Grooming Tips

Grooming guidelines for ranch riding differ from regular show classes. Keep these in mind when preparing to show.

• Absolutely no hoof black. If you’ve applied hoof polish for other classes you’ve competed in that day, it must all be removed before you show in ranch riding.

• Skip the mane bands. Most ranch riding horses have longer manes, so they don’t require bands to make their manes lie down. If your horse’s mane is short, just let it be; don’t worry about it.

• Keep clipping to a minimum.

You won’t be penalized for a closely clipped muzzle, but it’s not necessary for ranch riding. Clean up your horse’s bridle path, trim long fetlocks, but don’t worry about getting a showmanship- ready clip. Most judges are so busy judging the pattern that the clipping isn’t in the forefront of the evaluation.

• Don’t skimp on brushing. It’s a horse show. You’re presenting your horse to be judged. Curry, brush, and comb to make your horse look his best. It’ll also make you proud to walk in the arena on his back.

Your top is where you can express your personal style. I prefer leather jackets or denim, leather, or fabric vests paired with Western, collared shirts. You can keep it simple with a well-fitted Western, button-up shirt. Just leave the bling at home.

Chaps aren’t required for ranch riding, but I prefer to wear chinks over my dark-blue denim jeans for a complete look. Other chap options include rough-out chaps, shotgun chaps, and regular show chaps—it doesn’t make a difference, just stay away from ultrasuede because it doesn’t fit the look of the class. My chinks let me show more of my personal style, expressed in my tall-top, stitch-embellished boots. Any Western boots are acceptable in ranch riding.

4. Chinks. 5. Western boots.