ARHVA Forms

Please print, fillout and scan form and then email it to ranchhorseversatility@gmail.com

Don't forget to e-transfer you membership fees when you submit the form. In your etransfer please include name and for membership.

Contact ARHVA

Email us

ranchhorseversatility@gmail.com

Directors

  • President: Mel Steer
  • Vice President: Zack Straker
  • Secretary: Laurie Messner
  • Treasurer: Wanda McMinn
  • Darren Bilyea: Director
  • Cindy Austin: Direcor
  • Phoebe Bushnell: Director
  • Christine Westersund: Director
  • Rebecca Evans: Director
  • Rachelle Laitila: Past President

Ranch Conformation

The purpose of ranch conformation is to preserve the ranch horse type selecting well mannered individuals in the order of their resemblance to the breed ideal and that are the most positive combination of balance, structural correctness, and movement with appropriate breed and sex characteristics and adequate muscling. The ideal ranch conformation horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail. The ranch conformation class must be held after the conclusion of the other events.

Horses are to be shown in a good working halter: rope, braided, nylon, or plain leather. Any horse shown in ranch horse conformation class may not be shown with an allowed lip cord, however a lead shank with an attached chain may be used under the chin or over the nose.

As the horse approaches, the judge will step aside to the right to enable the horse to trot straight to a cone placed 50 feet away. At the cone the horse will continue trotting, turn to the left and trot toward the left wall or fence of the arena. After trotting, horses will be lined up head to tail for individual inspection by the judge. The judge shall inspect each horse from sides, the front and rear.

For more information see Rule Book.

Ranch Cutting

This class is judged on the ability of the horse to work a cow by separating it from the herd and holding it to determine the horse’s ability to work the cow. A single cow is cut from the herd and the horse must demonstrate the ability to work the cow. The ideal ranch cutting horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from the head to tail in each maneuver.

Objective will be to cut two cows, one numbered and one non number cow, with the assistance of two turn back riders and two herd holders. Show management may supply the two herd holders and two turn back riders or exhibitor may supply their own helpers. If an exhibitor is a herd holder or turn back rider, he/she may use the horse that they are competing on, or use a different horse. Any person who is a herd holder or turn back rider but not an exhibitor, must hold an Honorary Volunteer Membership. The first exhibitor, in a new herd determines who settles the cattle.

Exhibitors will have a two and a half minute time limit, to work two head of cattle. Time will begin when the rider crosses a time line just prior to entering the herd. Time should not start until exhibitor crosses a pre-determined and marked time line. Cattle numbers can be announced prior to crossing the time line. The rider will then quietly separate his/her cow from the herd. Each exhibitor has the option of ending their run before the two and a half time limit or working the full time limit.

Unnecessary roughness or disturbing the herd excessively could result in disqualification. Ultimate credit will be given to the horses demonstrating excellence in the herd work by committing to, driving, setting up and working a cow in the center of the arena with minimal disturbance to the herd. Horses will not be penalized for reining during the cutting portion, but should display natural ability.

Youth 13 and under that have entered the versatility section DO NOT complete in the cutting. If a youth 13 and under wishes to compete in cutting, they have the option to enter the individual youth cutting class.

For more information see Rule Book.

Ranch Riding

The purpose of the ranch riding class is to measure the ability of the horse to be a pleasure to ride while being used as a means of conveyance from performing one ranch task to another. The horse should reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working ranch horse riding outside the confines of an arena. The horse should be well-trained, relaxed, quiet, soft and cadenced at all gaits. The ideal ranch riding horse will travel with forward movement and demonstrate an obvious lengthening of stride at extended gaits. The horse can be ridden with light contact or on a relatively loose rein without requiring undue restraint, but not shown on a full drape of reins. The overall manners and responsiveness of the ranch riding horse to make timely transitions in a smooth and correct manner, as well as the quality of the movement are primary considerations. The ideal ranch riding horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each maneuver.

