What is Ranch Sorting? Ranch sorting is typically a 2-man team sorting 10 cattle numbered 0-9 and 1 unnumbered cow for a total of 11 head. A producer has the option to add 1 more unnumbered cow. A run starts with team members on the opposite side of the start line from cattle. The judge will raise the flag when the pen is ready. The judge will signal the beginning of the run by dropping the flag when the nose of the first horse crosses the start/foul line and the first number to be sorted will be announced. – The announcer will draw a number, which will determine the first cow to be sorted. The cattle will then be sorted increasing in sequence from that number. If two or more cows cross the line together as long as the nose of the correct number or numbers cross the line first the cattle are considered to be in order regardless of whether they finish crossing in that order. Cows are not counted as sorted until they are completely across the line. Also, if any part of a wrong numbered cow starts across the line it is a no time or if any part of a correct numbered cow starts across the line and then backs out it is also considered a no time. The cattle must be sorted in number sequence. If any part of a cow crosses the start/foul line out of sequence before the correct cow starts across the start/foul line a disqualification will occur. A disqualification will also occur if any part of a sorted cow re-crosses the start/foul line. Any cow not entirely across the start/foul line will not be counted. The 10th cow must be completely across the line before the blank cow starts across or the team will receive no time.
How do the # classes work? these are Pick and Draw classes. The Pick & Draw system is designed to allow new contestants to the sport an opportunity to find rides and meet other contestants. All classes have a ride limit. It is required to be a pick 1, automatically draw 1. You can pick up to 1
What is a "round robin" class? This is a Single Go class. All teams are created dynamically, and each rider will ride once with every other rider. This is a single-entry, “draw only” class. No picks are allowed. All cow counts and times are accumulated for each rider, and the payout goes to the rider (not the team) with the most cows in the least time.
What is a "number rating" and how do i know my rating? Rating - if you are currently competing in other Ranch Sorting events with a number, your number will be transferred from other organizations and Bar Heart Bar will use your current riding number with proof of rating at another show within 3 months. If other organization is on a larger number scale, your rating may be adjusted, after you have established a win/loss ratio through BHB with current rating. If you do not have a current rating/number Bar Heart Bar will evaluate you and provide you with a number prior to entering based off the below guidelines. It is important to the success of this association to assure there is a place for new novice riders to be competitive within our sport. The #1 must continue to be an introductory level. The definitions of the #1, #2, #3, #4 & #5 ratings are printed for all contestants to review so it is clearly understood. If you are successful at the #1 rating you will automatically be moved. This is the only way for new contestants who were just like you when you started to have a fair introduction to the sport. #1. This rating is only for those participants who are novice riders on novice horses and who have never won 3 checks or over $500 in any sorting or other cow horse competition. Once you win 5 average checks in any classes or $1,000 (excluding youth checks) you will automatically be moved to a number 2. This is only an introductory level and is probationary meaning if you or your horse’s skill dictates it you may be moved at any time. #2 The #2 rating is only for those new participants that have never been rated higher than a #2 If you have success please expect to move beyond the #2 rating.#2 rated contestant is inconsistent in their ability to sort cattle whether it is because of their cattle reading ability, their ability to get successful partners and/or the ability of their horse. The #2 rating will be reviewed by win/ loss ratios every 6 months. If a #1 has been moved to a #2 they will have the opportunity to move back to a #2 one time after reevaluation at every 6-month interval. If they have attended enough events to fairly evaluate them and their win/loss ratio is below a .25 as a #2 they will have the option to move back to a #1 one time. However once moved up to a #2 for the second time, they will remain a #2 unless it is due to a health or injury-related issue. #3 rated contestant is average in their ability to sort cattle. From time to time this contestant or their horse will make errors that prevent them from consistently sorting. Once their win loss ratio is above .60 for the year, the #3 rated rider will be moved to a #4. If their win loss ratio exceeds 2.75 (275%) they will be automatically moved to a #4. If the #3 rated rider is below .25 win/loss ratio for at least 2 shows, they can be moved to a #2. This is the most common rating for a participant to start at when new to BHB events. #4 rated contestant is above average in their ability to sort cattle. This is a contestant that can read cattle, is aggressive and confident and is riding an athletic cow horse. They make minor errors from time to time. They are confident in their and their horse’s ability to move cattle both while sorting and in the gate. These riders have more successful runs than unsuccessful runs. A #5 Rider is defined as a contestant that excels within the sport of Ranch Sorting. These are experienced sorters that have continued to improve and advance within the rating system or professional horsemen that have recently entered the sport and their horses and sorting abilities dictate that they are superior to the#3 and #4 contestants. These could be cutting horse and cow horse trainers that in a very short period of time have learned how to be competitive in sorting and have advanced to the highest level. #1 ratings can change at any point during the year if dictated by winnings. #2 ratings will be looked at every 6 months. Ratings will only be changed mid-year for special circumstances. If you are moved up a rating, your points will move with you, however any points won due to your lower rating will not follow (moving up to a #4 all points won in the number 4 class will be lost, or any points from riding with a #3 in the #6 class will be lost, ETC)
What is "Ranch Hand Class" This class is designed to showcase two separate horse and rider abilities. The Gate Horse holds the herd and turns back wrong numbered cattle while the Sort Horse is continuously in the herd to separate and cut out the correct numbered cattle in sequential order. Contestants can ride together two times if they change the designated sorter. Sort Horse & Rider The sort horse and rider will be responsible for sorting all cattle in the correct order by working through the herd to both turn back and cut the cattle from the herd. – This horse and rider is allowed to make both offensive and defensive moves while cutting the cattle. Gate Horse & Rider – Must compete in a defensive manner – Must not make any aggressive moves on the object numbered calf while driving it toward the gate – May make aggressive moves on any and all numbered cattle other than the object numbered calf – Cannot turn toward the object numbered cow to drive it out or increase its speed toward the gate.
What is "Western Heritage" This class is used to fine tune the cattle reading and handling skills of the contestant and also to attract a whole new population of contestants who may be intimidated by the speed of competition in many of our events. Those who excel in slow and quiet cattle management will now have a game to be very competitive in. a) Limited to a trot or walk by the sorter: Loping after one stride by the sorter will result in a no time. The gate person can go at any speed to defend the gate as a defensive move however they cannot lope toward or into the herd to sort cattle. The Sorter may lope to stop a wrong numbered cow from going through the gate as a defensive move. b) Verbal noise, by either contestant, intended to influence the cattle is prohibited. Shouting by either rider to intimidate the cattle will result in a no time however, non-verbal noises such as whistling, clucking, slapping chaps, etc. are all common practices among cattlemen and are allowed. Artificial whistles are not allowed.