05/27/2026
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍 consists of a course with no more than (9) and no less than (6) obstacles. Required elements include; working a gate, walk, trot, lope, log drag and a “rope handling” element.
All elements are designed to show a horse’s ability and willingness to perform tasks that might be asked of him during the course of a normal day’s ranch work. The horse will be judged on his performance over the obstacles with emphasis on manners, response to the rider and quality of movement. Credit will be given to horses negotiating the obstacles smoothly, with style and without delay and for showing attentiveness to the obstacles with the capability of picking their own way through the course.
Light contact should be rewarded and the horse shall not be shown on a full drape of reins. Horses with artificial appearance over obstacles should be penalized. While on the line of travel between obstacles the horse’s head and neck should be in a relaxed, natural position. His poll level with or slightly above his withers and not be overly flexed at the poll, giving an unnatural appearance or be excessively nosed out in a resistant stance. He should have a bright attentive expression with his ears alert.