Working Western
Cutting
The purpose of cutting is to separate one calf from the herd and then prevent it from returning. It is the horse’s job to prevent the calf from rejoining the herd. Once this has been done, the rider lays down the reins and hangs on, as the horse takes over and works on his own to keep the calf from the herd. The horse maneuvers back and forth, nose to nose with the calf, anticipating every move. Each rider is given two and one-half minutes to demonstrate his horse’s ability on as many calves as he chooses to work. The Arabian’s speed, agility, intelligence and athletic ability are spotlighted through a cutting class.
For more information visit the Arabian Cutting Horse Association.
Reining
This western style highlights the agility and willingness of these horses to be guided by their riders, demonstrating difficult movements necessary in working cattle. The rider controls each maneuver of quick spins, straight sliding stops and lead changes, which are assessed by judges. Judging is based on smoothness, finesse, quickness, attitude and authority.
For more information visit the Arabian Reining Horse Association.
Trail
Horse and rider negotiate natural obstacles that simulate real-life trail hazards in this discipline. A good trail horse negotiates through an entire course efficiently, in a timely manner and without excessive hesitation. Ultimately, the ideal trail horse is skillful, eye appealing, confident and gives the impression of being sure, safe and a pleasure to ride.
English Trail
English Trail is similar in concept to the Western Trail, however, there are distinct differences in tack and attire. Obstacles are adjusted for English horses allowing not only for a longer stride, but also to show the ability of the horse to lengthen and collect in or between Canter overs and trot overs. The English Trail horse is judged similarly to the Western Trail horse and should appear skillful, eye appealing, confident, and leaves one with the impression of being sure, safe and a pleasure to ride over a course of obstacles. One might consider the English Trail Horse as a horse that historically would have been suitable to be taken on a fox hunt.
Ranch Riding
A Horse in this class should look like a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse should reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working ranch horse riding outside the confines of an arena.
Working Cow Horse
A horse in this event will possess “cow sense,” meaning he can figure out, with minimum help from the rider, how to get a cow moved from one place to another in the arena.
Reined Cow Horse
This discipline combines two of the fastest growing segments of the breed. Horse and rider must compete in both reining and working cow as well as this discipline to be named the winner of a class.
Ranch Sorting
In this sport, two riders are required to move a herd of ten cattle in numerical order from one pen into a completely separate, adjoining pen in less than sixty seconds. The sport evolved from common ranch work, where cattle were separated for the purposes of branding, doctoring and transport.
Herd Work
This discipline is similar to regular Cutting but allows more direction from the rider. “The contestant approaches the herd without hesitation or reluctance on the part of the horse. The horse enters the herd deep enough to show the ability to make a cut and works the cow quietly and alertly causing little disturbance to the herd or the animal brought out. Credit is given for driving cattle, clearing the herd by a sufficient distance and setting up a cow while holding it in a working position near the center of the arena.”
Gymkhana
Gymkhana is a speed event that consists of pattern racing and timed games for riders and horses. Often emphasizing participation by children, a variety of activities are ridden, including barrel racing, keyhole races, pole pending, flag races and more.