Ranch on the Rail and Ranch Conformation Class
Horses must be 2-5 years old and sired by any stallion that has ever participated in the Breeders Halter Futurity. This is not a Maiden Class. Horses with a show record are not excluded. A current 2024 nomination fee (as per the schedule) is required. Horses will be shown in Ranch on the Rail and Ranch Conformation. Horses will be scored 70% on riding and 30% on conformation.
Horses showing in this class are eligible for other Halter Classes if they have been nominated every year and remained eligible to show.
Horses must be shown by the same Exhibitor in both the riding and conformation portions of the class.
Horses may be shown in a snaffle bit, bit, or hackamore. Western Attire and Western Tack are required.
The purpose of the Ranch on the Rail 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 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 horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each maneuver.
Walk: A natural, flat footed, four (4) beat gait. The gait is rhythmic and ground-covering. As in all gaits, the horse should display a level, or slightly above level topline with a bright, attentive expression.
Trot: The trot is a natural two (2) beat gait demonstrating more forward motion than the western jog.
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.
Lope: The lope is a three (3) beat gait. The lope should be relaxed and smooth with a natural forward moving stride. Horses moving to the right should lope on the right lead and when moving to the left, should lope on the left lead.
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 an above-level topline with a bright, attentive expression.
Back: The back should be on command, quietly, willing and easily in a straight line without resistance.
At the conclusion of the riding portion of the class, the tack will be removed and horses will be judged on conformation.
Each Exhibitor can have 1 – 2 grooms to assist with tack removal and grooming. All grooms shall be dressed in appropriate western attire. All grooms shall wait at the gate until the Announcer indicates that the Judges have directed the grooms to enter the arena. Wheelbarrows and carts are not allowed. The Announcer shall announce the start time for removal of equipment and grooming. The time limit is 3 minutes. The horse may be shown in a suitable halter or bridle for the conformation portion of this class.
The ideal Ranch Horse Conformation should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail. The purpose of ranch horse conformation is to select well-mannered individuals that are the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness, and movement appropriate for various activities of a working ranch horse.
Ranch on the Rail Apparel and Equipment:
Attire and tack should be clean and presentable. Working tack is encouraged.
- No hoof polish.
- No braided or banded manes or tail extensions.
- Trimming inside ears is discouraged.
- Trimming bridle path, fetlocks, or excessively long facial hair is allowed.
- Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver bridles and saddles are discouraged,
- Competitors may use a breast collar or rear cinch.
Any rules herewith can be changed, added to, or denied at the discretion of the Futurity Committee. The B.H.F. will have the final word in interpreting or supplementing the rules and conditions of the Futurity if the need arises.
Updated 01-14-24
