Is Ranch Riding the Future of the AQHA and APHA?

There have been predictions that the world of ranch riding is going to continue to get bigger. 

In ranch riding, the horse is judged on its ability to work at a forward, working speed while performing required and optional maneuvers. The ranch riding horse should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. The required maneuvers are the walk, jog and lope (both directions), the extended trot and extended lope at least one direction as well as stops, back and one change of direction. The optional maneuvers are sidepass; turns of 360 degrees or more; change of lead (simple or flying); walk, jog or lope over poles or other reasonable maneuvers a ranch horse could perform. 

There is no doubt that the ranch riding (formerly, ranch horse pleasure) classes have exploded in recent years at AQHA and APHA shows. This exciting, fast paced event is quickly becoming one of the largest classes at many shows across the country.  When asked why ranch riding is so popular, one of the common themes was that this class brings us back to where we started.  As times have changed, we have become fantastic at breeding horses specialized for particular events. 

While it is not impossible, it is rare to find a horse that can not only go work on the farm during the day, but then go out to a show on the weekends and show off their movement and athleticism in the show pen. Ranch riding has given those horses a place to compete. 

This class is a great “ice breaker” for the everyday competitor. The class doesn’t require expensive, blingy tack or show clothes, in fact, the rule book doesn’t allow for it. All that is needed is clean tack and a horse with athleticism and good movement.