Ranch Riding Strategy

Take the time to plan and strategize before you go show for the best outcome.

- BUD LYON, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON PHOTOS BY JENNIFER PAULSON

Anytime you show, it's crucial to think about what you'll do and how you'll do it ahead of your class, no matter the event. But ranch riding might require even more strategy and planning simply because there aren't any markers in the pen and the execution of the pattern is up to your interpretation. Strategizing and planning ahead of time allows you to determine the best way to lay out your pattern, show your horse's strengths, avoid any weaknesses, and present a pattern the judges won't forget.

Here are my six tips for your preparation process anytime you compete in ranch riding. If you show in other events, try these out and see how they work for you, too.

Tip 1: Think Outside the Drawing

The patterns themselves are just guidelines. Ranch riding patterns have more room for execution than something stricter like a reining pattern. You don't have to perform it exactly as it says on the page. I advise paying more attention to the words describing the pattern than the drawing itself.

Planning your pattern in this way allows you to account for things such as arenas of different lengths and widths and those that are more square than oblong. The arena's shape provides a major determining factor for how your pattern will come together.