As western show horses become ever more specialized, a growing counter-culture of authentic cowboy-inspired competitions are gaining momentum. Instead of a laser-like focus on taking home the trophy or buckle in a specific equine class or event, many cowgirls are challenging themselves—and their horses—in comprehensive competitions inspired by the reality of ranch work. Versatility Ranch […]
What to do with a horse when you can’t ride? Try these exercises – all you need is your horse and a hay bale.
Learn how to master the long trot, a signature ranch riding move, with trainer Aaron Ralston. Includes tips to prevent breaking into a lope.
As ranch riding rapidly grows in popularity, many competitors are wondering the same thing – what do you wear for this class? The class draws many with its no bling, workmanlike façade, however, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to add your own flair to the simple, classic ranch riding style. Amateur Emily Peak says […]
We’ve gathered opinions from experts in ranch-horse competition about the kind of fashion, tack and equipment you should bring to AQHA ranch horse classes.
Ranch riding is rapidly becoming one of the most popular classes on both the AQHA and APHA circuits for amateurs, youth, and open exhibitors alike. Horses that are fabulous athletes but may not be slow enough for the pleasure or ground covering enough for the hunter under saddle seem to have found a place in […]
Trainer and clinician Laurel Walker Denton offers the finer points of presentation for ranch riding classes, from tack to rider turnout.
As western show horses become ever more specialized, a growing counter-culture of authentic cowboy-inspired competitions are gaining momentum. Instead of a laser-like focus on taking home the trophy or buckle in a specific equine class or event, many cowgirls are challenging themselves—and their horses—in comprehensive competitions inspired by the reality of ranch work. Versatility Ranch […]
One of the fastest growing disciplines in APHA and AQHA circles is that of the Ranch Horse. Whether the classes are called Ranch Horse Riding or Ranch Horse Pleasure, the excitement surrounding them cannot be denied. When AQHA introduced Ranch Horse Pleasure (now called Ranch Riding) in 2012, total entries were 6,461. In 2014, Ranch […]
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Get the details for each maneuver of AQHA Pattern 1, so you can better understand the pattern and show your horse to his best.
It was immediately clear, when I first dove into the whats, how-tos and wherefores of Ranch Riding, that no mere 10,000 hours, let alone a few thousand words, would adequately cover this fun and addicting class. Sure, one could describe it as a pattern class with lots of transitions. Certainly one could expand upon on its return to the fundamentals of Horsemanship. It would be easy to explain that a horse and rider simply move forward with purpose through different obstacles and maneuvers. Yet those summaries miss what’s really going on in barns, arenas, and show pens across the country.
The competition, which will feature just the cow work part of the reined cow horse trifecta, involves taking a cow down the fence and then circling it up in the middle of the arena.
White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, Arizona, late January 2013. Playlist: By the Time I get to Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, Rhinestone Cowboy . . . basically anything by Glen Campbell! Dress-Code: Jeans, R.M. Williams boots and cowboy hats. The more denim, the better. Destination: White Stallion Ranch, Tucson Arizona The Hermosa Inn might have had us dreaming of cowboys, but the White Stallion dude ranch in Tucson, Arizona had us turning those dreams into a reality! Growing up in Australia, lazy Saturday afternoons were often spent parked in front of the television watching old Western movies*. Set in the American Old West, I was endlessly fascinated and seduced, not so much by the storylines, but by the beautiful, vast landscapes in a country so far away (and so different) from Australia. And then of course there was the horse riding. Man and faithful steed, riding out together under scorching blue skies, over desert plains dotted with cacti and tumbleweeds under the shadow of formidable rocky mountain ranges. Having spent a couple of years when I was maybe 10 or 11 taking horse-riding lessons, the dream of one day riding out over that very landscape never left me. So when the opportunity came up to stay on a dude ranch in Tucson Arizona, the setting for many of those Western movies, I saddled up and booked our flights faster than you can say giddy-up**! Still, arriving at the White Stallion Ranch (an easy 90 min drive South from Scottsdale), I think we were both feeling a little nervous. Neither of us had ridden a horse for around 15 years (yikes!) and, with fashion month just around the corner, I had thoughts of trying to use my camera with one arm in a sling or hobbling around on crutches . . . things you never tend to worry about when you are a teenager! Thankfully we had no time to dwell on the wisdom of our decision: a quick welcome from the friendly ranch staff, followed by a short questionnaire (to match horse and rider and gauge your level of experience . . . I chose beginner since I hadn’t ridden for so long) and suddenly we found ourselves in the corralling area while the wranglers saddled up our horses. Mine, an affable, sturdy draft?!