PG . 18
AQHA FEATURE
a versatile all-round Ranch horse . Since then he and I have formed a really lovely partnership , and he ’ s grown to be just a beautifully-minded individual , with a temperament that really is second to none . Over the last four years , in between working at the stud , I ’ ve been travelling all over Australia conducting Ranch Clinics , along with giving a lot of regular lessons in Ranch Riding . We have some very talented trainers , both in Australia and abroad , and I ’ ve had the pleasure to learn from many of them over the years . But in saying that , there is one highly skilled professional who I do call on from time to time , for her help , and her valued opinion , and that is Raelene Higgins .’
Michelle says that competing in a Ranch Riding class is very different to a Western Pleasure class . She continues on to say , that in a Ranch Class , one should never show as they would in a Western Pleasure class , because in Western Pleasure , a horse is rewarded and credited for slow , collected gaits , which are performed on a loose , pitched rein — definitely not the way to show a Ranch horse .
She says that there are things that a Ranch Riding competitor needs to learn and understand , to successfully show in this class , and a great place to start is to read the Ranch Riding class rules and requirements in the AQHA Rulebook .
‘ A Ranch Riding horse should be more forward moving ; a horse that looks like he has a job to do on a ranch , in a timely fashion . My attraction for Ranch Riding is the challenge of each class , with the various Ranch Riding patterns . The patterns range from basic to very challenging , so you always need to strive to better your last score . Your horse needs to be very broke , and be able to perform the different maneuvers asked of him , within these patterns . Some maneuvers will need to be performed at speed and some , relaxed and slower . Throughout the pattern your horse must demonstrate natural movement and frame , in each of these maneuvers . He also needs to have a good mind and be very obedient .’
Michelle obviously loves the Ranch events and finds the competitors all very supportive , which she says , makes showing in Ranch classes all the more enjoyable !
‘ I can quite easily say that compared to all the other events I ’ ve shown in over the years , Ranch Riding
' GP One Awesome Oak Q-91315 & his proud owner , Michelle Garratt '