Battle in the Saddle will not be held in 2013. Stay tuned for exciting news on other AQHA events.

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Ranch Pleasure

The 2012 Battle in the Saddle is your chance to vie for two sets of AQHA points in ranch pleasure.

Pattern

• Ranch Pleasure Pattern

Eligibility

• To compete, all riders and horse owners must be current, card-holding members in good standing with AQHA.
• Health papers and negative Coggins (1 year) required at barn check-in.
• Results will be listed on the horse’s permanent AQHA record; two sets of points are offered.

Entry Information

• Entry Fee: $45
• Office Charge: $25
• Drug Testing: $10
• Stall:  $40 per night (payable on-site; if you do not purchase a stall, a $25 per day grounds fee is required)
• Add an additional $25 penalty to all entries received at the AQHA office after 5 p.m. on June 22.
• Entries will be accepted until 7 p.m. the day before the class is to be held.
• All pre-entries will be made through AQHA, P.O. Box 200, Amarillo, Texas 79168
• Horses will be allowed on the show grounds beginning at noon on July 2.

Ranch Pleasure Rules

465(C) Only offered as an all age class. No horse may cross enter (i.e. a junior/senior western pleasure horse shown at a show is not eligible to show in the ranch pleasure at the same show, a youth or amateur western pleasure horse shown at a show is not eligible to show in the ranch pleasure at the same show etc.)

(a) The purpose of a ranch pleasure horse should reflect the versatility, attitude, and movement of a working horse.
(b) The horse’s performance should simulate a horse riding outside the confines of an arena and that of a working ranch horse. This class should show the horse’s ability to work at a forward, working speed while under control by the rider. Light contact should be rewarded and horse does not have to be shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse while performing the maneuver requirements, and the horse’s quality of movement are the primary considerations.
(c) Requirements:

(1) No horses less than 3 years of age.
(2) Each horse will work individually, performing both required and optional maneuvers, and scored on the basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance.
(3) The required maneuvers will include the walk, jog, and lope both directions: and the extended jog and lope at least one direction; as well as stops, turn to change directions, and back.
(4) Three optional maneuvers may include a side pass, turns of 360 or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, jog, or lope over a pole(s); or some reasonable combination of maneuvers that would be reasonable for a ranch horse to perform.
(5) The maneuvers may be arranged in various combinations with final approval by the judge.
(6) The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be as those described in Rule 447(a), with an emphasis on forward movement, free-flowing, and ground covering for all gaits. Transitions should be performed where designated, with smoothness and responsiveness.
(7) No time limit.
(8) One of the suggested four patterns may be used, however a judge may utilize a different pattern as long as all required maneuvers are included plus three or more optional maneuvers are included.
(9) Failure to perform a required maneuver will result in a horse placing below all other horses that perform all maneuvers
(10) Ranch pleasure class entries, are eligible for AQHA Incentive Fund.

(d) Apparel and Equipment:

(1) No hoof polish
(2) No braided or banded manes or tail extensions
(3) Trimming inside ears is discouraged
(4) Trimming bridle path is allowed, also trimming of fetlocks or excessive (long) facial hair
(5) Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged

View the four suggested ranch pleasure patterns here.