Horses shall be shown individually and the class may be conducted inside or outside of an arena. The pattern may be started either to the right or left direction. Show management has the option to set the markers to designate gait changes. If the class is held inside the arena, the course shall be set up to make approximately one pass of the arena in each direction. The optional ranch riding pattern may be used or another pattern may be used as long as all elements of the class are fulfilled as follows:

  • Horses will be shown individually at three gaits; walk, trot, and lope in each direction of the arena.
  • Horses will also be asked to reverse, stop and back.
  • The judge must ask for an extended trot and extended lope at least one direction of the ring.

For more information see Rule Book.

Ranch Trail

The ranch trail class should test the horse’s ability to cope with situations encountered while being ridden through a pattern of obstacles generally found during the course of everyday ranch work, the horse/rider team is judged on the correctness, efficiency and pattern accuracy with which the obstacles are negotiated and the attitude and mannerisms exhibited by the horse. Judging emphasis on identifying the well broke responsive and well mannered horse which can correctly navigate and negotiate the course.

The ranch trail course will include no less than six and no more than nine obstacles. Three of which are mandatory. It is mandatory that the horse be asked to walk, trot, and lope during the course. Walk can be part of the obstacle score or be scored with the approaching obstacle. Trot must be at least 35 feet and score with approaching obstacle. Lope must be lead specific, at least 50 feet and score with approaching obstacle. Care must be exercised to avoid setting up any obstacle that may be hazardous to the horse or rider.

When setting courses, management will be mindful that the idea is not to trap a horse/rider team or eliminate it by making an obstacle too difficult. All courses and obstacles are to be constructed with safety in mind so as to reduce the risk for accidents. The show committee shall have the option of setting up the trail course to best fit the arena conditions. An outdoor course is recommended if appropriate terrain is available. Each single performance event can be time consuming, especially with large classes, so it is imperative that time restrictions are placed on this class. The show committee, either through a pilot run or estimation, shall select a course that has a continuous and positive flow that can be negotiated in four minutes or less.

Judges must walk the course and have the right and duty to alter the course if it is not in keeping with the intent of the class. Judges may remove or change any obstacles they deem unsafe, non-negotiable or unnecessarily difficult. Any time a trail obstacle becomes unsafe during a class; it shall be repaired or removed from the course. If the obstacle cannot be repaired and some horses have completed the original course, the score for that obstacle will be deducted from all previous draws in that class.

The course must be designed using the mandatory obstacles and maneuver plus optional obstacles. Combining two or more of the obstacles is acceptable.

For more information see Rule Book.

Working Ranch Horse

The ideal ranch horse must also be a cow horse and this class demonstrates and measures the horse’s ability to do cow work. In addition the ideal ranch cow horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each maneuver. Holding the saddle horn is permitted. There is a time limit per horse/rider team to perform depending on the division and the time begins when the cow is turned into the arena. If the time has been met, the judge should blow the whistle once for the exhibitor to cease work. The judge may blow a whistle once at any time for the exhibitor to cease for safety reasons. Judges will give credit for what they have seen. Only the judge may award a new cow, by blowing the whistle two times, for a contestant to replace a cow that will not honor a horse. If the judge awards a new cow, the exhibitor has the option to refuse the new cow by continuing to work. If the exhibitor accepts the new cow, the time for working the cow will start over. If the exhibitor intends to accept the new cow, the exhibitor must pull up immediately. In the circling portion of the judging, one whistle will terminate the work and two whistles will award a new cow. When multiple judges are scoring, any one judge may terminate the work or signal for a new cow.

Open, Limited Open and Amateur Divisions

Exhibitors in the Open, Limited Open and Amateur divisions are allotted three minutes to complete the work. When there is one minute left, the announcer will call, one minute remaining. At three minutes, the announcer will call for time. There are three parts to the class: boxing, fence work and roping or circling:

