Growing bigger and better every year, the Ranch Horse Competitions bring fun to life. With classes geared for all levels of horse or rider, there is a shoe to fit every contestant. A once small idea has blossomed into a season of opportunity for all. Boasting a class for Two Year Old Horses; Novice Riders; Green Ranch Horses (both Junior and Senior age divisions); and an Advanced Class for the more advanced, thrill-seeking duos, these competitions draw all levels of riders.  A special reason the Ranch Horse Competitions draw in so much interest is the environment.

Welcoming the beginning riders and showmen, horses that aren't a finished level performance or ranch horse, riders wanting a change of pace with a new event, offering a class for the finished showmen and horses, or anyone in between, all in a relaxed atmosphere. There are no other events like them!  Riders can use the Ranch Horse Competitions as a way to relax and participate in horse activities, season their horse, or even promote their horse to a greater buyer audience. You will see it all when you come to a Ranch Horse Competition.

If you just can't get enough Ranch Horse action, you'll see the added excitement of a NEW class for 2010, the Advanced Ranch Horse – Roping. If you feel you would like to take on the added thrill of dallying up that fleet-footed bovine while joining the RMBA for the best excitement in town, we've got the thrill you're looking for.  Not one to rest on our laurels, you'll see the High Point Awards back in 2010. High Point Awards will be presented during the Awards Banquet in September of 2010. Who will be the High Point winners when the dust settles?

The year 2008 was the inception for both a class for two year old horses and to offer a high point award for all classes. The response was great and the competition hot. Many of the horses were starting their show careers and many riders were polishing their skills, all in a welcoming and easy-paced environment for everyone.

The two year old class was new for 2008. The class allowed a young horse to have an opportunity to come to town, have some exposure to commotion, and practice what a well-started two year old would learn at home. The youngsters were still required to pick up their leads in a simple pattern; side pass; back; drag the log; and pick up a slicker. They were also required to box a cow and then move it down the fence between a barrel. The class was very well received and is back on the list of classes again for 2009 with a few alterations.

Moving up from the two year old class the Green Ranch Horse Junior Division is designed to allow the young horse to compete in its age range from 2-5 years of age. Two year old horses cannot cross-enter in this class and the two year old class both. The junior horses are required to step up the difficulty of the reining pattern; drag a small log; pack a slicker; side pass; and work a cow by boxing it at the end of the arena; then control it by pushing it between a barrel and the fence.

The Green Ranch Horse Senior Division is designed for a horse without a lot of experience, but age range from 6-adult. This intermediary class for the senior horse allows them at varying stages of training to move from junior classes to advanced classes gradually. The senior division can also be a primary tool for changing events for horses that may have competed in other venues previously.

The Advanced Ranch Horse Division is for any age horse, yet adding a complicated reining pattern; standard working cow horse cow work where the horse must box, turn the cow on the fence, and circle it; drag the log and face it; and allow a rider to actually place the slicker on as opposed to placing it in front of them. The advanced horse class showcases the abilities of both a well-broke using horse and a show horse. The advanced class is for any age horse with the training to compete at that level. Here’s the class that is always a spectator favorite with all the action!

The Novice Rider Division is the welcome mat for all riders looking to either enter the show ring to gain experience or to learn new skills. In an easy-going environment, this is a favorite class for any age rider seeking to further their skills. The rider can use any age horse in a legal bit. The intermediate level pattern and skills allow the horse and rider to work on their teamwork and polish their show presentation.

With all the great response, the Ranch Horse Competitions will be featuring High Point Awards for all classes again in 2010, not to mention adding one more show date to the series. The shows now offer a circuit of seven shows!

The classes are being updated and improved for the 2010 show season, but will offer the same great opportunities to have fun, learn, and share the love of a great horse. It’s a terrific environment for 4-H riders, green riders, green horses, and anyone wanting to learn. Won’t you join us for 2010?