/quarter horse named Packer immediately found a special place in my heart. At 14.3 hands, Packer was not the biggest horse on the ranch, but over the days we spent riding together, I think he had the biggest heart (although I could be biased ;). Mounted up*** and we were off on our maiden ride at the White Stallion Ranch. A little about the Western style of riding at White Stallion Ranch which differs somewhat from the “English” style that many of you might be familiar with. Western riding was developed in the American West to meet the needs of cowboys who spent long days in the saddle, often in difficult terrain, roping and mustering cattle. In very basic terms, the Western saddle is a lot heavier, deeper and bigger than an English saddle (kind of like sitting on a big ‘ole leather recliner), stirrups are worn long, reins are held in one hand (so that the other hand is free for roping cattle, gun slinging, taking photographs), and the horse is directed via neck rein. When jogging (trotting) you are not suppose to rise to the trot (or bounce!) but remain seated and move in motion with the horse – this is much easier said than done *well howdy long-lost stomach muscles –I can certainly feel you now!*! And cantering in Western style is called loping . . . my preferred method of travel on Packer other than walking ;) The first ride gave us the chance to familiarise ourselves with our horses, the Western style of riding and breathe in the exquisite beauty of the 3,000 acre property owned by the True Family. The Sonoran desert landscape truly is breathtaking: Big blue skies contrast against the soft brown and beige tones of the arid desert floor, abundant cacti (including the magnificent Saguaro cactus with its almost humanlike characteristics) punctuate the landscape as far as the eye can see, longhorn cattle poke lazily about in the scrub keeping a watchful eye on the horses as they pass, and in the distance the rugged peaks of the Tucson mountains rise majestically. It is not hard to understand why dozens of movies, commercials and stills have been shot at the White Stallion Ranch over the years: it is the unspoilt terrain of my wistful childhood dreams. All rides at the White Stallion ranch are led by an experienced wrangler, and are divided into slow rides (peaceful and relaxing, perfect for enjoying the beautiful scenery), fast rides (tighten the Stampede string on your cowboy hat for exhilarating loping across the desert plains), mountain rides (this was our personal butt-clenching, sweaty palms Man From Snowy River moment: with the horses picking their way down rocky Movie Pass in what felt like a near-vertical descent!), half and full day rides (I did an afternoon half day ride into the Javelina Canyon – it was incredible. Loping back to the ranch on Packer as the sun was setting was truly magical) as well as a wine and cheese ride (with lovely wines and cheeses served mid-ride under the shadow of the mountains), beer and Cheetos ride (which we didn’t get to do unfortunately) and the wonderful Breakfast ride (blueberry pancakes with whipped butter and syrup, sausages, eggs, camp potatoes, and strong coffee all served up in the desert. I could almost read poor Packer’s mind when I mounted up again…right after loosening my belt a notch! He certainly made his point with a judgemental look in my direction and a snort of his nostrils ;). The ranch also offers lessons plus team penning and barrel racing, and a rodeo on Saturdays. While the White Stallion is a working longhorn cattle ranch, you won’t need to roll out your swag and sleep under the stars. Accommodation is in comfortable casitas (ours was a deluxe suite), with a small terrace and sun loungers out front where you can read, watch the sun go down or just collapse after a long day in the saddle. Meals are served in the old Adobe ranch house in the middle of the property and are taken “family style” so you grab a plate, load up with mouth-wateringly delicious food (Mexican night was my favourite), and pull up a seat next to your fellow guests to eat, drink and discuss the day's activities. That was one of the best things about the ranch: meeting people from all over the world (U.S.A, Sweden, Canada, Australia and the U.K. were all represented during our stay), of all ages, with wildly