July, 2026


ural and relaxed head carriage that does not in any way look artificial. The horse should not be on a draped rein, but also not a tight rein. When you pick up on the reins, the horse should give to the bridle and be soſt. Rich says this is a “plus plus plus!”. If a horse is exhibiting a mechanical looking headset, that would serve no purpose on a ranch, in fact it would detract from their ability to do their job. A critical element of all ranch horse performance classes, including ranch riding, rail and trail, is ensuring that you have smooth transitions, especially down- ward, says Roberts. Also, in all of the ranch performance classes, says Rich “you can two point or post at the extended trot, however if you choose to post, be sure that you are on you are paying atention to being on the correct diagonal. Ensuring you are on the correct diagonal sends the message to the judge that you are a horseman, which sends a strong message to the judge”.


Be a showman. Exhibit confidence.


Michael Damianos strongly advises that you have a plan on show day. This requires knowing your patern extremely well, understanding your horse’s strengths and emphasizing those strengths. All of the pro horsemen that we talked with stressed that a key way to set yourself apart is through your presentation. Rich says a judge wants to see nice working tack, nothing gaudy. Do not make it into a costume. A clean appearance with nice shaped hat is important. Present a picture. Think about the judge siting up there. You are going to have to make choices that makes you look serious and that you’re there to win. “Judges are human and they like it when you make a good first impres- sion,” says Damianos. “This is done by wear- ing nice, workman-like atire and tack true to the roots of the class. Remember no mat- ter what else you do well, you only get one brief moment to make a good impression and begin a run on a positive note”. Roberts and Rich both stress the importance of looking up throughout your patern. Roberts emphasized that “looking up portrays con- fidence and helps avoid having a transition or maneuver sneak up on you caused by looking down!”. “Guide and steer the horse with your body,” says Rich. “If you look up, your patern will be 50% easier to navigate.” Finally, Laurel Walker Denton stresses that you should work on being forward and pur- poseful. Enter the arena with the purpose of a ranch hand there to get a job done.


In all of the ranch classes, while many horses can fit the bill and get around the pen, remember that in order to be really success- ful, a prety horse with good conformation and a level topline that is also a good mover is ideal. Judges are looking for an atractive natural headset and expression. A horse that uses their ears with expression will paint a pretier picture. Rich advises to keep these factors in mind if you are shopping for a horse for these classes.


“Watch successful people show and school their horses. When you see practices that you feel are beneficial, try them at home,” Damianos recommends. “If it works for you, then try them at the next show.” Rosie Cowley of Cowley Performance Horses also recom- mends reviewing your scoresheets to focus in on your strengths and areas for improve- ment. She also advises having a friend video your runs as this can be eye opening and can highlight things you didn’t event know you were doing and give you the opportunity for self-correction. In addition to the tips


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mentioned here, contacting a professional horseman such as the trainers consulted for this article is always a good idea. Trainers can help beginners and seasoned riders alike pinpoint areas for improvement both in their riding and troubleshoot with their horses when needed to improve their performance in the ranch horse classes. Leveraging their years of experience and knowledge, pros can help fast track your improvement. WCRH offers educational clinics featuring


nationally recognized horsemen, judges, and industry professionals, including those who contributed to this article, to help rid- ers develop their skills both in and out of the show pen. These horsemen make time for WCRH as many believe very strongly in WCRH’s mission to develop more exhibitors participating in our industry.


JENNI DAWSON is the founder and head of West Coast Ranch Horse. www.westcoastranchhorse.com


EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this


reprinted article appeared in the May 2022 issue of California Horsetrader magazine.


Rosie Cowley and Shining My Crome prepare for their next run.


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