Below are descriptions of each of these events from the AQHA website.

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Ranch Riding

This class measures a horse’s ability to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse and rider are asked to perform a pattern that includes changes of gait, extension of gait, crossing logs and lead changes. All maneuvers should be performed as if the horse were being used on a ranch, and the horse should demonstrate a high level of training, relaxation and quality of movement in all gaits. 

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Ranch Trail

The horse and rider performing in a ranch trail class are asked to maneuver through six to nine obstacles that resemble the things that would be encountered during everyday riding on a ranch. The horse will be asked to walk, trot and lope during the pattern, and mandatory obstacles include riding over obstacles (such as logs), passing through a gate, backing, riding over a bridge, sidepassing and dragging (open and amateur only). The horse is judged on a natural ranch horse appearance, and credit is given for a horse that performs the pattern smoothly, with willingness and efficiency.   

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Versatility Ranch Horse 

This set of six classes is intended to show the versatility and ability of a ranch-type American Quarter Horse. This set of classes can be offered as a group to award a VRH all-around title, or the classes can be held individually. Divisions offered include open, cowboy, amateur, limited amateur, youth and limited youth. 

• VRH Ranch Trail – This class demonstrates a horse’s ability to maneuver a set of six to nine obstacles resembling what the horse and rider would encounter during everyday ranch work. The horse and rider team is judged on correctness, efficiency and the quality of performance. The horse should maintain the natural appearance of a ranch horse at all times. 

• VRH Ranch Riding  - This class measures a horse’s ability to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse and rider are asked to perform a pattern that includes changes of gait, extension of gait, crossing logs and lead changes. All maneuvers should be performed as if the horse were being used on a ranch, and the horse should demonstrate a high level of training, relaxation and quality of movement in all gaits. 

•  VRH Ranch Reining – In this class, a horse is evaluated on its maneuverability as it performs a set pattern that includes circles, lead changes, spins and stops. 

• VRH Ranch Cutting – A horse’s ability to separate and work a cow out of the herd is judged in VRH cutting. With the help of two turnback riders and two herd holders, an exhibitor will cut two cows out of a herd one at a time and demonstrate the horse’s ability to hold them. The rider is allowed to cue with the reins.

• VRH Ranch Cow Work – The horse must demonstrate its natural ability to work a cow in a specified pattern that varies depending on division. Exhibitors in the open, amateur, cowboy and youth divisions are given three minutes to box the cow, turn it both directions on the fence and then rope it. Amateurs and youth are allowed to circle the cow both directions in lieu of roping. Limited-division riders will be asked to box the cow, drive it down the fence, box the cow at the other end of the arena and then drive the cow back up the fence to complete their pattern. 

•  VRH Ranch Conformation – This class is intended to preserve the American Quarter Horse type by selecting a well-mannered individual in order based on their resemblance to the breed ideal. 

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https://www.aqha.com/-/ranch-classes-explained