Versatility Ranch Horse Rule Changes for 2017

[source: AQHA.com]

Changes affecting two rules for American Quarter Horse Association Versatility Ranch Horse classes will go into effect January 1, 2017.

In VRH ranch cutting youth classes, competitors will now have the option to work one or two cows and have the option of ending their run before the 90-second time limit or working the full 90 seconds. The amended rule also clarifies that working two cows does not assure extra credit to the run.  

In VRH ranch trail open, cowboy and amateur classes only, when dragging an object, exhibitors must now have the rope dallied on the saddle horn (half or full dally) for the duration of the drag. 

Wording from the 2017 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is provided below. Or, read the VRH rules in their entirety in the 2017 AQHA Handbook, available at www.aqha.com/handbook. 

Rule SHW565.3 (VRH Ranch Cutting)

For youth competition, there will be a one-and-one-half-minute time limit. Each exhibitor may work one or two cows and has the option of ending their run before the one-and-one-half-minute time limit or working the full one and one-half minutes. Working two cows does not assure extra credit to the run. 

Rule SHW561.6 (VRH Ranch Trail Mandatory Obstacles), #6: 

Drag an object:  For open, cowboy and amateur classes ONLY. The drag is not to be used in youth classes. Drag may be a complete figure eight and may begin in either direction. The exhibitor must have the rope dallied on the saddle horn (half or full dally) for the duration of the drag.

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.