BC Versatility Ranch Horse Association
“To preserve and promote horsemanship and stockmanship through friendly, welcoming ranch horse shows and clinics, showcasing the ranch horses’ versatility and natural ability to handle livestock.”
Get To Know BC Versatility Ranch Horse Association
Cutting
Similar to other cutting classes, ranch cutting is judged on the ability of the horse to work a cow by separating it from the herd and holding it. The objective is to cut one or two cows, based on the division. For open, cowboy and amateur division competition, there is a two-minute limit where each exhibitor must work two head, but has the option of working the full two minutes. In youth competition, on the other hand, there is a one- and-a-half-minute time limit where the exhibitor must work one cow but has the option of working the full minute and a half.
Ranch Riding
Ranch Riding simulates a working ranch horse performing tasks outside an arena. The emphasis is on versatility, authenticity, and practicality. The horse should show:
Forward, working speed
Relaxed, willing attitude
Natural, efficient movement
Pattern reflects real ranch situations, not rail pleasure. This class was formerly known as “Ranch Horse Pleasure” It is judged on quality of movement, correctness, and responsiveness.
Cow Work
Cowboy, Open, Amateur Division: Fence
Time: 3 minutes
3 parts:
Boxing, Fence work, Roping or circling
Limited Amateur Division - Box Drive Box Drive:
Time: 1 minute 45 seconds
4 parts:
Boxing the cow, Setting up and driving cow down fence to opposite end, Boxing at opposite end, Driving cow back down the same wall before time expires
Green Horse Open, Level 1 Amateur, Rookie Amateur, Select Amateur, Youth: Boxing Only:
Time: 50 seconds
1 part:
Boxing
Required Maneuvers are walk, jog, and lope both directions, extended trot and extended lope (at least one direction) stop, back and at least one change of direction. Optional maneuvers could include a sidepass, turns of 360 turns of 360° or more, lead changes (simple or flying), walk, jog, or lope over poles and other tasks a safe, capable ranch horse could realistically perform.
Ranch Reining
Ranch Reining is similar to NRHA Reining, but with a more ranch-realistic feel. We want to see a horse move forward, carrying a natural headset…whatever is natural and correct for that horse.
Patterns still include all the fundamentals you expect: circles, spins, rollbacks, lead changes, and stops. The difference? A Ranch Reiner does not need big, long sliding stops. Instead, we’re looking for a horse that stays balanced and engages their hocks, showing control, willingness, and practicality for real ranch work.
Ranch Trail
Tests your horse’s ability to handle real ranch obstacles with manners + responsiveness
Must-Haves:
Ride over natural obstacles (logs required), Walk, trot, and/or lope included, Swinging gate, Drag (required for Cowboy,Open & Amateur)
Not Allowed:
Tarps or slick water obstacles, PVC, tires, moving bridge, Bright/unnatural painted poles, Unsafe elevated logs
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
AQHA
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Cattle Call Threads
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Sweetline Quarter Horses
Horse Play Your Way
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Trickle Creek Ranch
Downriver Stables
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Barn Chick Equine Performance
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Freeman’s County Supply
Horizon Equine Veterinary Clinic
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