CCQHA Futurity Classes
COW COUNTRY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
SALE AND BREEDERS FUTURITIES, and Youth Classes
Yearling Longe Line Class
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The purpose of this class is to reward quality of movement, conformation and trainability. Classes will be judged on performance based movement. Studs and fillies will be shown together, except Youth are not allowed to show stallions. Classes will be judged on 70% movement and 30% conformation.
There will be no disqualifications, only scored down on mistakes. The horse will be scored at a walk, trot and lope in both directions. An exhibitor that does not complete all elements required cannot place over one that does complete all elements. Obvious lameness and an unruly horse posing a safety risk, shall be cause for severe penalties, at the judges’ discretion. Whips will be allowed, but cannot be overly used. They are only used as an aid, severe penalty will be applied if the horse is touched anywhere with the whip.
YOUTH Classes will be separate from the Futurity classes and their yearlings will be shown together in their class. This class is OPEN to any yearling they want to show, but youth are not allowed to show any stallions. Their horse does not have to have been bought through a sale or be by a nominated stallion or out of a nominated mare.
BREEDERS Futurity classes will be separate from SALE Futurity classes, but studs and fillies will be shown together in both futurity classes.
Yearlings will draw for order (to be posted) and will show on the longe line first. After the longe line is complete, horses will line up halter fashion in their order of go and prepare for the final conformation judging and placing.
The longe line may not exceed 30 feet in length. Horses will be penalized for stepping over longeline or for longeline touching the ground. Yearlings will have to walk, trot, and lope in both directions on the longe line in a set amount of time. They have to COMPLETE the circle each time in the walk, trot, and lope to show true movement. The exhibitor will have 90 seconds to present their horse (45 seconds will be announced).
Any complaints with the final judging placement are to be put in writing and given to the futurity committee.
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COW COUNTRY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
SALE AND BREEDERS FUTURITIES, and Youth Classes
TWO YEAR OLD PERFORMANCE RANCH RIDING CLASSES:
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Two year old horses will perform in the 2 year old Ranch Horse Riding competition and perform a reining pattern. Horses are judged on their ability to demonstrate a basic reining pattern, consisting of circles, stops, rollbacks, and turns. Points are awarded on each area and emphasis is based on smoothness.
This class will be judged two handed in a snaffle bit or bosal. This class shows the horses’s ability to move at a working speed with a rider.
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 away from the rail, to stop and back up.
The judge also must ask for an extended trot and extended lope at least in one direction of the arena.
A horse will be given credit for traveling with his head held in a normal position, ears alert, and moving at a natural speed for the gait requested. Credit will be given for making a smooth transition between the gaits, for keeping the correct lead, and for maintaining the gait requested until the judge requests a lead change.
There will be no disqualifications, only scored down on mistakes. An exhibitor that does not complete all elements required cannot place over one that does complete all elements.
1. Walk to the center of the arena. Stop. Take a left lead departure. Lope a small circle first, then larger circle. Speed does not have to change, but the size of the circle must change and will be scored upon, small circle to larger circle.
2. After the large circle, lope back to the center of the arena, stop and hesitate. Take a right lead departure, lope a small circle first, then a larger circle. Speed doesn’t have to change, but the size of the circle must change.
3. After the large circle, lope through the center of the arena to the right and to the cone. Stop, roll back to the right, run down to the end cone. Stop, roll back to the left, run down to the center cone. Stop and hesitate, back up 3 feet. Stay at least 20 feet from the fence on rundowns.
4. Pattern is complete.
SALE Futurity classes and BREEDERS FUTURITY and YOUTH classes will be separate. Studs and fillies will be shown together in each of the two-year-old futurity classes. Youth are not allowed to show stallions in their class.
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COW COUNTRY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
SALE AND BREEDERS FUTURITIES, and Youth Classes
THREE YEAR OLD RANCH PLEASURE, REINING,
AND CUTTING
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HORSES WILL BE RIDDEN IN A SNAFFLE BIT OR HACKAMORE AND WILL BE JUDGED TWO-HANDED
THREE YEAR OLD CLASSES:
Three year old horses will perform in (1) a Ranch Pleasure Class, (2) a Reining pattern, consisting of circles, stops, rollbacks, backup and turns, and (3) a Ranch Cutting competition, this class is judged on the ability of the horse to work a cow by separating it from the herd, and driving it to the middle of the arena and penning it. You will get three (3) scores, and the lowest score will be dropped.
