First question is on the bit. This show will let you ride in a snaffle no matter the age of the horse. I read the rules on the bits but the bit I have with the shank (it's a mylar level 1) is called snaffle. Is it actually considered a snaffle?
I know what a curb bit is. I asked because it's called a snaffle (if you buy it) so I was asking if it qualifies as a snaffle for ranch riding. I am assuming it doesn't but I'm asking because I don't know for sure
If you know what a curb is, then you know the Myler bit is a CURB bit and it does NOT qualify as a snaffle bit per showing rules. Catalogs and websites often incorrectly labels bits as snaffle bits when they are NOT. They are referring to the mouthpiece which of course is NOT how a curb vs snaffle is defined.
Catalogs and websites also call DE-worming medications "wormer" which is wrong too. (Can't trust everything you read - you aren't putting worms into your horse!)
Can I use it for show?
It's an all breed Stock Horse Show & AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Show AQHA Ranch Riding & AQHA Ranch Trail so they do have AQHA classes in it owhich I will do but those obviously completely follow AQHA rules. Day one are the limited rider classes for me and then day two has the AQHA classes which I'll do Novice. I have not shown in about 10 years. I did a local show about 5 or 6 years ago where I rode in the Ranch Horse walk/trot classes and then I did a western dressage show a few weeks about but I've never done an actual Ranch Horse show because I keep telling myself that I'm not ready. So I've decided I'm just going to do it.
For some very specific AQHA classes (I believe
rookie) you can show your horse two-handed in a snaffle bit. But for the rest of the AQHA classes (including novice), if your horse is over the age of 5, you must show one-handed in a curb bit such as your Myler. If rookie classes are not offered, then expect to show your horse one-handed in a curb.
it says they go by AQHA rules but allow snaffle bits for all ages.
But then that is NOT AQHA rules?? I would contact show management and get precise clarification. I don't understand how you can "go by AQHA rules" but then kick out one of the major rules.
I assume I need the slobber strap... I couldn't find if yo are supposed to have one or not. I do have one but haven't put it on the bit yet. I did use it on a different bridle with a different bit (snaffle)...
Yes, if you have a curb bit, you must have a curb strap on it. Either plain leather or FLAT chain (twisted chain is illegal).
Next question is on the rain slicker. I put a jacket on a post and pulled it off. I put it left and right and crossed it over the back and laid it there then on the withers. I rode around the ring and then hung it back up. What amount of movement and shaking it around are you actually expected to do? Do you just pick it up and move it from point a to point b or do you have to lay it on the horse?
What does the pattern specifically say, if anything?
If it does not specify if you are to do anything with the rain slicker, I will usually put it on myself, take it off, and then rub it on my horse, and then place it back on the post.
Again, unless your pattern specifically tells you what to do with it.
The log. I set up a pole and have the rope on it so I pulled the log around the pole but when I put it back I didn't quite get it close enough so I pulled it close by using my hands and then hung the rope back up. Can I do that or do I ride around again until it's lined up close to the pole again? Does it have to be put back close to the pole or does it matter?
Always attempt to put the log back exactly where you found it, if you can. Do NOT pull it with your hands. You need to let your horse do the pulling.
Here's a
video of myself doing Ranch Trail last summer, including a log pull. It's up to you if you want to trot. If you choose to do that, make sure you stay in the trot the whole time. Some judges will reward the trot with higher scoring. But you can walk if you choose. Typically, when you get close to where you are ending, then you ask your horse to back up (as if you were dragging a calf to the branding fire) and then that is what allows you to get the log precisely where you want it. Then walk forward and place your rope back on the holding post. You aren't required to do the backup but most judges will reward that with higher scoring; plus it again allows you to get the log placed better.
I don't have a video but I did ranch trail a month or two ago and the log obstacle was extremely challenging. They had it set up at a very odd angle. Because of that, the judged announced you could drag the log from either side. Normally, you want the rope on your right side so that you can demonstrate that your horse will accept and feel of the rope on their butt. But in that instance they said you could do it the other way. My horses are broke and well trained so I did it the challenging way and got the rope on the right side.
And last question (for now)... The rope. I can swing the rope over my head and throw it onto the "cow" but I can't figure out how to hold it and the reins. Do you put the reins down when you do it? Do you hold it and the reins in your left hand? Do you throw from a certain side of the horse or does it matter (the head - left right over top?)
Please, do lots of practice at home so your horse doesn't freak out from swinging the rope over it's head.
Now, please note, I am NOT a roper by any means, LOL. I just throw one for ranch trail and this year, got pretty lucky so far.
Rope is swung with your right hand. You hold the tail of the rope with your left hand, simultaneously holding the reins. You do not put your reins down b/c then you have no control over your horse.
When you catch your dummy, then dally the end of the rope and "pull tight".
Now sometimes, you aren't technically required to catch anything. At the AQHA world show, they just had to throw the rope toward a square bale but not actually catch anything. So it really just depends on the pattern itself.
Or should I actually hang it on the back of the saddle instead of the front?
You can hang your rope anywhere, but I would suggest hand it on the horn or somewhere on the front because then it is easy to access when you need it, like so:
