How Much Experience Do I Need?
Because the versatile ranch horse discipline is new to many, beginners are in good company. Many organizations are set up to support and encourage riders who are new to the sport.
"Basic horsemanship will get you a long way. If you, as a rider, can position your horse in different places and know how to move your horse and change leads, you can do most ranch horse events without major training," says Bowman.
Before diving into the ranch horse discipline full-force, scout it out to see if it's what you want to pursue.
"Come to a show. See what everything is about," suggests Bowman.
Not only will you know what to expect when you enter a competition, but you will find out who is experienced and can help guide you. Here, you won't see the sliding stops and spins that you would at a national reining competition, but you will see good horsemanship, safe practices, and a good time.
Another place to visit is a clinic. Many trainers and organizations hold ranch horse clinics and practice rides; some before a show and others as entirely separate events. These usually fill up quickly.
"There are a lot of people in this neck of the woods that want to learn better horsemanship skills," says Moulton of EMRHA's New England-based membership. "Pretty much everything we do is to try to help each other. That's what the practices are all about."
Allen agrees, "The clinics are great. Find some local clinics, and you'll get to meet a lot of people."
Many clinics and practices focus on one or two aspects of the versatility discipline. Other clinics are held in actual ranch settings. The Blacks' annual Cross 9 Ranch Cow Working Clinic started nine years ago as a group of friends helping a neighbor doctor his calves. This quickly turned into a friendly clinic environment for many veteran and beginner ranch horse riders in and around Indiana.
When it comes to competition, tack and attire requirements vary between organizations. No rider would be out of place by entering the arena in their everyday equipment. You're less likely to see riders with the sequins and silver than you are to see them with regular working tack and attire.
"I don't want anybody going out and spending a lot of money on what they're going to show in," says Dawes.
Everything should be clean, safe and well-maintained, emphasizes Linda Black.
When considering venturing to a show with your horse, read the rule book first. Organizers agree that working cowboys, especially, know their job on the ranch, but tend to overlook show-ring subtleties such as when to change leads in a reining pattern or what bits are legal.
What you'll find at all of these events is down-to-earth people who are riding ranch horses as a passion. Even the larger versatile ranch horse events aren't too competitive or cut-throat. They are friendly, supportive places to be. You won't make a killing with your earnings in this discipline, but you will come away with a new appreciation for the ranching heritage of this country.