different backgrounds and riding experience. Some guests had their own horses back home and were extremely experienced while others had never ridden a horse before. It didn’t matter: we were all there to enjoy the horseback riding and embrace our inner cowboy/cowgirl in this slice of Tucson paradise. Apart from riding, the White Stallion Ranch offers guided hikes, a pool and hot tub, tennis court, petting farm for the littlies, and a games room. The ranch is also close to golf courses, Old Tucson studios, museums, and Saguaro National Park (which is adjacent to the ranch). Bottom line: if you are going with someone who doesn’t want to ride or who only wants to ride occasionally, they will find plenty to do. I could go on and on about the awesomeness of the White Stallion Ranch – we absolutely loved our experience and didn’t want to leave when it came to saying goodbye. If you read the reviews on TripAdvisor, clearly we are not alone in our sentiments. Guests rebook year after year (I think I read that one guest was up to 50 or so return visits!), a testament to the hospitality of the True family, the wranglers and the ranch staff. Will we be making the trip back to the White Stallion Ranch in the future? Yes siree! And you might just see me in a fringed jacket, chaps and rhinestone cowboy hat yet ;) *I distinctly recall this during my high school years – sneaking time in front of the television, procrastinating, instead of revising ;) **Note that I did not hear anyone use giddy-up or yee-haw during my stay at White Stallion Ranch. I think that only happens in the movies or in my imagination ;) *** The ranch is well equipped with mounting blocks so for those who don’t ride all the time, or who are maybe a little less flexible than they used to be (me!), don’t fret, you won’t have to mount your horse from the ground. Before I went, I had visions of having to cart a stepladder around with me at all times! Note: The ranch provides riding helmets for those who wish to wear one instead of a cowboy hat. Our stay was hosted by the White Stallion Ranch.
Lopeovers are tough. Here’s how to set yourself and your horse up for success over this obstacle in the show ring.
W[/dropdown]hether riding for competition or leisure, these famous equestrians love and appreciate the unique bond between horses and humans. Here are 12 celebrities who love horses, own horses, breed horses, or just can’t get enough of all things equestrian. See more features on celebrities like Georgina Bloomberg, Jennifer Gates, and Jessica Springsteen.
As we all have seen Ranch Riding is becoming one of the fastest growing, most popular classes at the horse show. So, with so many different “style” horses being presented, how do the judges decipher the winner? We are taught as judges a hierarchy, or priority, of judging that we utilize in every event: 1. […]
This Ranch Horse Trail Pattern bundle is super helpful for horse show preparation or as exercises for your advancing students to practice precise riding skills. Add these exercises to your lesson plan arsenal and never be without a challenge for your next lesson! These ranch horse patterns are divided into L1, L2, and L3 for beginner, intermediate, and advanced competitors. The L1 patterns are walk jog - the rest are WJL and similar to what you might find at a ranch horse competitions. Perfect for... ★ Horse Shows ★ Horse Show Prep! ★ Ranch Riding Competition Prep ★ Teaching Precise Riding ★ Riding Lessons ★ Riding Schools ★ Horseback Riding Instructors This PRINTABLE BUNDLE includes 8.5x11 (standard printer paper size) PDF and JPG versions of the files. This is a digital purchase - nothing will be shipped to you. Due to the digital nature of this product, there are no refunds. Please make sure you have the correct items in your cart before checking out. I offer many equestrian products including both digital and printed journals for more than 20 equestrian disciplines. If you don't find what you are looking for, send me a message and I may be able to create it for you! Thank you so much for supporting my equestrian small business! Link to all equestrian printables: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CircusUnicorn?section_id=28464697 Link to all digital journals: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CircusUnicorn?section_id=28414981 Link to all printed journals: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CircusUnicorn?section_id=28733877 The Reiner's Journal (Digital): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1154476289/the-reiners-journal-digitalpdf-reining
Ranch Riding, formerly Ranch Horse Pleasure, is one of the quickest growing events in both the AQHA and APHA. This fast paced, exciting class may lack the bling and flash of its other western counterparts, but it makes up for it in powerful extended gaits, quick stops, and turnarounds. This class has not only drawn […]