YOUTH classes will consist of only the Ranch Pleasure and Reining.
THREE YEAR OLD RANCH PLEASURE:
This class will be judged on the Performance, Condition, and Conformation of the horse. Maximum credit will be given to the flowing, balanced, and willing horse that gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride.
Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits: Walk, Trot, and Lope. At the option of the judge, horses will be asked to extend the trot, one or both ways of the ring. Riders should sit at the extension of the trot, not post.
Cadenced and Balanced with Smoothness is more essential than speed. Passing is permissible and should not be penalized as long as the horse maintains a proper and even cadence and rhythm.
Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). They will be required to reverse at the walk or trot at the discretion of the Judge, but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope.
Horses are to be shown at a walk, trot and lope on a reasonably loose rein or light contact without undue restraint.
- FAULTS TO BE SCORED ACCORDING TO SEVERITY:
- 1. Excessive speed (any gait).
- 2. Being on the wrong lead.
- 3. Breaking gait (including not walking when called for).
- 4. Excessive Slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum resulting in an animated or artificial gait at the lope.
- 5. Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for (during transitions, excessive delay will be penalized).
- 6. Head carried too high.
- 7. Head carried too low (tip of ear below the withers).
- 8. Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical.
- 9. Excessive nosing out.
- 10. Opening mouth excessively.
A good ranch pleasure horse has a free-flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. He should cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. He should carry his head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with his poll level with or slightly above the level of the withers. He should not carry his head behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance. In all, the horse should give the appearance of being a Pleasure To Ride.
THREE YEAR OLD RANCH REINING
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- 1. Start at end of arena.
- 2. Run up to other end of arena past the end marker and stop. Complete 2 ½ spins to the right.
- 3. Run to other end of the arena, past the end marker and stop. Complete 2 ½ spins to the right.
- 4. Run past the center marker and stop.
- 5. Back at least 10 feet in a straight line.
- 6. Complete ¼ turn to the left, hesitate. Begin on right lead. Circle to the right. Complete two circles to the right, the first one small and slow and the second large and fast. Change leads at the center of the arena.
- 7. Complete one small, slow circle and one large, fast circle. Change leads to the right.
- 8. Run around end of arena to the other side, past the center marker, at least 20 feet from fence and come to a sliding stop.
- 9. Hesitate to complete pattern.
THREE YEAR OLD RANCH CUTTING COMPETITION:
This class is judged on the ability of the horse to work a cow by separating it from the herd, driving it to the middle of the arena, holding it to demonstrate the horses ability to work the cow and finally to pen the cow. A single numbered cow is cut from the herd and the horse must demonstrate its ability to work the cow. When satisfied that the horse has proven its cutting ability, the horse and rider must then pen the cow at the far end of the arena. There will be a three minute time limit. A whistle will blow at the two minute point in the run. Time will start when the rider crosses a time line just prior to entering the herd. Cattle number will be announced prior to crossing the starting line.
You will have two turn back helpers and two herd helpers. Pick your own or people will be there to help. Herd helpers can not help pen your cow, when you signal you want to pen the cow, the helpers must go to the sides of the arena.
- ONE POINT PENALTY
- (A) Loosing working advantage
- (B) toe, foot, or stirrup on the shoulders of the horse, or working out of position.
- THREE POINT PENALTY
- (A) Cattle picked up or scattered
- (B) spurring the horse on the shoulder
- (C) pawing or biting cattle
- (D) back fence (will be marked).
- FIVE POINT PENALTY
- (A) Quitting cow
- (B) loosing cow
- (C) not driving cow between marker and corner of pen prior to penning
- (D) not penning cow before 3 minute time.
- TEN POINT PENALTY
- Any time more than one cow enters the pen. There will be no disqualifications, only scored down on mistakes. An exhibitor that does not complete all elements required cannot place over one that does complete all elements.
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COW COUNTRY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
Youth Class Only
Youth Four Year Old and Older Horse Ranch Pleasure Class (Youth Competition Only):
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This class will be judged on the Performance, Condition, and Conformation of the horse. Maximum credit will be given to the flowing, balanced, and willing horse that gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride.
