GCCHA Class Descriptions/Rules
GCCHA Class Descriptions/Rules:
NRCHA Open, Non-Pro, Youth /GCCHA Ranch Horse Open, Non-Pro, Youth
Reined Work: See NRCHA Rule Book for Patterns
Horses shall work individually. Judging begins the moment the horse enters the arena. There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena. A reined work must consist of the following: circles, lead changes and runs terminating in well-balanced stops straight to the line of travel, turns and a back-up of a reasonable distance with slight hesitations denoting each maneuver. The judging ends when the rider indicates he/she is finished by coming to a complete stop. Praising or rewarding of the horse is only allowed after the reining pattern is complete and before the exhibitor calls for a cow.
Fence Work
Pattern: The required pattern for the cow work is: boxing, fence turns and circles, in that order.
NRCHA Limited & GCCHA Ranch Horse Boxing
Cow Work
The goal of this class is to introduce the rider to the “boxing” phase of the cow work. Judging begins when the contestant enters the arena. There shall be no schooling between the completion of the rein work and the cow work, or between cows if a new cow is awarded. The penalty for this is -0-. Each contestant upon receiving a cow in the arena, shall hold that cow on the prescribed end of the arena for 50 seconds, demonstrating the ability of the horse and rider to control the cow. It is legal to hold the reins and romal in one hand (rein hand) while boxing the cow. Time shall begin when the gate closes behind the cow after being let into the arena. The announcer or judge will signal the completion of the 50 seconds with a whistle or horn. The horse will be scored using the “NRCHA limited cow work scoring guidelines”.
Reined Work: See NRCHA Rule Book for Patterns
Horses shall work individually. Judging begins the moment the horse enters the arena. There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena. A reined work must consist of the following: circles, lead changes and runs terminating in well-balanced stops straight to the line of travel, turns and a back-up of a reasonable distance with slight hesitations denoting each maneuver. The judging ends when the rider indicates he/she is finished by coming to a complete stop. Praising or rewarding of the horse is only allowed after the reining pattern is complete and before the exhibitor calls for a cow.
GCCHA Step-up Boxing
The Step-Up Boxing class is cow work only–no reining pattern and is comprised of 5 parts.
First, you’ll box your cow at the prescribed end of the arena (Part 1). When you have demonstrated your control over the cow, you’ll take it down the fence to the other end of the arena (Part 2). At the other end you’ll box your cow (Part 3), then take your cow back down the fence past middle marker (Part 4), Then pull your horse up and stop, signaling your work is complete (Part 5). The announcer will let you know when you completed 1 minute of work. You must complete all 5 parts of the class in 1:45 minute time limit.
GCCHA Reining - See NRHA Rule Book for Patterns
Reining is a competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All individual work is done at the lope or the gallop
GCCHA Ranch Trail-Trail Pattern will be posted at show office
This class is much like a regular trail class, but with a different emphasis. Whenever possible, realistic or natural obstacles are used, and that the course is encouraged to be set outside, using the natural terrain. Obstacles can be but are not limited to the following: Opening, riding through, and closing a gate; dismounting while the horse stands quietly while the rider walks around horse then remounting; Dragging of a log, either in a straight line or around a set pattern, with the rope dallied around the saddle horn; Back through or around an obstacle; jumping over an obstacle; walking over a bridge or obstacle
GCCHA Ranch Riding- Please see AQHA Ranch Riding for Patterns
Each horse will work an individual pattern, performing maneuvers that would be used on a working ranch. Maneuvers can be as follows: walk, jog, lope both directions and the extended jog and lope in at least one direction as well as stops, turn to change directions, back, side pass, turns of 360° or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, jog, or lope over a pole(s). The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be those described above with emphasis on forward, free-flowing, and ground-covering movement at all gaits. Transitions where designated should be smooth and responsive. There is no time limit. Posting at the extended trot is acceptable; touching or holding the saddle horn is also acceptable.
GCCHA Classes Exhibitors Rules
* Tie downs
* Mechanical Hackamores, Quick Stops, etc.
* Martingales
* Nothing may be around the horse’s nose
* Gag bits
* Wire on the Curb Device or any part of the bit or headstall
* Bits must be free of mechanical device
* Nothing extending below the bars of the bits
A judge may ask any contestant to drop a bridle after a run is completed. Any horse with a pink or bloody mouth will be disqualified.
Class Specs
Year End Awards will be given to the same rider same horse combination
showing in 50% of our shows during the NRCHA calendar year.
GCCHA RANCH COW HORSE OPEN – Reined Work & Fence Cow Work
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth riders are welcome. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.
GCCHA RANCH COW HORSE NON PRO - Reined Work & Fence Cow Work
A Non Pro shall also be defined as any person, regardless of age, who is not currently receiving remuneration directly or indirectly for showing, training, giving lessons, clinics, or assisting in the training of a horse for renumeration. Non-Professional Riders and Youth riders are welcome. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.