  • Part One – Boxing the Cow:the rider shall ride into the arena, face the cattle entry gate and signal for their cow to be turned into the arena. The cow shall be controlled on the entry end of the arena, for a sufficient amount of time to demonstrate the horse’s ability to hold the cow. If the cow does not immediately challenge the horse, the rider shall aggressively move in on the cow to demonstrate his/her horse’s ability to drive and block the cow on the entry fence.
  • Part Two – Fence Work: After the cow has been controlled on the entry end of the arena, the rider shall set the cow up and drive it down either side of the arena. The cow should be turned on the fence at least once in each direction. The first run out for a turn should be past the half way mark of the arena. All turns down the side shall be completed before reaching the end fence.
  • Part Three-Roping or Circling:Open and Limited Open exhibitors must rope the cow. The Amateur exhibitor has the option of circling the cow or roping the cow, but cannot combine the two to get credit for this portion of the run.
    • To rope the cow, the exhibitor must be carrying a rope when the run starts. The exhibitor may pull up after the fence work, take down the rope and proceed to rope the cow. The exhibitor must then rope the cow and bring it to a stop. In the roping portion of the class, two throws are permitted and the horse will be judged on two maneuvers: tracking /rating and stopping the cow. It is not necessary that the exhibitor catch to receive a score in the roping portion. The catch is legal as long as the cow looks through the loop and the rope pulls tight on any part of the animal’s body except the tail. The rope may only be dallied. If the exhibitor does not catch, the horse will be given credit for tracking and rating and will be assessed the appropriate penalty.
    • To circle the cow, the amateur exhibitor will maneuver the cow smoothly at least 360 degrees in each direction without interference from the fence. The circle’s size, symmetry, speed and relative balance from the right and left show control. Tightening the circles down with fast head-to-head speed will be a credit situation. The circles should be complete before the cow is exhausted. Once an exhibitor has committed to circling the cow, if the cow falls no new cow will be awarded. The exhibitor will complete run by riding around the fallen cow to fulfill circling requirements. In the circling portion of the judging, one whistle will terminate the work and two whistles will award a new cow.

Limited Amateur Division

Limited Amateur exhibitors are allottedone minute and thirty seconds to complete the work. When there is 30 secondsleft, the announcer will announce 30 secondsremaining. At one minute and thirty seconds, the announcer will call for time. Exhibitors are not required to use all of the allotted time, but must ride until the judge whistles the end of the run or time expires, whichever occurs first. There are fourparts to the work: boxing the cow; settling up the cow and driving it down the fence to the opposite end of the arena; boxing it at the opposite end of the arena, and then driving the cow past the middle marker again. There is no expectation that the exhibitor will make a ‘fence turn’, rather the drive down the fence demonstrates correct position and control around the corner.

  • Part One – Boxing the Cow: The rider shall ride into the arena, face the cattle entry gate and signal for their cow to be turned into the arena. The cow shall be controlled on the entry end of the arena for a sufficient amount of time to demonstrate the horse’s ability to “hold” the cow. If the cow does not immediately challenge the horse, the rider shall aggressively move in on the cow to demonstrate his /her horse’s ability to drive and block the cow.
  • Part Two – Set up Cow and Drive down Fence to Opposite End of Arena:After the cow has been controlled on the entry end of the arena, the rider shall set the cow up for driving down the side of the arena. When coming out of the corner, the horse shall be close enough to cow to demonstrate control with cow against the fence. This distance and control should be maintained for approximately ½ to ¾ the length of the arena. Rider will then stop and release the cow and move horse toward center of arena to set cow up for boxing.
  • Part Three – Boxing the Cow at Opposite End of Arena:The exhibitor will regain control or “hold” the cow at end of the arena to demonstrate the horse’s ability to “hold” the cow.
  • Part Four – Drive the cow back down the fence past the middle marker and continue until the judge blows the whistle to show completion.

Novice Amateur, Green as Grass and Youth Divisions

Novice Amateur, Green as Grass and Senior/Junior Youth ranch cow work exhibitors will have an allotted time of 50 seconds to box the cow. The rider shall ride into the arena, face the cattle entry gate and signal for their cow to be turned into the arena. The cow shall be controlled on the entry end of the arena for a sufficient amount of time (50 Seconds) to demonstrate the horse’s ability to “hold” the cow. If the cow does not immediately challenge the horse, the rider shall aggressively move in on the cow to demonstrate his/her horse’s ability to drive and block the cow.

For more information see Rule Book

Divisions

Open - This division is for anyone that recieves remuneration for training, judging and instructing another person.