Horses must work both ways of the ring at all three gaits: Walk, Trot, and Lope. At the option of the judge, horses will be asked to extend the trot, one or both ways of the ring. Riders should sit at the extension of the trot, not post.
Cadenced and Balanced with Smoothness is more essential than speed. Passing is permissible and should not be penalized as long as the horse maintains a proper and even cadence and rhythm.
Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from the rail). They will be required to reverse at the walk or trot at the discretion of the Judge, but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope.
Horses are to be shown at a walk, trot and lope on a reasonably loose rein or light contact without undue restraint.
- FAULTS TO BE SCORED ACCORDING TO SEVERITY:
- 1. Excessive speed (any gait).
- 2. Being on the wrong lead.
- 3. Breaking gait (including not walking when called for).
- 4. Excessive Slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum resulting in an animated or artificial gait at the lope.
- 5. Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for (during transitions, excessive delay will be penalized).
- 6. Head carried too high.
- 7. Head carried too low (tip of ear below the withers).
- 8. Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the nose is carried behind the vertical.
- 9. Excessive nosing out.
- 10. Opening mouth excessively.
A good ranch pleasure horse has a free-flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. He should cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. He should carry his head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with his poll level with or slightly above the level of the withers. He should not carry his head behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance. In all, the horse should give the appearance of being a Pleasure To Ride.
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COW COUNTRY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
SALE AND BREEDERS FUTURITIES
FOUR YEAR OLD PERFORMANCE RANCH RIDING CLASSES
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FOUR YEAR OLDS will be judged on Conformation, Overall Appearance and Attitude, Handling ability, Reining pattern, Cattle work, Dragging a roping dummy, etc.
Horse will be scored on his willingness to pull a roping dummy, spookiness, control of the rope, etc. Rider will put on a slicker from the fence, put it back on the fence, and open a gate, ride through, and close the gate.
Each horse will have a 5-minute time limit to complete the following maneuvers. Time will be kept at the announcers stand.
At the expiration of four (4) minutes, the announcer will give a one (1) minute warning. Exceeding the 5 minute time limit shall cause a 10 point penalty. At the expiration of 6 minutes, any horse still attempting to complete the maneuvers will be disqualified from the competition and shall immediately retire from the arena.
If four year olds are ridden in a Snaffle Bit or Bosal, two hands are required, except when roping.
Any Shanked Bit used, no matter the mouth piece, the rider must one-hand his or her horse. Two hands on the reins will be a ( 0 – 10 ) penalty.
The COMPETITION PATTERN and SCORING is as follows:
1. Conformation, Overall appearance & Attitude (0-10 points on Judges sheet).
2. Handling Ability ( 0 – 30 points on Judges sheet).
A. Each horse will enter the arena bridled and saddled.
B. The rider shall trot to the center of the arena and stop. Time will start when the horse is halted.
C. Pick up left lead, complete two circles to the left. The first one small and slow, the second large and fast.
D. At the center of the arena, the rider shall change leads. Complete two circles to the right—the first circle large and fast and the second circle small and slow.
E. At the center of the arena, the rider shall change leads again and begin a large circle to the left. Do not close this circle, but run straight down the arena past center and slide to a stop. Hesitate. Complete 3 spins to the left. Hesitate. Complete 3 ½ spins to the right.
F. Run past center of arena to a sliding stop.
G. Back the horse a minimum of fifteen (15) feet.
3. Cattle Work ( 0-25 points on Judges Sheet).
A. Following the back, the rider will call for a cow. One cow will be turned out in to the arena. Cattle draw will be by gate cut.
B. Upon receiving the steer in the arena, the rider shall hold the cow on either end of the arena for a sufficient time to adequately demonstrate the ability of the horse to contain a cow at that end (similar to a cutting horse).
C. Next, the rider and horse shall drive the cow down the long side of the arena fence, pass and turn the cow back the opposite direction, making at least one turn in each direction (similar to an AQHA working cow horse).
4. Drag a Roping Dummy ( 0-25 points on Judges Sheet).
A. Upon completion of the cattle work, the rider shall drag a roping dummy one-fourth ( ¼) to one-half ( ½) the length of the arena, towards the center, make a circle and come back to the gate. Turn and face the dummy and back your horse at least 3 feet, pulling dummy, showing control of the situation.
