Patterns & Division Eligibility

Judging Criteria

Our show will closely follow the rules and criteria of the American Quarter Horse Association, ensuring a consistent and professional standard for all participants.

Exhibitors will be evaluated with an emphasis on quality horsemanship that prioritizes correctness over speed. Judges will reward horses and riders who demonstrate functional correctness, true broke-ness, softness, and responsiveness, with careful attention to detail in every maneuver. Consistency, Ranch horse , and overall presentation remain key—but above all, success in the pen will be defined by precision, control, and the ability to execute each task correctly rather than quickly.

AQHA Rules for Ranch Riding classes can be found HERE

Awards & Division Eligibility

Hi-Point Divisions

Exhibitors must select one of the following divisions:

• Novice Rider Walk/Trot (7, 17, 18, 20, 29)

• Youth 18 & Under Walk Trot (8, 17, 18, 21, 30)

• Adult 19 & over Walk Trot (9, 17, 18, 19, 22, 31)

• Youth18 & Under (2, 12, 17, 18, 25, 34)

• Adult 19-49 (3, 13, 17, 18, 19, 26, 35)

• Select 50 & Over (4, 14, 17, 18, 19, 27, 36)

High-Point Eligibility

• Conformation is optional; though, halter points will count toward High-Point awards

       When a horse is shown by multiple exhibitors in different High-Point divisions, points will apply to each exhibitor’s division.

• Horses of any age may be shown two-handed in a legal snaffle or hackamore. Horses shown in legal leverage-style bits must be ridden one-handed.

• Youth and Novice exhibitors may not show stallions.

• Novice exhibitors may not show in the Green Horse classes.

• Exhibitors may select only one High-Point division.

• Only points earned in classes from the selected division will count toward the High-Point award.

• Exhibitors may cross-enter walk/trot and loping classes; however, only points earned in the chosen High-Point division will be applied.

• Jackpot classes do not count toward High-Point awards but do apply to the All-Around Exhibitor awards.

Example: An exhibitor selecting the Adult 19–49 High-Point division may also enter Adult Walk/Trot 19 & Over classes or Jackpot classes, but only points earned in the Adult 19–49 loping classes will count toward the High-Point award.

Novice Rider Division Eligibility

• The Novice Rider Division is open to riders who are in the first two (2) years of learning and have not yet developed consistent skill, confidence, or experience.

• Novice exhibitors must move out of the division if they win a High Point Award at either the Spring or Fall BHC Ranch Shows.

• Exhibitors are limited to two (2) years of eligibility in this division, unless they advance earlier by earning a High Point Award.

• Novice exhibitors may cross-enter loping classes.

• This division is intended to create a fair, supportive environment for entry-level competitors. Exhibitors are expected to compete honestly and in the spirit of fair play.

Outstanding Green Horse Award

This award is based on points earned in the Green Horse classes.

Green Horse Division Eligibility

• Green horses have competed in no more than five shows.

• A Green Horse is in the early stages of training and competition, learning to perform basic gaits, maneuvers, and may be started in pattern work.

• Green horses may be cross-entered in walk/trot or loping classes within the exhibitor’s age division.

• Green horses are not permitted in Novice Rider classes.

• They should be safe and manageable at the walk, trot, and lope, but may still lack refinement or independence in advanced tasks.

• Horses may be any age.

• Horses are limited to two (2) years of eligibility in this division, unless they advance earlier by earning two (2) or more first-place awards at the Spring or Fall Ranch Series in any loping classes.

• This division is intended to provide a confidence-building environment for green horses, and exhibitors are expected to compete with integrity and in the spirit of fair competition.

All-Around Exhibitor Award

This award recognizes the exhibitor earning the highest total points at the show. Points may be accumulated across multiple horses, and points from all classes will be counted.