Limited Open - This division is for the open rider that maybe hasn't done a lot of showing. This division has a winning cap of $1000. Should the Limited open exceed $1000 in earnings they may remain in the Limited Open division for the calendar year. Then will move up to the Open division.

Amateur - An Amateur has not shown, judged, trained or assisted in training a horse for renumeration, monetary or otherwise, either directly or indirectly, nor received remuneration for instructing another person for riding, driving, training or showing a horse for five calendar years previous to the application for Amateur membership. Cattle work in this division envolves, boxing, taking the cow down the wall each way and then roping the cow within two tries OR circling the cow each way.

Limited Amateur - Is the next level up from Novice Amateur. This division is for those that have not won over $5000 in ARHVA events. Should Limited Amateur exceed the earnings of $5000 they may remain in Limited Amateur division for the calendar year. Limited Amateur division cattle work will consist of boxing the cow on the short wall to gain control then proceed to take the cow down the wall past center and box the cow on opposite end, then drive the cow back down the fence (original side) past the center marker and continue until the judge blows the whistle to show completion.

Novice Amateur - Is an entry level for those over the age of 19. This division has a winning cap of $1000. Should the Novice Amateur exceed $1000 in earnings they may remain in Novice Amateur division for the calendar year. Then will move into the Limited Amateur division the next year. Novice Am's may also show with two hands in a snaffle bit or bosal on any age of horse. In this division you only box the cow on the short end of arena in the working cow horse class.

Green as Grass - is for those riders who have never shown in ARHVA. Individuals are eligible to compete in this division for one calender year only. Individuals must meet the requirements of an amateur rider to be eligible. Although this is a non-competitive division, riders will be judged soley for the benefit of each individual. Riders in this division are NOT eligible for payouts or year end prizes.

Youth - We have 2 Youth divisions, 13 and Under (Junior) and 14-18 (Senior). The 13 and under (Junior) division DOES NOT drag a log in trail or cut in the cutting class and they have a simpler reining pattern. The 14-18 (Senior) division will ride same patterns as the Novice Amatuer division.

ARHVA Mission Statement

Alberta Ranch Horse Versatility Associations' mission is to challenge all riders and horses with tasks likely to be encountered when working and riding on a ranch. To entertain and involve the audience and to display impeccable ambassadorship for the equine profession while promoting the various levels of competitive horsemanship while in a show environment.

2024 Sponsorship Opportunities

The ARHVA is looking for 2024 Sponsors to help support our year end prizes and payouts. For more information, review the sponsorship package below or contact us at ranchhorseversatility@gmail.com

Sponsorhip package located under forms. 

Did you know?

When using Split reins only one hand may be used on the reins,and the hand must not be changed. The hand is to be around the reins, index finger only between split reins is permitted. However, in trail, it is permissible to change hands to work an obstacle, Junior horses (5 years old and less) that are shown in a hackamore or snaffle bit may be ridden with two hands on the reins.

** Off Pattern will be given if you have more than one finger between split reins or any fingers between romal reins (except in the two-rein) **

ARHVA Trainer Directory

Upcoming Events: 2024

Show location

Didsbury Ag Grounds (get directions)

Show dates

  • June 24-25
  • July 22-23
  • August 26-27
  • September 23-24

Start times

Show Start Time willl be 9:00 AM both Saturday and Sunday

*Please be sure to check in at office first thing

Event schedule 

Saturday Classes - Trail, Ranch Ride (rode back to back) and Reining

Sunday Classes - Cutting, Cow work and Conformation 

*We start with OPEN division then LIMITED OPEN, AMATEUR, LIMITED AMATEUR, NOVICE AMATEUR, GREEN AS GRASS, YOUTH 14-18 AND YOUTH 13 & UNDER.

***NEW TRIAL CLASS: ARHVA OPEN 60+***

Order of go

Order of go will be posted on the Tuesday at Midnight before the show. 

Amenities

*There will be NO CONCESSION - but lots of time in between to go get lunch.

