Reining
Reining is liken to dressage in theory with the judging based on the execution of a pattern and different levels of competition according to the horse's experience. The horse is judged on smoothness of the performance, finesse, attitude and authority of performing various maneuvers while using a controlled speed. The moves in the pattern include sliding stops, spins, flying lead changes and loping circles. The lope is the ONLY gait performed and any breaking of the gait is a disqualification.
Additional reining classes can be Freestyle Reining which is performed to music and with a theme or costume. Bridleless Reining which is performance without a bridle but a rider usually has a strap or the reins wrapped around neck to guide the horse.
Western Riding
A competition of a sensible, well-mannered, free and easy moving horse who follows through a course of gaits (walk, jog and lope) change of leads, flying lead changes all between markers. The course is set up with eight small markers (cones) on one side and five on the other. The five markers are separated by 30 to 50 feet. An obstacle of an 8' log or ground pole is also in the pattern. Pattern is shown below.
Working Cowhorse
This class is judged on both working of a cow and reining pattern. The class may do either performance first but both are mandatory. When the cow work is judged the exhibitor receives their cow in the arena and holds the cow at the presribed end of the arena for a sufficent time to demostrate the ability of the horse to contain the cow. After a reasonable time (usually a ring or whistle is used) the exhibitor takes the cow down the fence, making at least one turn each way on the fence. Then the contestant shall take the cow to an open part of the arena and circle the animal at least once in each direction. The reining pattern is one of two pattern selected by the judge before the show and usually posted before the class. The horse is faulted for scotching; which is halting or hesitating while performing, particularly when running full out, indicating anticipation of being set up in a slide (over trained horse) Also, for losing a cow or unable to finish the pattern, exaggerated mouth opened, hard or heavy mouth, nervous throwing of head, lugging on bridle, or the rider touching horse with free hand during pattern. Rider may hold horn while working cow.
Cutting
A class in which a horse and rider enter a herd usually on the back wall of the arena and separates one from the group. The horse keeps the selected cow from returning to the herd. The horse is judged on skill, agility and ability and is given 90 seconds to work two cattle. There is an option to a third cow if time allows. There are two herd holders to the right and left of the area were the rider works the entry (they keep the herd on the rail) and two turn back riders on the opposite side of the rider working the cow. Their job is to keep the chosen cow interested in returning to the herd.
Watch for the following:
Don't put a loping horse model inside the herd. Horses are supposed to select the cow quietly.
Don't use the fence to control the cow that's a strong penalty.
A horse slightly ahead of the cow is not in control and risks losing the cow. Judges should "plot" the next moves of the horse & cow as the cow could escape the horse and return to the herd.
Horses eye should be in a direct line with the eye of the cow as the horse must watch the cow or he could lose it.
Bovines used in cutting are usually cows or steers and not calves. If calves are used there should be a penalty. Goats and other animal can used in cutting or stock work classes in training conditions but this should be specified with a comment line.
Calf Roping
A timed event in both breed shows and rodeos. The roper is placed in a roping box with a calf in a chute beside the roper. There is an elastic cord or barrier used in front of the box. When the calf is released the horse begins to run. If the horse breaks the barrier before time a penalty of 5 seconds is added to the score. Once the horse and calf are running; the rider ropes the calf around the neck, dismounts the horse, and runs down the rope to the calf. The horse holds the calf by pulling against the rope. The rider picks up the calf and throws it and then ties any of three feet together with a piggin string (usually carried in the rider's mouth or belt loop until used.)
Time is stopped when rider signals that the calf is tied, usually by waving his hands. Once the calf is tied, the rider remounts horse and walks horse forward a few steps to give slack to the rope. The calf must stay down and tied for 6 seconds. In rodeos this event is only timed. In show arena the horse's performance is judged including manners in the box, speed to calf, rating, stopping, working the rope and manners while rider returns after roping calf. Calf should be less than 6 months with no horns so smaller calves should be used.
Tack Differences Than From Listed Above
Roping reins are used. A tie down and rear cinch is a must. Mechincal hackamore may be used in rodeos but not arena shows. Hackamore bosal are often seen. No rule to use neck ropes but safety for calf, horse and rider means they should be. It keeps the rope from being tangled and keeps the calf from running out to the right. A neck rope is tied around the crest of the neck and attached back to the saddle horn. The end of the lariat in fed under the neck rope.
Look for:
A taunt line between horse and calf if already roped.
Head of calf should be pointed toward the horse to illustrate how the horse worked the rope.
Horse needs to be watching the calf so eyes of horse
needs to be in line with calf's head.
Most rider's throw from the right and dismount from
the right. If not comment line needs to address a left handled roper.
If the horse is moving and rope was settled around the calf's neck the horse should be stopping and rider should be beginning to dismount.
Team Roping or Head and Heeling
A western event in which both rodeos and arena shows hold. The ropers begin the event from two roping boxes with the steer or cow to be roped in a chute between them. The header is on the left and the heeler on the right. When the steer is released it is given a two second head start. Then the barrier breaks open the the two rider jump forward. Once the horse's are running the header ropes the steer or cow around the horns and turns him to the left. (Legal rope catches for the header are: both horns, half a head, and around the neck. A figure 8 is not legal)
Then, the heeler catches the hind legs in his loop (Legal Heeler catches are: around the flank, one or both heels, only the tail isillegal) Time is stopped when the horses face each other with the is steer "stretched" between them. When performed in a rodeo only time counts. In the arena shows the horse's performance is judged on manners in the box, speed to calf, rating, stopping, working the rope, and manners while team returns after roping the calf. The steer or cow must be 9 months to a year old and either have horns or artifical strapped horns. Real horns are wrapped with leather protector that folds the ears down under it to prevent their injury.
Tack
Tack is the same as Calf Roping with the exception of no neck ropes are used.
Look For:
In steer roping and steer is caught it needs to be standing stretched between both riders and not lying down.
The accidently "throwing" of a steer or cow results in a fine from the stock contractor!
If the horse's are in motion think of where the header and heeler should be and at what point they should throw their ropes.
Girths and breastcollars made of heavier leather to be safely used by a roper.
Heavier silvered saddles and tack are generally not used for roping but there are "throphy" saddles that have some silver decoration on them and the trend in the arena is for more silver on the headstalls now.
Extra points given for neck ropes in calf roping
Photo Credits:
Roping & Reining: Lengendary, Appaloosa Gelding. CM'd by and owned by Cynthia Jameson. Doll by Traci Durrell Khalife. Hackamore by Cynthia Jameson and Saddle by Kim Janes.
Cutting: Obvious Asset, Appaloosa Mare, Power Steering by Chris Nandell and owned by Cynthia Jameson. Doll by Traci Durrell Khalife. Hackamore by Cynthia Jameson. Saddle and breast collar by Kim Janes.
Working Cow 1st Horse: Visionary, Appaloosa Stallion CM'd and owned by Debbie Herzman. Doll & tack by Debbie Herzman.
Working Cow 2nd Horse: Mom's Mink Coat shown by Cynthia Jameson