It’s time to master ranch riding with AQHA World Champion, Bud Lyon in his new masterclass as he breaks down everything you need to know, from tack and hackamore setups to building the right foundation for your horse. In this video as part of the masterclass, learn ranch riding 101 with Bud Lyon, as he walks you through the purpose of the class, how to prepare, and the rules associated with the class. Whether you’re starting out or refining your patterns, Bud’s got you covered. Make sure to use the accompanying workbook to increase your knowledge retention, and reflect on your growth.
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Why Ranch Riding?
Ranch riding has quickly become one of the most popular classes at horse shows, appealing to riders of all skill levels. The class puts emphasis on versatility, precision, and practical horsemanship that mirror the tasks performed on working ranches. This makes it both authentic and relatable.
Ranch riding showcases a horse’s natural abilities and willingness to perform. Judges look for a horse that would be capable and comfortable of riding all day on the ranch. Its accessible format, paired with the growing interest in Western traditions, has cemented ranch riding as a favorite for those seeking a rewarding and accessible showing experience.
Ranch Riding 101
1. Expect Pattern-Based Classes
The competition classes are pattern-classes, made up of maneuvers or transitions that a horse needs to perform. Contestants will see maneuvers such as upwards and downwards transitions, sidepassing, changing leads, and turnarounds.
[READ: Can You Master These Ranch Trail Obstacles?]
2. Keep With Western Ranch Traditions
The class is intended to maintain the integrity of the ranch horse spirit as much as possible. Because of this there are some policies and written/unwritten rules that help the class maintain ranch traditions. This includes using minimal silver on tack, avoiding the use of hoof polish or hoof black, keeping manes and tails unbraided, and minimal clipping. Bud Lyon notes that this isn’t to pass judgement on those practices, but to keep with practices you’d find with working ranch horses.
3. Scoring 101
All ranch horses start with a baseline score of 70 when they enter the arena. Maneuver boxes and penalty boxes are found for each individual maneuver. The evaluation scale ranges from +1.5 as the highest reward per maneuver, down to a -1.5. Each judge evaluates each maneuver, and awards it a plus or minus. Then, at the end of the run judges add up all the pluses and minuses and add or detract from the 70 score. There is also a ‘natural ranch appearance’ box found on many score cards. This is again intended to maintain the integrity and spirit of the class. This can include overall appearance, tack, headset, and tailset.
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4. General Tack and Gear
Although a breast collar and back cinch are not explicitly required, Bud Lyon says that he recommends them. Tack and gear should represent the needs of a working ranch horse, and be functional, clean, and appropriate for the class. Attire also factors into this as well. You won’t find a lot of bling and sequins in the ranch riding class, but more functional working gear, traditional Western shirts, and leggings.
5. Give and Take In the Guidelines
Since crossover is common from other events to ranch riding, there is some give and take within the ranch riding guidelines. Bud Lyon notes that many of his reining horses also compete in ranch riding classes. Since ear clipping is expected in the reining classes, you might see some ranch riding horses that align with standards of other classes if they’re competing across disciplines. The ranch classes are very welcoming to all people, of all different disciplines and backgrounds, and horses from all events, and that’s part of what make them so great.