*Camping on site, NO Hook Ups

Thank you 2023 Sponsors

Money raised through sponsorship supports ARHVA shows, payouts, & year end prizes

Platinum Sponsor ($3000+)

Gold Sponsor ($2000+)

Silver Sponsor ($1000+)

Bronze Sponsor ($500+)

Friends Sponsor ($499 and under): Patti James, Glen Gary Bison Ltd, Winning StridesNorthernhorse.com

Photo Gallery

2024 Show Dates

All shows will be held at the Didsbury Ag Grounds on:

  • June 22-23
  • July 20-21
  • August 24-25
  • September 21-22

Ranch Reining

The ranch reining class measures the ability of the ranch horse to perform basic handling maneuvers with a natural head carriage in a forward-looking manner. The ideal ranch reining horse should have a natural ranch horse appearance from head to tail in each maneuver. Patterns may be chosen from any of the ranch reining patterns or approved by the show management and judge.

For more information See Rule Book

Score Sheets and Results: August 26/27 2023

Versatility Overall Winners

OPEN

1st Place - 46 - Kathy Judson - Bazinga Zign

LIMITED OPEN

1st Place – 23 - Darren Bilyea – Hijackin the Cat

AMATEUR

1st Place - 14 - Tim Minue - SLR Pepto Lights

2nd Place- 31 - Nicki Westersund - Ima Bad Baron Baggins

LIMITED AMATEUR

1st Place - 44 - Pat Virostek - Scoot Over Pepto

2nd Place - 45 - Dee Thibault - Pines Gun Play

3rd Place – 16 – Tammy Meadows – Kit Date

NOVICE AMATEUR

1st Place - 43 - Lisa Harris - Jacs Limited Edition

2nd Place - 24 - Barb McCaughey - Straight to Win

3rd Place - 11 - Eden Kreutz - DS J Hawk

4th Place - 41 - Joanne Crook – Eagles Royal Dude

YOUTH 14-18

1st Place - 40 - Sierrah Kendze – Little Shu-Fly High

2nd Place- 28 - Jaycee Mowat - Sister

3rd Place - 37 - Sierrah Kendze - Dually Cat San

4th Place - 38 - Sierrah Kendze – Fancy Whizn Harley

YOUTH 13 & UNDER

1st Place - 12 - Mackenzie Evans – I’m Not A Prissy Cat

GREEN AS GRASS

1st Place – 20 - Tracey Ainsworth - Mary Little Thing

2nd Place - 33 - Brooke Morrison – Hattie

3rd Place - 34 - Melvin Steer - Chexa Hot Pursuit

4th Place – 32 - Wanda McMinn - Sarcee

5th Place - 341 - Melvin Steer - Nu Fritz N Ebony

Versatility Class Winners

Trail

Open - 46 - Kathy Judson - Bazinga Zign

Limited Open – 23 – Darren Bilyea – Hijackin the Cat

Amateur – TIE

14 - Tim Minue - SLR Pepto Lights 

31- Nicki Westersund – Ima Bad Baron Baggins

Limited Amateur - 71 - Dee Thibault – Pines Gun Play

Novice Amateur - 43 - Lisa Harris - Jacs Limited Edition

Green As Grass - 33 - Brooke Morrison - Hattie

Youth 14-18 – TIE

28 - Jaycee Mowat - Sister

40 - Sierrah Kendze - Little Shu-fly High

Youth 13 & Under - 12 - Mackenzie Evans - I’m Not a Prissy Cat

Ranch Ride

Open - 25 - Darren Bilyea – Metalic Diamonds

Limited Open - 23 – Darren Bilyea – Hijackin the Cat

Amateur - 30 - Niki Westersund – Metalhic Lena Cat

Limited Amateur – 44 – Pat Virostek – Scoot Over Pepto

Novice Amateur – TIE

43 - Lisa Harris - Jacs Limited Edition

11 - Eden Kreutz - DS J Hawk

Green As Grass - 20 - Tracey Ainsworth - Mary Little Thing

Youth 14-18 – TIE

38 - Sierrah Kendze – Fancy Whizn Harley

40 - Sierrah Kendze – Little Shu-Fly High

Youth 13 & Under - 19 - Blake Welsch - Poco Doc Roany

Reining

Open - 25 - Darren Bilyea – Metalic Diamonds

Limited Open - 22 - Darren Bilyea – High River Playboy

Amateur - 14 - Tim Minue - SLR Pepto Lights