B. Horse will be scored on his willingness to pull, spookiness, and control of the rope.
5. Putting on slicker, opening and closing gate (0-10 points on Judges sheet).
A. Upon completion of dragging the roping dummy, the rider will ride to the gate, take the slicker from the fence, put it on and off and put it back on the fence. Open the gate, ride through, close gate.
COMPETITION COMPLETE
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COW COUNTRY QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION
SALE AND BREEDERS FUTURITIES
FIVE YEAR OLD HEADING AND HEELING
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Open to any horse 5 years old, that is by a CCQHA nominated stallion or was bought through the CCQHA Sale. Proof of eligibility will be the responsibility of the horse owner. There will be a HEADING Futurity and a HEELING Futurity (Judged Separately), with a total of four runs on each end.
You pick or furnish your own partner for either event.
There will be a one (1) minute time limit to complete each run.
The Header will get 2 loops per run and the Heeler will also get 2 loops per run. If you break out of the barrier, it will be a ten (10) second penalty, and for a missed leg in the heeling it will be a five (5) second penalty.
The Header and Heeler will be judged on five (5) maneuvers each.
Scoring will be in two parts.
FIRST PART: Start with a value of 70 points for the 5 maneuvers. Plus or minus in ½ to one point increments (up to 3 points) will be evaluated for each maneuver with major infractions costing 5 points. The resulting number is the score portion of your run.
SECOND PART: The other portion is your time subtracted from 60 seconds (which represents the maximum allowable time for your run), which is added to your score to give you a final tally.
There will be a total of four (4) runs per end, the scores will be added up and the high score will win the futurity.
Rope 2 (two), Score 1 (one), and Rope 1 (one).
The first two runs will be judged, the score run will be judged and the last run will be timed.
The Heading horse will be judged on five different maneuvers:
Box & Barrier, Run & Rate, Setting & Handling, Facing.
The Heeling horse will be judged on:
Box, Run & Rate, Position, Stopping.
Five Year Old Heading
1. Approach & Entry to the Box
A. Judging starts when name and number is announced to compete.
B. Horse is to approach the box willingly and quietly without hesitation.
2. Attitude Behind the Barrier
A. Horse may be turned towards or away from steer at rider’s option to be placed in corner. Horse is not required to touch bar.
B. The horse must allow the rider to position him, set and become alert and prepared.
C. Horse must wait until directed by the rider to leave the box.
D. Horse should be willingly maneuverable and quiet in the box.
E. Once set, the horse should be flat footed, alert and prepared.
3. Break, Run, Rate
A. Upon leaving the box, horse should break flat and without hesitation through barrier.
B. Horse should run flat and drive to optimum position for rider to rope the steer.
C. Horse should be clean at the barrier.
4. Set & Handle
A. Rider must rope the steer with a legal head catch and dally.
B. Horse should slow momentum of the steer without ‘killing the steer in the hole’, bending the steers head to the horses body and maintain momentum in a position that is prepared for the face.
C. Steers head and body set in a left arc position.
D. Horse would continue traveling left across the arena showing ability to handle the steer without undue strain and at an even rate of speed until heeler is able to offer the delivery.
E. Horse should give to the pressure of the bridle when asked.
5. Facing
A. Upon heelers delivery of rope, head horses speed should not change until heeler dallies.
B. Optimum face will pick steers hind legs up but not stretch and lay steer down.
Five Year Old Heeling
1. Approach & Entry to the Box
A. Judging starts when name and number is announced to compete.
B. Horse is to approach the box willingly and quietly without hesitation.
C. Horse should enter box with visibly loose rein, relaxed head, and may stop and wait for rider to position them.
2. Attitude Behind the Barrier
A. Horse may be turned towards or away from steer at rider’s option to be placed in corner.
B. The horse must allow the rider to position him, set and become alert and prepared.
C. Horse must wait until directed by the rider to leave the box.
D. Horse should be willingly maneuverable and quiet in the box.
E. Once set, the horse should be flat footed, alert and prepared.
3. Break, Run, Rate
A. Upon leaving the box, horse should break flat and without hesitation.
B. Horse should haze the steer in a straight line, not allowing the steer to fade right to obtain optimum entry position.
4. Position and Entry
A. Once the header dallies to set and turn the steer, heel horse should maintain current position until the steers body moves left.
5. Stop
A. The heel horse should stop smooth, low and flat on its hocks.