www . wsca . org 2024 - Champ Show Special Edition - 20
Ranch Rail Pleasure
Purpose
The ranch rail pleasure class measures the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from one ranch task to another and should reflect the versatility , attitude , and movement of a working horse . The horse should be well-trained , relaxed , quiet , soft and cadenced at all gaits . The ideal ranch horse will travel with forward movement and demonstrate an obvious lengthening of stride at extended gaits . The horse can be ridden with light contact or on a relatively loose rein without requiring undue restraint , but not shown on a full drape of reins . The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse to make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner , as well as the quality of the movement are of primary considerations .
Class Routine The class will work both directions on the rail and require at least 1 ( one ) extension of gait at the trot or lope . This class is intended as a rail class but individuals working off the rail will not be penalized , and in fact , riders are encouraged to use adequate space given the extension of gaits required . Horses are required to back .
Ideal
The ideal ranch rail horse should have a natural head carriage at each gait . In all gaits , movement of the ranch rail pleasure horse should simulate a horse needing to cover long distances , softly and quietly , like 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 shall not be shown on a full drape of reins . The overall manners and responsiveness of the horse while performing the maneuver requirements and the quality of the horse ’ s movement are the primary considerations .
Gaits
The following terminology shall apply : 1 . Walk – The walk is a natural , flat footed , four-beat gait . The gait is rhythmic and ground-covering . As in all gaits , the horse should display a level , or slightly above level topline with a bright , attentive expression . 2 . Trot – The trot is a natural two-beat gait demonstrating more forward motion than the western jog . 3 . Extended Trot – The extended trot is an obvious lengthening of the stride with a definite increase in pace . The horse should be moving in a manner as if it were covering a large area on a ranch with an above level topline . 4 . Lope – The lope is a three-beat gait . The lope should be relaxed and smooth with a natural , forward moving stride . 5 . Extended Lope – The extended lope is not a run or a race but should be an obvious lengthening of the stride , demonstrating a forward , working speed . The horse should display an above level topline with a bright , attentive expression .
Evaluating Transitions and Guiding
Part of the evaluation of this class is on smoothness of transitions . A horse may be collected from the extended trot as the horse moves into the lope . The transition from the extended lope down to the trot is a transition to the seated trot , not the extended trot . Therefore , an extra cue to achieve this gait is expected . Horses that complete this total transition within three strides calmly and obediently should be rewarded . Horses that attempt to stop or do stop prior to trotting will be penalized . Judges expect to see horses that have been trained to respond to cues . To see these cues applied discretely and the horse responding correctly could be a credit earning situation . To rein a horse is not only to guide him but also to control his every movement . The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely . Any movement on his own must be considered a lack of control .