Versatility Ranch Horse Events

Versatility ranch horse is an event that's growing in popularity every year. 

- CODY CROW, NICHOLE CHIRICO 

Cody Crow trains horses and coaches amateurs in reining, cow horse, and versatility from his home base in Berthoud, Colorado. He's won a world championship and a reserve in ranch riding events at the Appaloosa and Quarter Horse world shows, respectively (face book.com/cody.crow.50).

However, if you've never competed, it might seem overwhelming. Here I'm going to break down all six classes and what your horse is expected to do.

It's important to note that you can show from an à la carte menu at these events, but if you want to be considered for the all-around portion, you must compete in a dry event (a class without a cow), a cattle event, and the conformation class.

Ranch Cutting

This class is laid out very similar to other cutting events. The big difference between ranch cutting and a regular cutting class is that you're able to lift your hand up while you're working a cow and help your horse out a little bit. In a regular cutting class, riders are expected to keep their hand down when they're working a cow.