Overview

The intent of competition is to display your ability to perform ranch work tasks while working horseback, always demonstrting control and safety. Control is shown in horsemanship through responsiveness to rider cues. Any time control and/or safety are compromised, points will be deducted.

All shows will commence despite weather and ground conditions that exist the day of the show as an example of actual working conditions. The judging will consider those existing conditions and any other site-specific conditions.

Member Eligibility and Horse Ownership

The 4-H name and emblem are copyrighted, so 4-H classes are limited to Montana 4-H Horse Project members. Entries shall be verified by the member’s extension agent or their designee, indicating that:

  • The named exhibitor is a bona fide 4-H member,
  • The named 4-H members horse(s) is (are) part of the 4-H member’s project for the current year, and
  • They have been assessed into the current level.

In accordance with Montana 4-H Ranch Horse curriculum:

  • The horse used in competition must be a 4-H project horse for the current 4-H year. A project horse is enrolled in any established 4-H county horse project through the county extension office.
  • The same horse must be used for all classes at one competition for the 4-H Ranch Horse level classes.
  • Stallions may not be shown in any classes at State Working Ranch Horse events. A stallion is defined as a male horse of any age that has not been castrated. 

For competitions that include Versatility Ranch Horse events (optional, additional classes)

  • Members may use any horse for versatility classes as long as horse meets class qualifications. Only horses aged 5 or younger may be entered in the colt division.
  • To compete for overall versatility awards the same horse must be ridden in all qualifying classes at one competition.

Liability & Horse Health

Neither the host county, facility nor Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development is liable for any accident, damage or loss of personal property, livestock, or person including travel to and from 4-H horse events. Liability releases for participants must be signed and submitted as part of registration for events.

Travel to and from the show is the responsibility of the exhibitor. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to obtain their own accident insurance for both themselves and their horses.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is required for all horses attending the Working Ranch Horse Finals.

Learn more about the CVI requirements.

Remember to contact your local MSU Extension Agent to ensure your event has the proper insurance coverage. 

Conduct

Conduct by exhibitors and spectators and all persons present at events shall be orderly, responsible, sportsmanlike and humane in the treatment of horses and cattle. Any violations of these will be subject to disciplinary procedures or removal from

Attire

Attire shall be western boots, western pants, long sleeve button or snap shirt and a western hat or helmet. Spurs, chaps or chinks are

Protective Headgear

All 4-H competitors must be in compliance with the Montana State 4-H Horse Helmet Policy. Helmet education is required and will be enforced. Helmet use is encouraged in all 4-H activities any time a member is around a horse. Protective headgear may  be used in all classes and shall not be discriminated against. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the 4-H member to see that the headgear worn complies with such standards and  is in good condition. An ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet with safety harness fastened in place is required in over-fence classes, gymkhana events, activities and practice sessions.

Gymkhana refers to horseback speed events (timed and untimed) that do not use livestock. Events that usually fall in this category include but are not limited to the following: barrel racing, pole bending, keyhole races, stake races, rescue races, pony express race, etc. Events that are not intended to be included in this policy are events such as calf roping, team roping, goat tying and team penning that may be timed but use livestock. The Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development encourages the use of ASTM certified/SEI approved safety helmets in all equine events.

Saddles and Equipment

Horses shall be shown in a western stock saddle with a horn. Silver equipment will not count over good, clean working equipment. Regarding saddle horns: mule hide, latigo, elk hide, basic leather or rubber are suggestions and all acceptable for horn coverings.

  • Leather gives better when dallied than rubber and is suggested more for younger members learning how to rope.
  • Rubber bites harder on the rope and gives a better grip when dragging cows.

Bits and Reins

All bits and related gear in the Working Ranch Horse project shall comply with the Montana 4-H Bit Guide. 

  • Horses five (5) years old and older shall be shown in a curb or shank bit. Horses four (4) years old and younger may be shown in a snaffle or any other compliant bit.
  • Chain curb straps are permissible, but must comply with Montana 4-H Bit Guide requirements. Absolutely no rigid material will be permitted under the jaws, regardless of how padded or covered.

Romal, split or roping reins are legal for use during ranch horse competitions. 

  • A snaffle bit or hackamore shall be used with two hands on the reins. A curb or shank bit shall be ridden with one hand on split reins or with a romal.
  • Touching or using free hand on reins will be cause for point deduction but not disqualification. 
  • Martingales and tie-downs are prohibited.
 
For more information, review the Montana 4-H Bit Rules & Equipment Guide

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