WCHA Ranch Horse Challenge
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To Debut in Tunica on September 18-19, 2015
Title Sponsor of the Event: The Equine Chronicle
By Delores Kuhlwein
You read it right. The latest buzz about a Ranch Horse Challenge including both Halter and Performance at the World Conformation Horse Breeder’s Championship Futurity in Tunica is true. And The Equine Chronicle is proud to be the title sponsor!
No one can deny the popularity of the Ranch Horse discipline as shows and associations scramble to keep up with the boom across the country. AQHA Ranch Riding has grown by leaps and bounds since its 2012 introduction as AQHA Ranch Pleasure to the tune of 37,100 entries in 2014, according to AQHA Publicity and Special Events Liaison Sarah Davisson. Since the news about the Ranch Horse Challenge was released on the WCHA website in preparation for the September 18-19, 2015 show in Tunica, Mississippi, the response has been incredible.
The Scoop
But how on earth did a Ranch Horse competition end up at a Halter futurity? The idea is simple, according to Board Chairperson Beth Dunlap. It’s all about form to function.
“With the tremendous growth and interest in the Ranch Horse division, we wanted to diversify our show with a class that would bring in new exhibitors. We felt that if we could create an event that included both riding and a conformation competition, we could highlight the form to function of great horses that all horseman can appreciate,” Dunlap says.
Since the motto of WCHA is “to promote good conformation, soundness, and athletic ability in all stock horse breeds,” the addition of both elements made sense to draw participants. The WCHA went one step further by opening the event to all breeds, in keeping with the theme of their Halter futurities.
How Will It Work?
The Ranch Horse Challenge will span two days, with the Halter portion as the last class of the day on September 18th and the Performance portion as the last event on September 19th, following the popular WCHA Produce of Dam Class. The performance portion includes a pattern created by Tim Kimura and Steve Meadows. Although all challenge competitors will compete together, both pros and non-pros can compete for their own class divisions and payouts.
Combined scores of the riding pattern and Halter class will determine the results. The Ranch Riding portion of the challenge will count for 60% of the total score. The Halter portion will comprise the other 40%. As stated in the official rules, “A point system will be used to determine the class score based on entries in the class. If there are 22 entries in a class, first place will win 22 points, second will earn 21 points, third will earn 20 points, all the way through 22nd place which will earn 1 point.”
The entry fee for the Challenge is $300, which includes the open division entry, a stall, and a WCHA membership. To add a non-pro rider, the additional fee is $100.
Payouts and Prizes
Dunlap also reports a very welcoming response by sponsors and exhibitors to ring in the maiden voyage, with initial sponsorship by Grandview Farm, Fort Payne Steel, Smith Show Horses, and a title sponsorship of the event by The Equine Chronicle. “We have trophy saddles, trophy tack, cash, and more great prizes lined up. The money will be paid out on the same schedule as the Halter Futurity classes, so everyone has a good chance at bringing some cash home.”
Payout rules are as follows: The WCHA will retain $150 of each entry fee for costs associated with event. The remaining monies will be applied to the purse for each division. The purse will be divided 75% among the top 10 challenge competitors in each division, open and non-pro. The remaining 25% of the purse will be paid to the top 10 placing open and non-pro exhibitors in the Ranch Riding portion of the challenge.
Also, there will be a special award for the top three non-pro competitors who place in the open division of the competition. In addition, the top ten riders in each portion of the challenge, Halter and Ranch Riding, will receive awards. Every entry will receive a goodie bag upon check-in.
Halter Details
According to the published guidelines, as a bonus, AQHA exhibitors will be able to earn points in the separate AQHA Halter special event at the show.
“The AQHA Halter class will run separately from the Ranch Horse Challenge,” Dunlap explains. “Exhibitors are encouraged to include their registration papers and membership cards when they enter, so they can compete in the point classes while they are in Tunica. The Ranch Horse Challenge Halter class will run separately from the AQHA class. Since there are going to be several breeds, all challenge competitors will compete together. There will be a non-pro and an open division class.”
Putting It All Together
The support for the debut of the WCHA Ranch Horse Challenge has been over the top, and WCHA and exhibitors alike are ready to welcome more opportunities for the Ranch Horse division.
“Since the challenge website was live, I have received a tremendous response. Because we are offering such a unique event, I have received lots of questions. All are very positive and excited about being involved,” Dunlap says. Committee members Steve Meadows, Luke Castle, Jason Smith, Todd Grant, Heather Young, Mike Jennings, and Dunlap continue to see the event grow and remain open-minded to suggestions. She adds, “Our main goal is to create an event where the exhibitors can have a great experience, win some money, and want to return the following year!”
