness, style, delivery and calling shots.
  • 15 points – 3 points for each catch using a declared alternative loop
Sorting Cattle

General rules: 

  • 90 second time limit with 30 second warning whistle. A lap timer is used for recording of time for each animal as it is sorted through opening.
  • Cattle will be bunched and settled in one pen at start of run. Time starts when rider enters cattle pen. The number of the cow to begin sort on will be called as rider enters pen. (If #5 is called, contestant will sort cow #5 first, followed by #6 and then #7.)
  • A gate person will be designated by show management and is responsible for controlling the gate, just like in everyday ranch work. 

 

Option A – Sort maximum of 3 head of cattle in sequence.

  • This format is used for most competitions and can be applied to any or all levels.
  • Requires a lower competitor to cattle ratio for event as cattle are handled less.

Option B – Sort as many cattle as possible in numbered sequence.

  • Within 90 second time limit
  • This format is offered for upper level competitors to enhance competition.

This event is scored and timed

  • 50 possible points are available for cattle sorted by fastest time.
  • 50 possible points are scored by the judge on the horsemanship, cattle handling and herdsmanship ability of the rider. Smoothness, approach, ability to read cattle, efficiency and working advantage will all be considered by judge. Sorting is not only about speed but about how to effectively separate and handle cattle in a calm, controlled and effective manner with a horse.
  • Each sorting run will be timed using a lap timer. Time will be recorded for each animal passing through the gate. Time is noted for each animal as it passes through the gate by indication of the judge’s flag.
  • Time: Fastest time in the class on correct sequence sorted animals will be awarded 50 points, second fastest time will receive 48 points,  and on down in 2-point increments.
  • Placing: 3 animals sorted places before 2 animals and before 1 sorted. Ranking: moves to 3 animals “not in sequence”, 2 animals ... and so on. Any run with cows out of sequence must place below runs in correct sequence.

Show management may use a different point spread increment when converting time to points if necessary based on number of contestants or similar factors. 

Ranch Riding Patterns

Pattern class will consist of simple ranch riding pattern and will demonstrate gaits, transitions and basic maneuvers. At show committee’s discretion, a cattle work portion may be included. If so, at the completion of pattern exhibitor will call for cow to be turned into arena. The contestant will box the cow on one end of the arena and then drive the cow down the fence past the center marker of the arena. 45 second time limit with 15 second warning whistle.

For Cattle Work portions of Levels 2 patterns, the exhibitor will be allowed a reasonable working zone when working the cow. (This could be marked with cones or ribbons on fence). If the cow escapes the working zone points will be deducted.

Other information:

  • Patterns will be posted a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of the show and will be available from the show office. 
  • Patterns for practice or show committee use are available in the 4-H Ranch Horse Curriculum and on the Montana 4-H Horse Project page. The available patterns are intended to be a resource and to set example and style for each level.
  • Patterns used state competitions are not limited to those posted on website or in curriculum.
Option A – Base 70 score
  • 100 points possible
  • 60-80 points awarded on pattern elements. Each run starts with a score of 70 and each maneuver is scored with a +/- point system.
  • 1-20 points are awarded on style, execution and eye appeal of overall performance. 

Option B – Base 10 scoring

  • 1-10 points awarded per maneuver (0 given for off pattern or missed element).
  • Judge or steward will attempt to designate pattern maneuvers into 10 parts when possible to create possible 100 points.

The AQHA novice/rookie rule will be used regarding off pattern elements. Scores will be tabulated for all runs. All exhibitors in class will be placed but off-patter ("OP") scores will be placed after those with correct pattern execution.

  • Tie breaker maneuvers will be determined by judge prior to start of In event of tied total score the tie breaker maneuvers will be used to determine class placing.

  

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Event How Level 3 Participants are Evaluated Level 3 Scoring 
Roping: Heading & Heeling

Evaluates the ability of the horse and rider’s skills of handling and roping cattle as if they were doctoring sick or injured cattle. Cattle should be handled as slowly and calmly as possible. Skills of horse handling and position, rope handling ability and catches are evaluated in score.

  • Competitors will attempt to make 3 catches in a 2-minute time limit while horseback.
  • Number of loops is unlimited. 
  • Competitors may rope at any animals in pen in any order.

For Heading - A breakaway honda shall be used.

For Heeling – It is optional to use a breakaway hondo or regular hondo. Animals shall not be dallied on and held tight with regular rope.

Participants are encouraged to “call their shots” to show knowledge of loops. Additional points may be awarded if competitor calls out animal to be roped and successfully catches named animal. No deductions shall be given for not calling animal prior to throw.

Heading and Heeling  - 100 Total Points Possible

  • 20 points – Horsemanship and position
  • 20 points – Rope handling
  • 45 points – Catches (goal of 3 catches) (no loop limit) (2 min time limit)
  1. Up to 15 points for clean head catch or 2 feet
  2. Up to 10 points for deep body catch or 1 foot
  3. Catches shall receive higher credit than misses, but points are also applied to correctness, style, delivery and calling
Sorting Cattle

General rules: 

  • 90 second time limit with 30 second warning whistle. A lap timer is used for recording of time for each animal as it is sorted through opening.
  • Cattle will be bunched and settled in one pen at start of run. Time starts when rider enters cattle pen. The number of the cow to begin sort on will be called as rider enters pen. (If #5 is called, contestant will sort cow #5 first, followed by #6 and then #7.)
  • A gate person will be designated by show management and is responsible for controlling the gate, just like in everyday ranch work. 

