1.
Philosophy
The purpose of the Ranch Roping Competition is to preserve and celebrate traditional ranch roping as it has been practiced on ranches in western North America for decades. The team experience and the sense of community have always been, and remain, at the heart of these events.
The focus of judging is on calm but efficient work that puts the welfare of the animals first. It is not about simply getting the job done, but about mastering the job in a considerate, fluid and safe way. Speed plays no role in the evaluation; what matters is efficient work in which as little movement and energy as possible is wasted.
Timing, finesse and preparation are the key.
The judges evaluate as if they themselves were the owners or the cow boss whose cattle are being worked by the crew.
2.
Judges
Judging may be carried out by one or several judges. Ideally with assistants.
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Head Judges (judging tournaments, authorized to train)
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Judges (judging tournaments)
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Judge Assistant (judge in training)
The rules and a scoring app are provided to the judges and published in advance.
Scoring: The specified scales in the scoresheet should be used fully in order to allow the greatest possible variation in points.
Judges usually work on a voluntary basis in return for travel, meals and accommodation.
3.
Location & Safety
The arena and fencing must be inspected by the judges before the start. The cattle must also be assessed for their condition. Tired, sick or injured animals must be excluded from the competition.
Gate personnel must be selected and named. They are part of the judging team and are authorized to report incidents to the judges.
4.
Procedure
Before every competition there is an opening ceremony in which all participants enter on horseback and/or on foot.
The organizers and judges are introduced and welcomed, and the schedule is presented.
Before each class there is a meeting with the judges in which the rules and questions are clarified. Depending on the run, the judge may hold a debriefing with a participant.
The event is announced and moderated.
5.
Judging Units
Equipment
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Saddle fit
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Condition and care
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Saddle type/horn/rigging
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Rope strap
Horsemanship
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Rein handling (one-handed)
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Seat/leg/spurs
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Horse movement (relaxed elegance)
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Collection (soundness)
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Expression (eye, neck, tail)
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Harmonious cooperation
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Put the horse’s welfare above the competition
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Kindness (gentleness/treatment)
Stockmanship
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Commitment/willingness/energy/steering power/spark
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Finesse
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Reading, driving and separating the cow
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Team communication/helpers
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Handling the flight zone
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Put the cattle’s welfare above the competition
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Kindness (gentleness/treatment)
Roping Shots and Handling
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Coil organization
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Opening the loop/speed
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Eyes open for cattle and team
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Fluidity/smoothness
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Dally (horse balance, angle when dallying, cattle in view)
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Slack handling / short and nice
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Distance to the cow
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Angle of the throw
Style
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Slow swing
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Open loop
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Choice of throw
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Number of swings
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Throw setup
Team Work
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Ego within the team
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Division of work
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Communication
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Preparation/coordination
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Kindness (gentleness/treatment)
Penalties
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Belly catch -5
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Wrong cow -5
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Cattle over the line -3
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Canter -3
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Lost rope -5
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Rimfire - zero score/termination
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Bucked off - zero score/termination
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Rough behavior toward animal or person - zero score/termination