CV Ranch Roundup

General Rules ► No tie downs. ► May enter each event only once. Entries will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Once event starts, entries are closed. ► All late entries will go first in the draw, except the Cutting and Sorting in which late entries go last. ► All livestock must be handled in a manner in keeping with good ranch practices. ► Attire: cowboy hat or safety headgear, long sleeve shirt, jeans, heeled cowboy boots. ► Whenever mounted, safety headgear is strongly advised for riders 17 and under. ► Age of Youth entrants 17 and under is as of January 1, 2010. ► Equipment for all judged classes to follow AQHA Rules. Two-rein will be allowed on horses aged 4-6 years. ► Paybacks to be awarded in Cutting, Sorting, Open Ranch Horse and the Heneks and Dorrance Brandings. ► All dogs to be on a leash and under control, or left at home. ► Judge's decision is final. Arguing with the Judge will result in disqualification. ► Management reserves the right to cancel or combine classes.
Brandings/Ropings ► Walk-trot only. ► Brand cannot leave the "fire” until ropes are set. ► Time ends when brand is back in the "fire”, after the last calf. ► Legal head shot may include a figure eight or one front leg. ► Ground crew does not have to pay an entry fee, except in the Heneks. ► May enter each branding only once. ► All ground crews must sign waiver. ► No rubber allowed on the saddle horn.

Ranch Roundup Event Descriptions

All Photos Courtesy Best in the West Photography

Ranch Cutting. This class is judged on the ability of the horse to work a cow. This is demonstrated by separating a numbered cow from the herd, driving it to the middle of the arena and holding it. Exhibitor must work their designated cow, and one additional non-numbered cow, within the time limit. Time will begin when a rider crosses a pre-determined and marked time line, just prior to entering the herd. Cattle numbers will be announced prior to crossing the starting line. Unnecessary roughness or disturbing the herd excessively could result in disqualification. Horses will not be penalized for reining during the cutting portion, but should display natural ability. If a horse is shown in the bridle/two rein, the competitor may only use one hand. Each time the second hand is used, there will be ½ point deduction accessed. Two (2) minute time limit.

Ranch Sorting. Ranch Sorting. This event is designed to replicate what a working ranch crew would do if they needed to sort cattle from a herd and pen those cattle for branding or shipping. Three-person team sorts 3 cattle in consecutive order out of a herd of 10. Team drives the cattle from one end of the arena, through an opening into the center of the arena, and then through a gate into the far end of the arena. The starting number is called out as riders cross from the middle section into the herd area. Teams are given a 'no time' if any other cow crosses into center or any sorted cattle come back to the herd. Time ends when the last cow goes through gate and gate is closed. Only one person is allowed in the herd at any one time. If, during a run, the cattle are not handled in a manner conducive to good ranch practices, the team will be flagged out. This decision is at the discretion of the judge. Two Divisions: Regular and Non-Competitive (time permitting; no award given). Three (3) minute time limit.

Ranchers Choice. Two-person teams send a cow through a number of "obstacles" in the arena, using panels as mock gates. The cow can go through each gate no more than 2 times, backwards or forwards. The team must also get the cow out of the arena before time is up. "Communication" for this event means talking, whistling, hand gestures, etc. Three Divisions: ► Adult + 9-12 Youth (Communication allowed), ► Adult + 13-17 Youth (Adult is not allowed to communicate with youth) and ► Adult + Adult (No communication allowed). Three (3) minute time limit.

Ranch Horse. Open to all riders and horses. NOTE: If you enter this class, you are not allowed to enter the Buckaroo Class. Enter arena and execute dry work. Accept the cow. Show control by boxing the cow. Take the cow down the fence, making at least one good turn each way. Take down rope, track and rope cow. You are allowed two loops. Pen cow for removal of rope. Pattern will be selected by the judge from the AQHA patterns for Versatility or Working Cow Horse. This is a judged event. Six (6) minute time limit. May enter two horses if class limit has not been reached.

Buckaroo. Adult and 17 & Under. NOTE: If you enter this class you are not allowed to enter the Ranch Horse Class. This class is for people who have not shown down the fence in competition. Enter arena and execute dry work pattern which will be selected by the judge from the AQHA patterns for Versatility or Working Cow Horse. Accept the cow. Show control by boxing the cow. Judge will signal to show sufficient working time. This is a judged event. Four (4) minute time limit.

Reining. Adult and 17 & Under. The horse is judged on movement and attitude as he is guided through a pattern. The pattern typically requires the horse to perform a number of stops, spins, rollbacks, lead changes and circles at a lope. The horse should be willing to be guided with little or no resistance. Pattern will be selected by the judge from the 2010 AQHA patterns for Versatility or Working Cow Horse.

Ranch Hand Riding. (Formally Ranch Trail) Adult and 17 & Under. This class contains a course of obstacles and is designed to show a horse's willingness and ability to perform several tasks that might be asked of him in the course of a normal day's ranch work. It may include obstacles such as crossing a bridge, dragging a log or picking up a slicker. Rider should be prepared to catch, bridle and mount their horse. Mounting block will be provided. Rider should also be prepared to perform gait transitions.

Games. Four Divisions: Ages 5-8, 9-12, 13-17 and 18 & Over. ►Carrot Race: Go through the timing line. Rider must take horse down the arena to a barrel with carrots on it. Horse must at least touch a carrot before rider begins the return trip. ►Keyhole Race: A 20 foot circle with a 10 ft X 4 ft opening drawn in flour on the sand. Go through the timing line, run into the circle of the keyhole, make a turn in either direction and return through the timing line. All four of the horse's feet must enter the circle. The rider will be disqualified if the horse's hoof touches the ground on or outside of any portion of the keyhole or circle. ►Ranch Chores: A fun, timed event involving tasks that might be done on a ranch, such as getting the mail or feeding the chickens.

Dummy Roping. Ages 5-8 and 9-12. NOTE: May not enter this class if entered in any other roping event. Participants will have 3 loops to catch a roping dummy.

Pee Wee Stick Horse. Ages 3 and Under, 4-6. Participants are lined up. When the signal is given, they must run to the finish line. Participants to supply their own (well trained) stick horses.

Beginner Roping. For competitors who have never won or placed in a competitive roping/branding event in the last ten years. NOTE: Cannot have entered any other roping event at Ranch Roundup. May partner with a more experienced roper. No Branding required. Only the beginner pays the entry fee. Three (3) minute time limit. This is a judged event.
Heneks Four Man Branding. Four man teams rope four head over two go rounds. Two team members rope two head while other members work the ground. Ropers and ground crew swap for the second go round. Three (3) minute time limit. Fastest combined times win.

Youth/Adult Branding. At least one member must be 17 & under; the other 18 & over. Rope one head. Pick your own ground crew. Three (3) minute time limit. Fastest time wins.

Ladies/Mixed Branding. Team to consist of two women or one man and one woman. Rope one head. Pick your own ground crew. Three (3) minute time limit. Fastest time wins.

Bill Dorrance Reata Roping. Competitor MUST use a reata. Horses to be in hackamore, 2 rein or straight-up in the bridle; romals are required. This event is not a trick roping contest. Judge(s) are looking for the “perfect shot for the situation at hand.” Competitors will be judged in six criteria: Horsemanship, Stock Handling and the Suitability, Style, Difficulty and Execution of the shot. Awards for Best Head Loop, Best Heel Loop and Best Team. Three (3) minute time limit. This is a judged event.