 

Option A – Sort maximum of 3 head of cattle in sequence.

  • This format is used for most competitions and can be applied to any or all levels.
  • Requires a lower competitor to cattle ratio for event as cattle are handled less.

Option B – Sort as many cattle as possible in numbered sequence.

  • Within 90 second time limit
  • This format is offered for upper level competitors to enhance competition.

This event is scored and timed

  • 50 possible points are available for cattle sorted by fastest time.
  • 50 possible points are scored by the judge on the horsemanship, cattle handling and herdsmanship ability of the rider. Smoothness, approach, ability to read cattle, efficiency and working advantage will all be considered by judge. Sorting is not only about speed but about how to effectively separate and handle cattle in a calm, controlled and effective manner with a horse.
  • Each sorting run will be timed using a lap timer. Time will be recorded for each animal passing through the gate. Time is noted for each animal as it passes through the gate by indication of the judge’s flag.
  • Time: Fastest time in the class on correct sequence sorted animals will be awarded 50 points, second fastest time will receive 48 points,  and on down in 2-point increments.
  • Placing: 3 animals sorted places before 2 animals and before 1 sorted. Ranking: moves to 3 animals “not in sequence”, 2 animals ... and so on. Any run with cows out of sequence must place below runs in correct sequence.

Show management may use a different point spread increment when converting time to points if necessary based on number of contestants or similar factors. 

Ranch Riding Patterns

This class combines reining ability and cow sense of the horse. It will start with a basic reining pattern and then exhibitor will call for cow. Show committee has 2 options for Level 3 cow work. 

Option A – "Box, Drive and Turn"

  • 60 second time limit, 30 second warning
  • Box cow on end of arena, drive cow down fence past center marker, turn cow back (1 fence turn)

Option B - "Box, Drive and Box"

  • 90 second time limit, 30 second warning
  • Box cow on end of arena, drive cow down fence, box cow on opposite end of arena

 Other information:

  • Patterns will be posted a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of the show and will be available from the show office.
  • Patterns for practice or show committee use are available in the 4-H Ranch Horse Curriculum and on the Montana 4-H Horse Project page. The available patterns are intended to be a resource and to set example and style for each level.
  • Patterns used state competitions are not limited to those posted on website or in curriculum.
Option A – Base 70 score
  • 100 points possible
  • 60-80 points awarded on pattern elements. Each run starts with a score of 70 and each maneuver is scored with a +/- point system.
  • 1-20 points are awarded on style, execution and eye appeal of overall performance. 

Option B – Base 10 scoring

  • 1-10 points awarded per maneuver (0 given for off pattern or missed element).
  • Judge or steward will attempt to designate pattern maneuvers into 10 parts when possible to create possible 100 points.

The AQHA novice/rookie rule will be used regarding off pattern elements. Scores will be tabulated for all runs. All exhibitors in class will be placed but off-patter ("OP") scores will be placed after those with correct pattern execution.

  • Tie breaker maneuvers will be determined by judge prior to start of In event of tied total score the tie breaker maneuvers will be used to determine class placing.

  

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Event How Level 4 Participants are Evaluated Level 4 Scoring
Roping: Heading & Heeling

Evaluates ability of the horse and rider’s skills of handling and roping cattle as if they were doctoring sick or injured cattle. Cattle should be handled as slowly and calmly as possible. Skills of horse handling and position, rope handling ability and catches are evaluated in score.

Option A – Small Pen Roping (Heading or Heeling)

  • Competitors will attempt to make 3 catches in a 2-minute time limit while horseback.
  • Number of loops is unlimited.
  • A breakaway hondo shall be used for heading. Either a breakaway or regular hondo is acceptable for heeling. Animals should not be dallied on and held tight with regular hondo and rope.
  • Competitors must rope numbered animals in For example, the announcer calls #3, competitor ropes animal#3 first, then #4, then #5.
  • Participants are encouraged to “call their shots” to show knowledge of loops. Additional points may be awarded by judge for calling shots but bonus points are awarded only for calling and throwing an “alternative shot."
  • This option for competition is to be executed in a small pen, such as 1 side of the round pens used for sorting or a similar size pen dependent upon facility options.

Option B – Heading in Arena or Large Pen

  • Competitor will rope one animal with regular rope, dally and face within a 2-minute time limit.
  • Extra points will be awarded if competitor clearly calls and designates animal to be roped or calls a shot prior to roping an animal.
  • This option for competition is intended to be done in an arena or large size pen for safety and opportunity.

