In AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse classes, exhibitors can choose to enter any number of the six classes: ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch reining, ranch conformation, ranch cutting and ranch cow work.
Here, we broke down the six events, rounding up several training tips for each one. These tips are by no means exhaustive, and truly, the best advice anyone can take is to read the AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations, Rules SHW550-566.
Ranch Riding
For ranch riding classes, horses show individually, and the class can be conducted inside or outside an arena. In this class, judges are looking for relaxed, responsive horses with soft and cadenced gaits. The horse should make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner, plus the horse should be soft in the bridle and yield to contact.
• Brent Graef explains the importance of asking for a transition during the correct footfall: americashorsedaily.com/a-piece-of-the-puzzle
• AQHA Professional Horseman Ken McNabb looks at collection and how it begins in the hind end: americashorsedaily.com/calling-for-collection
• AQHA Professional Horsewoman Nancy Cahill shares her exercise for perfecting steering and guiding one-handed: americashorsedaily.com/power-steering-part-2
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article by Tara Matsler for The American Quarter Horse Journal
