SoCal Ranch Riders Rule Book

SoCal Ranch Riders Rulebook – Version 1.0

1. All ties shall be broken by number of first place wins, or fewest penalties, whichever applies. After that, second place ( reserve ) will be placed and so on. A DQ will be scored as a ZERO. Should a tie happen in a ranch riding or ranch trail class, a “tie-breaker” maneuver/obstacle will be added prior to the start of the class. Horse or rider with the highest score on that “tie-breaker” maneuver/obstacle will win the tie.

2. All entries must be paid in full by the end of the horse show; otherwise, any points earned will be forfeited. Points will not be retroactive. This rule applies to members and non-members.

3. SCRR reserves the right to excuse any horse or rider from the show ring and premises/show grounds at the sole discretion of the SCRR management. This applies to any exhibitor or horse who poses a danger to other horses or exhibitors, or who exhibits Un sportsman like conduct. Any entry fees for that day will not be refunded. 

4. There is a $50.00 fee for a returned check.

5. All awards both daily and year end are on a one horse/one rider combination for youth and amateur classes. Open points are on the horse and may have multiple riders and handlers throughout the year. Rider/handler must be a member for points of that horse to count towards high point of the day or year end awards. 

6. All SCRR buckle series shows points to count toward year end awards. You must show to one more than half judges in that series to be eligible for year-end awards.

7. Handlers and riders of any horse not entered in a class must sign a waiver at the show office and pay the grounds fee for that horse. This includes members and non members.

8. Proper attire must be worn for all classes. This includes a western straw or felt hat, boots, helmet if applicable, long sleeve button down shirt, belt and pants. Chaps and chinks are optional.

9. Proper equipment for a western ranch horse is highly encouraged. This includes a breast collar, back cinch, romel reins, split reins, mecate & bosal, snaffle, curb bit, bosalita, get down rope etc. Chin straps are required. 

10. Dogs must always be on leashes and well mannered. 

11. Exhibitor must be a non-professional for two years ( 24 months ) to show in amateur classes. 

12. If a tack or rider change is needed, please notify the gate keeper prior to that class. 

13. SCRR reserves the right to substitute prizes, ribbons or awards at their discretion. 

14. This is an ALL BREED club. Any breed is welcome. This includes ponies, donkeys, mules and miniature horses. 

15. Riders and horses may cross enter from 2 gait to 3 gait classes as eligible. 

16. Stallions must only be handled/ridden by a person 18 years of age or older. 

17. Exhibitors MUST clean up and take their horses manure home with them to dispose of. Any exhibitor or person on the grounds found leaving manure behind in the parking lot will be subject to a $200 fine. This is part of our contract with Equine Event Services. 

18. You may ride a horse that you do not own. We do not require proof of ownership or registration. 

19. APHA classes will run concurrently with the associated scheduled classes. They will be judged separately for the APHA division to receive those points. SCRR will send the forms and results to APHA after the show for point earnings. There is a separate $20 class fee for the APHA classes in addition to the $20 regular class fee. 

20. Membership is not required to show at SCRR. A current membership is required to be eligible for high point of the day and year end awards. Membership points are not retroactive.

21. Fake tails are not permitted in our ranch classes. Horse/rider will be disqualified. 

22. We greatly encourage all youth riders to wear protective headgear. 

23. A Green Rider is an exhibitor in their 1st, 2nd or 3rdyear showing in ranch events. Conformation is excluded. This division is offered in both walk- trot and walk-trot-lope classes.

24. A Green Horse is a horse who is in its 1st, 2nd or 3rdyear showing ranch events. Conformation is excluded. There is no age maximum for a green horse. This division is offered in both walk- trot and walk-trot-lope classes. A Green Horse may show in a bosal or smooth snaffle regardless of horses age. 

25. A Green As Grass Rider is an exhibitor in their first year of showing in ranch events, minus ranch conformation. This is a walk-trot division.

26. An Amateur is a rider who is a non-professional age 19 & over as of January 1stof the show year. This Division is offered in both walk-trot-lope and walk-trot classes.

27. A Junior horse is a horse who is 5 years old and under as of January 1stof the show year. This is a walk-trot divison.

28. A Youth Rider is a non-professional rider 18 & Under as of January 1stof the show year. This is a walk-trot-lope class division. Youth riders may not show in amateur classes. ( Exception is the Ranchmanship buckle class )

29. An Amateur Select rider is a non professional rider who is 50 & Over as of January 1st of the show year.

30. A Short Stirrup rider is a rider who is 12 & Under as of January 1stof the show year. This is a walk-trot class/division. Short Stirrup riders may not cross enter into any other classes.

31. The Open divisions are open to all and any exhibitors. This division is offered in both walk-trot-lope and walk-trot classes.

32. All Open division classes points are on the horse ( Open, Open W/T, Green Horse W/T/L, Green Horse W/T and Junior Horse). We do allow “catch riders/handlers” in the classes within these divisions only where an exhibitor has multiple horses to show. Any substituted rider or handler may show the horse in rail or conformation in these divisions. 

33. A Non-Pro exhibitor is a non-professional rider or handler of any age. This division and it’s classes are open to all who fit into this category with the exception of short stirrup exhibitors. 

34. Ranchmanship Pro/AM Buckle Class description – This is a pattern class which consists of a team of two riders. Riders must be either an Open Professional Rider and Amateur Rider, or two Amateur Riders are also allowed as a team. A Youth Rider IS allowed to show as an Amateur in this class ONLY. No Short Stirrup Riders will be allowed. Each rider will complete a short ranch riding pattern on the same horse. One right after the other. This class recognizes the exhibitor’s ability to ride a horse functionally and correctly using minimal contact and western rider equitation to cause the horse to perform basic maneuvers correct and with purpose.  Two buckles will be awarded to the winning team. There will be a prize for the reserve team as well.

35. Our Lead line division is open to exhibitors 8 & Under as of January 1stof the show year and exhibitors with special needs. Lead Line horses must have a halter on under their bridle, with a handler of 18 years and older. Lead Line trail will be work at will in the trail arena. Both Lead Line classes will be judged and scored. These classes are free. A state mandated $14 drug fee will still apply if the horse is not entering any other classes where it has been paid. Lead Liners MUST wear a helmet. Lead Liners must be members of the SCRR in order for their points to count towards year end awards. 

36. Cash stakes classes will vary per show. They will be announced 2-4 weeks prior to that show. There will be 2 stakes classes per show. Cross entry is allowed as permitted. Winner will receive a 50% payout of the class proceeds, with prizes through 3rd place. 

37. All classes will be placed through 10th place. Ribbons or medals will be awarded through 8th place.

38. The judge’s decision is final. Any discrepancies must be reported to the show office or show managers the day of the show.