Option C – Heeling animal headed and handled on rope

  • Competitor will rope one animal with regular rope, dally and stretch cow.
  • 2-minute time limit or 3 loop limit. Must be determined by show management prior to start of competition. At discretion of show management and to be based on type of cattle in use and facility set up.
  • An adult header, who is very capable of handling roped cattle, will rope an animal and bring it from the herd. The 4-H heeler then will rope to catch the heels. Time will start when header brings animal from herd. Time will end when a heel catch is completed, and the roper has dallied and stretched the animal.
  • Extra points will be awarded if the participant is communicating with the adult header to set up shots and manage situation, and also if shot is called before roping heels.

Small Pen Roping (Heading and Heeling) - 100 Total Points Possible

  • 45 points – Catches (goal of 3 catches); no loop limit; 2 min time limit
    • Up to 15 points for clean head catch or 2 feet
  • 20 points – Rope handling
  • 20 points – Horsemanship and position
    • Up to 10 points for deep body catch or 1 foot
    • Catches shall receive higher credit than misses, but points are also applied to correctness, style, delivery and calling
    • 15 points – 5 points for each catch using a declared alternative loop

 

Arena Roping (Heading and Heeling) - 100 Total Points Possible

  • Roping 1 animal with 2 minute time limit (or 3 loop limit) as determined by show management
  • 30 points – Horsemanship and position
  • 30 points – Rope handling
  • 35 points – Roping (delivery, catch, handling and calling shots)
  • 5 points – Bonus for using a declared alternative loop
Sorting Cattle

General rules: 

  • 90 second time limit with 30 second warning whistle. A lap timer is used for recording of time for each animal as it is sorted through opening.
  • Cattle will be bunched and settled in one pen at start of run. Time starts when rider enters cattle pen. The number of the cow to begin sort on will be called as rider enters pen. (If #5 is called, contestant will sort cow #5 first, followed by #6 and then #7.)
  • A gate person will be designated by show management and is responsible for controlling the gate, just like in everyday ranch work. 

 

Option A – Sort maximum of 3 head of cattle in sequence.

  • This format is used for most competitions and can be applied to any or all levels.
  • Requires a lower competitor to cattle ratio for event as cattle are handled less.

Option B – Sort as many cattle as possible in numbered sequence.

  • Within 90 second time limit
  • This format is offered for upper level competitors to enhance competition.

This event is scored and timed

  • 50 possible points are available for cattle sorted by fastest time.
  • 50 possible points are scored by the judge on the horsemanship, cattle handling and herdsmanship ability of the rider. Smoothness, approach, ability to read cattle, efficiency and working advantage will all be considered by judge. Sorting is not only about speed but about how to effectively separate and handle cattle in a calm, controlled and effective manner with a horse.
  • Each sorting run will be timed using a lap timer. Time will be recorded for each animal passing through the gate. Time is noted for each animal as it passes through the gate by indication of the judge’s flag.
  • Time: Fastest time in the class on correct sequence sorted animals will be awarded 50 points, second fastest time will receive 48 points,  and on down in 2-point increments.
  • Placing: 3 animals sorted places before 2 animals and before 1 sorted. Ranking: moves to 3 animals “not in sequence”, 2 animals ... and so on. Any run with cows out of sequence must place below runs in correct sequence.

Show management may use a different point spread increment when converting time to points if necessary based on number of contestants or similar factors. 

Ranch Riding Patterns

This will be a working cow horse class. At the conclusion of the reining pattern, exhibitor will call for cow. Show committee has 2 options for Level 4 cow work.

Option A – "Box, Fence and Pen"

  • 2 minute time limit, 30 second warning
  • Box cow on one end of arena, drive cow down fence past halfway point and show 1 fence turn in each direction, drive cow into pen or out designated gate.

Option B – "Box, Fence and Rope or Circle"

  • 2 minute time limit, 30 sec warning
  • Box cow on one end of arena, drive cow down fence past halfway point and show 1 fence turn in each direction, rope cow with breakaway hondo, dally and stop OR circle cow in each direction.

Other information:

  • Patterns will be posted a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of the show and will be available from the show office. 
  • Patterns for practice or show committee use are available in the 4-H Ranch Horse Curriculum and on the Montana 4-H Horse Project page. The available patterns are intended to be a resource and to set example and style for each level.
  • Patterns used state competitions are not limited to those posted on website or in curriculum.
Option A – Base 70 score
  • 100 points possible
  • 60-80 points awarded on pattern elements. Each run starts with a score of 70 and each maneuver is scored with a +/- point system.
  • 1-20 points are awarded on style, execution and eye appeal of overall performance. 

Option B – Base 10 scoring

  • 1-10 points awarded per maneuver (0 given for off pattern or missed element).
  • Judge or steward will attempt to designate pattern maneuvers into 10 parts when possible to create possible 100 points.

The AQHA novice/rookie rule will be used regarding off pattern elements. Scores will be tabulated for all runs. All exhibitors in class will be placed but off-patter ("OP") scores will be placed after those with correct pattern execution.

  • Tie breaker maneuvers will be determined by judge prior to start of In event of tied total score the tie breaker maneuvers will be used to determine class placing.

 

 

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