GCCHA RANCH COW HORSE YOUTH - Reined Work & Fence Cow Work
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.
GCCHA RANCH HORSE BOXING OPEN – Reined Work & Boxing
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRCHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA Limited classes.
GCCHA RANCH HORSE BOXING NON-PRO- Reined Work & Boxing
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRCHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA Limited classes.
GCCHA RANCH HORSE BOXING YOUTH- Reined Work & Boxing
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA Limited class
GCCHA STEP UP BOXING OPEN-COW ONLY- Box, Drive, Box, Drive
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand.
GCCHA STEP UP BOXING AMATEUR-COW ONLY- Box, Drive, Box, Drive
All Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one.
GCCHA STEP UP BOXING YOUTH -COW ONLY- Box, Drive, Box, Drive
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands.
GCCHA BOXING OPEN - COW ONLY
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA bridle with one hand.
GCCHA BOXING AMATEUR - COW ONLY
All Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with onehand.
GCCHA BOXING YOUTH- COW ONLY
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands.
GCCHA OPEN REINING
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern from NRHA pattern book.
GCCHA AMATEUR REINING
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty.
GCCHA YOUTH REINING
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Reined work the same as NRHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty.
GCCHA RANCH RIDING OPEN
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Ranch Riding patterns are the same as AQHA Ranch Riding Patterns classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA RANCH RIDING AMATEUR
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Ranch Riding patterns are the same as AQHA Ranch Riding Patterns classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA RANCH RIDING YOUTH
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Ranch Riding patterns are the same as AQHA Ranch Riding Patterns classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA TRAIL OPEN
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Trail patterns will be posted at each show. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA TRAIL AMATEUR
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Trail patterns will be posted at each
how. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA TRAIL YOUTH
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Trail patterns will be posted at each show. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
NRCHA Open, Non-Pro, Youth /GCCHA Ranch Horse Open, Non-Pro, Youth
Reined Work: See NRCHA Rule Book for Patterns
Horses shall work individually. Judging begins the moment the horse enters the arena. There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena. A reined work must consist of the following: circles, lead changes and runs terminating in well-balanced stops straight to the line of travel, turns and a back-up of a reasonable distance with slight hesitations denoting each maneuver. The judging ends when the rider indicates he/she is finished by coming to a complete stop. Praising or rewarding of the horse is only allowed after the reining pattern is complete and before the exhibitor calls for a cow.
Fence Work
Pattern: The required pattern for the cow work is: boxing, fence turns and circles, in that order.
NRCHA Limited & GCCHA Ranch Horse Boxing
Cow Work
The goal of this class is to introduce the rider to the “boxing” phase of the cow work. Judging begins when the contestant enters the arena. There shall be no schooling between the completion of the rein work and the cow work, or between cows if a new cow is awarded. The penalty for this is -0-. Each contestant upon receiving a cow in the arena, shall hold that cow on the prescribed end of the arena for 50 seconds, demonstrating the ability of the horse and rider to control the cow. It is legal to hold the reins and romal in one hand (rein hand) while boxing the cow. Time shall begin when the gate closes behind the cow after being let into the arena. The announcer or judge will signal the completion of the 50 seconds with a whistle or horn. The horse will be scored using the “NRCHA limited cow work scoring guidelines”.
Reined Work: See NRCHA Rule Book for Patterns
Horses shall work individually. Judging begins the moment the horse enters the arena. There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena. A reined work must consist of the following: circles, lead changes and runs terminating in well-balanced stops straight to the line of travel, turns and a back-up of a reasonable distance with slight hesitations denoting each maneuver. The judging ends when the rider indicates he/she is finished by coming to a complete stop. Praising or rewarding of the horse is only allowed after the reining pattern is complete and before the exhibitor calls for a cow.
GCCHA Step-up Boxing
The Step-Up Boxing class is cow work only–no reining pattern and is comprised of 5 parts.
First, you’ll box your cow at the prescribed end of the arena (Part 1). When you have demonstrated your control over the cow, you’ll take it down the fence to the other end of the arena (Part 2). At the other end you’ll box your cow (Part 3), then take your cow back down the fence past middle marker (Part 4), Then pull your horse up and stop, signaling your work is complete (Part 5). The announcer will let you know when you completed 1 minute of work. You must complete all 5 parts of the class in 1:45 minute time limit.