Limited Amateur - 36 - Wendy Campbell - Elans Golden Boy

Novice Amateur - 43 - Lisa Harris - Jacs Limited Edition

Green As Grass - 20 - Tracey Ainsworth - Mary Little Thing

Youth 14-18 - 21 - Aynsley Bilyea - Straight to Win 

Youth 13 & Under - 12 - Mackenzie Evans - I’m Not a Prissy Cat

Cutting

Open - 46 - Kathy Judson - Bazinga Zign

Limited Open - 23 - Darren Bilyea - Hijackin the Cat

Amateur - 14 - Tim Minue - SLR Pepto Lights

Limited Amateur - 44 - Pat Virostek - Scoot Over Pepto

Novice Amateur - 43 - Lisa Harris - Jacs Limited Edition

Green As Grass - 20 - Tracey Ainsworth - Mary Little Thing

Youth 14-18 - 40 - Sierrah Kendze – Little Shu-Fly High

Cow Work

Open - 25 - Darren Bilyea – Metalic Diamonds

Limited Open - 23 - Darren Bilyea - Hijackin the Cat

Amateur - 14 - Tim Minue - SLR Pepto Lights

Limited Amateur - 44 - Pat Virostek - Scoot Over Pepto

Novice Amateur - 27 - Christine Westersund - CJ Russelll

Green As Grass - 20 - Tracey Ainsworth - Mary Little Thing

Youth 14-18 – TIE

40 - Sierrah Kendze – Little Shu-Fly High

39 - Sierrah Kendze - Oh Henry

Youth 13 & Under - 12 - Mackenzie Evans - I’m Not a Prissy Cat

Conformation

Open - 1st Place - 46 - Kathy Judson - Bazinga Zign

Limited Open - 22 - Darren Bilyea – High River Playboy

Amateur - 30 - Niki Westersund – Metalhic Lena Cat

Limited Amateur - 45 - Dee Thibault - Pines Gun Play

Novice Amateur - 43 - Lisa Harris - Jac Limited Edition

Green As Grass - 35 - Melvin Steer - Nu Fritz N Ebony

Youth 14-18 - 28 - Jaycee Mowat - Sister

Youth 13 & Under - 12 - Mackenzie Evans - I’m Not a Prissy Cat

Individual Class Winners

Amateur

Trail - 26 - Janice Bullock – Sassy Haidalena

Ranch Ride - 15 - Anita Blatz – Sprats Spud Play

Reining -15 - Anita Blatz - Sprats Spud Play

 

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Show Dates 2024

May 11 & 12 Clinic

"Thank you for your interest in our first 2024 ARHVA Sponsored Clinic.  With only 10 spots available we have a full roster, but will continue to consider placing names on the waitlist.  Those that have submitted their interest will be contacted with the next steps, i.e. Membership requirement, fees payment, etc. in the coming days."

Join us for a fun and exciting weekend of learning with 2 accomplished and talented trainers. Located at the Didsbury Ag Society, Day 1 (May 11th) will cover all aspects of ranch cutting, boxing and fence work with Clay Webster, while Day 2 (May 12th) will cover ranch trail, ranch ride and ranch reining with Wayne Soderberg.
The forms for registration for the clinic, are now available on the website!

May 11 & 12 Clinic

"Thank you for your interest in our first 2024 ARHVA Sponsored Clinic.  With only 10 spots available we have a full roster, but will continue to consider placing names on the waitlist.  Those that have submitted their interest will be contacted with the next steps, i.e. Membership requirement, fees payment, etc. in the coming days."

Join us for a fun and exciting weekend of learning with 2 accomplished and talented trainers. Located at the Didsbury Ag Society, Day 1 (May 11th) will cover all aspects of ranch cutting, boxing and fence work with Clay Webster, while Day 2 (May 12th) will cover ranch trail, ranch ride and ranch reining with Wayne Soderberg.
The forms for registration for the clinic, are now available on the website!