The National Morgan Reining Horse Association!

(affiliate of the National Reining Horse Association)

NMRHA WORKING WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

NATIONAL MORGAN REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION

WORKING WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

ALL BREED HORSE SHOW

Reining /  Working Cowhorse /Ranch Horse Versatility/ Ranch Sorting,

Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Speed Classes, Futures division for 1,2 and 3 year olds.

August 24-28, 2024 Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, NE

Judge: Jay Henson

Mt. Chic Photography will be there to capture your moments!

Ranch Riding

Sunday August 25, 2024

The purpose of the ranch riding class is to measure the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse should reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working ranch horse riding outside the confines of an arena. The horse should be well-trained, relaxed, quiet, soft and cadenced at all gaits. The ideal ranch horse will travel with forward movement and demonstrate an obvious lengthening of stride at extended gaits. The horse can be ridden with light contact or on a relatively loose rein without requiring undue restraint, but not shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the ranch riding horse to make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner, as well as the quality of the movement are of primary considerations. The ideal ranch riding horse shall have a natural head carriage at each gait.

Ranch Riding judging rules to follow AQHA Rules.

MANEUVERS

1. Each horse will work individually, performing both required and optional maneuvers, and scored on the basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance. Each maneuver will receive a score that should be added or subtracted from 70 and is subject to a penalty that should be subtracted. Each maneuver will be scored on the following basis, ranging from plus 1 1/2 to minus 1 1/2.: -1 1/2 extremely poor, -1 very poor,-1/2 poor, 0 correct, +1/2 good, + 1 very good, + 1 1/2 excellent. Maneuver scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points. 

2. The required maneuvers will include the walk, trot, and lope both directions and the extended trot and extended lope at least one direction, as well as stops and back.

3. Three optional maneuvers may include a side pass, turns of 360 degrees or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, trot, or lope over a pole(s); or some reasonable combination of maneuvers that would be reasonable for a ranch horse to perform. 

4. The maneuvers may be arranged in various combinations with final approval by the judge.

5. The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be as those with an emphasis on forward movement, free-flowing, and ground covering for all gaits. Transitions should be performed where designated, with smoothness and responsiveness. 

6. No time limit.

7. Posting or standing in the stirrups at the extended trot is acceptable.

8. Touching or holding the saddle horn is acceptable.

APPAREL AND SHOW EQUIPMENT

All legal show equipment and apparel is acceptable. Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.

GAITS

In all gaits, movement of the ranch riding horse should simulate a horse needing to cover long distances, softly and quietly, like that of a working ranch horse with a natural topline with a bright, attentive expression, as a representation of the breed and conformation of the horse. The following terminology shall apply:

a. Walk-The walk is a natural, flat footed, four-beat gait. The gait is rhythmic and ground-covering. As in all gaits, the horse should display a natural topline with a bright, attentive expression.

b. Trot- The trot is a natural two-beat gait demonstrating more forward motion than the western jog.

c. Extended Trot- The extended trot is an obvious lengthening of the stride with a definite increase in pace. The horse should be moving in a manner as if it were covering a large area on a ranch with an above level topline.

d. Lope- The lope is a three-beat gait. The lope should be relaxed and smooth with a natural, forward moving stride.

 e. Extended Lope- The extended lope is not a run or a race but should be an obvious lengthening of the stride, demonstrating a forward, working speed. The horse should display a natural topline with a bright, attentive expression.

Patterns will be posted before the show.

Top Scoring Morgan Awards For Each Class

 NMRHA Membership fee of $25 if not already a member to qualify for NMRHA awards and prizes.