Ranch classes are experiencing a significant surge in popularity within the horse show circuit, with increasing numbers of exhibitors participating at major events like the Pinto World Championship and the Color Breed Congress. This growing interest highlights a shift towards disciplines that emphasize a horse’s natural abilities and trainability.
Christopher Dennis, a distinguished seven-time PtHA World Champion in Ranch Horse, shares his expertise and insights into the success and appeal of these classes. Having grown up showing Appaloosas and later transitioning from rodeo to team roping, Dennis brought a diverse background to the show horse world. His involvement with PtHA began in 2019, coinciding with the welcoming of Appaloosas into the solid division.
Dennis competes across all ranch disciplines but primarily focuses on Ranch Riding, Trail, and Rail. His training philosophy for Ranch Riding and Rail emphasizes allowing the horse to move freely and maintain a forward stride, avoiding shortened gaits that can lead to unnatural movements like excessive shoulder or knee lift and suspension. In contrast, for Trail classes, he notes that shorter segments and strides between obstacles are acceptable and can be beneficial for navigating the course.
The Rail classes, according to Dennis, offer a particularly enjoyable experience for exhibitors due to their less structured nature compared to patterned courses. He highlights the audience engagement, especially during extended gaits, and emphasizes that the core mindset across all classes remains consistent: riding the pattern as cleanly and penalty-free as possible.
For novice riders entering the ranch division, Dennis advocates for a foundational approach. “We can work on the walk and trot for a few months before moving forward,” he states. “You need control at the jog and want each gate solid before progressing.” This methodical progression ensures a solid understanding of basic horsemanship before advancing to more complex maneuvers.
Dennis attributes the rising popularity of the ranch division to its accessibility and the opportunity it provides for individuals to learn and enjoy horsemanship at any stage of their riding journey. The introduction of walk/trot categories has further lowered the barrier to entry, allowing riders to gain experience without the immediate pressure of performing at extended trot or lope speeds.
When evaluating a ranch horse, judges look for a horse that is quiet, well-broke, and appears easy to ride. Dennis explains, “From my experience, the judges are looking at the horses and thinking which one would I pick out to go ride. You want a horse who is consistent with a willing attitude throughout the ring.” This focus on a willing and consistent partner underscores the partnership aspect of ranch disciplines. Dennis also praises the camaraderie within the PtHA ranch showing community, describing them as “great people.”
Addressing the common challenge of performance anxiety in horse showing, Dennis advises on finding a balance in preparation. He notes that both under-preparation and over-preparation can negatively impact a horse’s performance. Utilizing designated schooling times in the show arena is crucial for familiarizing horses with the environment, though Dennis often does most of his work outside the arena, using the show arena time for the horse to relax and become comfortable.
When selecting a ranch horse prospect, Dennis prioritizes conformation and movement, followed closely by temperament and trainability. “I always look first at the conformation of the horse because this can affect their movement,” he says. “The next thing is the horse’s temperament and how well they are acting.”
Dennis finds deep satisfaction in coaching and witnessing his clients’ success, often preferring it to his own accomplishments. He believes that starting horses in a consistent training program at a young age significantly enhances their potential for success in the industry. He identifies three critical periods for working with a horse: early handling as foals, during weaning when they seek a leader, and during their two-year-old year for under-saddle work, emphasizing the importance of teaching them to learn correctly during these formative times.
For aspiring individuals interested in the ranch division, Dennis strongly recommends seeking guidance from experienced professionals within the industry. “Find a quality professional that has emphasis or specialty in what you would like to do and that will get you further over trying to figure it out on your own,” he advises. Reflecting on his own career, Dennis encourages fellow equestrians to cherish every moment spent riding and showing their horses.
