KC Ranch Horse Classic showcases talents of working stock horse

Riding, roping, reining, cutting--skills that prove the versatility of the working stock horse--will be on display at the KC Ranch Horse Classic. The brand new event, set for Aug. 18, at the D Bar S Equine Facility north of Kansas City, Mo., is a versatility competition and sale.

The KC Ranch Horse Classic will award more than $1,500 in cash prizes to the top 10 competition horses. The first place winner will also earn a trophy buckle.

The versatility competition will highlight and evaluate the abilities of ranch and working horses.

"It will show people what good ranch horses can do and just how much trust is built between horse and rider," Gary Roach, a Quarter Horse breeder and contestant from Edgerton, Mo., said.

Each entry will be judged in four areas: ranch trail, ranch reining, cow work and conformation.

In the ranch trail, horse and rider will maneuver through practical ranch trail obstacles, including crossing a bridge, loading into a trailer, dragging a log and closing a gate while mounted.

Ranch reining will test the handling ability of the horse during a simple reining pattern. The pattern will include loping circles, lead changes, spins and roll-backs.

In cow work, participants will drive a cow up and down the length of the arena along the fence, and then rope the cow with a breakaway honda. Judges will assess the ability of the horse to efficiently control the movement of the cow.

The final event will be conformation, where each horse is judged on its functional conformation as it relates to soundness and its ability to work.

Gordon Jamison, cattle rancher and Quarter Horse breeder from Quinter, Kan., plans to send several of his horses to the KC Ranch Horse Classic. Jamison believes the way the versatility ranch horse shows are set up closely parallels working conditions on the ranch.

"The things we do on an everyday basis--moving and handling cattle--are included. The horses that work well on the ranch are going to shine in the events, Jamison said. "People who like to watch good horses work will get a lot of satisfaction from watching this event."

Following the versatility competition will be the KC Ranch Horse Classic Sale. Forty ranch horses and prospects will be offered on the auction block. Many of the horses will have competed in the versatility show earlier in the day. Consignments from several respected ranches and breeding programs will be offered. Horses sold through this sale are eligible for the 2008 KC Ranch Horse Showback, featuring even more cash prizes.

The KC Ranch Horse Classic will start at 9 a.m., Aug. 18. The D Bar S Equine Facility is located at the junction of 169 and Z Highway, Trimble, Mo. The entry fee is $75 until Aug. 1; $85 after. The cattle fee is included. For entry forms, sale catalog or more information, call Brett Spader at 785-633-5512. Entry forms also are available at www.spaderfarms.com.

The KC Ranch Horse Classic is sponsored by Purina Mills LLC, Cavender's Western Outfitters, Snakehorse Saddlery, Middletons Delta Q Stables, and Liveauctions.tv.