GCCHA Reining - See NRHA Rule Book for Patterns
Reining is a competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All individual work is done at the lope or the gallop
GCCHA Ranch Trail-Trail Pattern will be posted at show office
This class is much like a regular trail class, but with a different emphasis. Whenever possible, realistic or natural obstacles are used, and that the course is encouraged to be set outside, using the natural terrain. Obstacles can be but are not limited to the following: Opening, riding through, and closing a gate; dismounting while the horse stands quietly while the rider walks around horse then remounting; Dragging of a log, either in a straight line or around a set pattern, with the rope dallied around the saddle horn; Back through or around an obstacle; jumping over an obstacle; walking over a bridge or obstacle
GCCHA Ranch Riding- Please see AQHA Ranch Riding for Patterns
Each horse will work an individual pattern, performing maneuvers that would be used on a working ranch. Maneuvers can be as follows: walk, jog, lope both directions and the extended jog and lope in at least one direction as well as stops, turn to change directions, back, side pass, turns of 360° or more, change of lead (simple or flying), walk, jog, or lope over a pole(s). The overall cadence and performance of the gaits should be those described above with emphasis on forward, free-flowing, and ground-covering movement at all gaits. Transitions where designated should be smooth and responsive. There is no time limit. Posting at the extended trot is acceptable; touching or holding the saddle horn is also acceptable.
GCCHA Classes Exhibitors Rules
- Dress code: Boots/ hat and long sleeves are required, anything beyond that such as leggings, chinks, etc. Is optional.
- Saddles: The horse must be ridden with a western or stock saddle.
- Horse Shoes: Any shoes are legal.
- Two handed bridles, such as ring snaffles and hackamores, may be ridden on any horse of any age. A horse may be ridden in a two rein and the bosal may be of any size with no iron or metal of any kind. Romal reins must be held full-fisted.
- Bridles and Bits: Any bit is legal provided nothing extends below the bars of the bit. A bridle is defined as curbed, shanked bit. Chain bits are legal provided there is no gag or slide.
- Non-Weighted Tail Bags are allowed
* Tie downs
* Mechanical Hackamores, Quick Stops, etc.
* Martingales
* Nothing may be around the horse’s nose
* Gag bits
* Wire on the Curb Device or any part of the bit or headstall
* Bits must be free of mechanical device
* Nothing extending below the bars of the bits
A judge may ask any contestant to drop a bridle after a run is completed. Any horse with a pink or bloody mouth will be disqualified.
Class Specs
Year End Awards will be given to the same rider same horse combination
showing in 50% of our shows during the NRCHA calendar year.
GCCHA RANCH COW HORSE OPEN – Reined Work & Fence Cow Work
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth riders are welcome. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.
GCCHA RANCH COW HORSE NON PRO - Reined Work & Fence Cow Work
A Non Pro shall also be defined as any person, regardless of age, who is not currently receiving remuneration directly or indirectly for showing, training, giving lessons, clinics, or assisting in the training of a horse for renumeration. Non-Professional Riders and Youth riders are welcome. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.
GCCHA RANCH COW HORSE YOUTH - Reined Work & Fence Cow Work
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA bridle classes.
GCCHA RANCH HORSE BOXING OPEN – Reined Work & Boxing
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRCHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA Limited classes.
GCCHA RANCH HORSE BOXING NON-PRO- Reined Work & Boxing
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRCHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA Limited classes.
GCCHA RANCH HORSE BOXING YOUTH- Reined Work & Boxing
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Reined work & Cow work will be the same as NRCHA fence classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern the same as NRCHA Limited class
GCCHA STEP UP BOXING OPEN-COW ONLY- Box, Drive, Box, Drive
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand.
GCCHA STEP UP BOXING AMATEUR-COW ONLY- Box, Drive, Box, Drive
All Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one.
GCCHA STEP UP BOXING YOUTH -COW ONLY- Box, Drive, Box, Drive
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands.
GCCHA BOXING OPEN - COW ONLY
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA bridle with one hand.
GCCHA BOXING AMATEUR - COW ONLY
All Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with onehand.
GCCHA BOXING YOUTH- COW ONLY
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands.
GCCHA OPEN REINING
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty. Rider performs pattern from NRHA pattern book.
GCCHA AMATEUR REINING
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Reined work the same as NRHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty.
GCCHA YOUTH REINING
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Reined work the same as NRHA classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRHA or AQHA bridle with one or two hands. Horses may also do a drop down lead change with no penalty.
GCCHA RANCH RIDING OPEN
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Ranch Riding patterns are the same as AQHA Ranch Riding Patterns classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA RANCH RIDING AMATEUR
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Ranch Riding patterns are the same as AQHA Ranch Riding Patterns classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA RANCH RIDING YOUTH
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Ranch Riding patterns are the same as AQHA Ranch Riding Patterns classes except: Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA TRAIL OPEN
All Professional and Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Trail patterns will be posted at each show. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA TRAIL AMATEUR
Non-Professional Riders and Youth are welcome. Trail patterns will be posted at each
how. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.
GCCHA TRAIL YOUTH
A Youth rider is anyone who is 18 years of age or younger as of November 16th of the current show year. Trail patterns will be posted at each show. Horses may be ridden in any NRCHA, NRHA or AQHA bridle with one hand unless riding in a snaffle bit then two hands permitted.