National Versatility Ranch Horse Association

The National Versatility Ranch Horse Association provides a program and place for showcasing the ranch horse and it’s all around abilities.

From their website:
“It is the first stop for a person, whether a green novice or an accomplished horseman, in their quest for horsemanship skill advancement in riding the Versatility Ranch Horse (VHR). NVRHA will provide a track for all levels of horsemen to follow in the journey toward mastering skills needed to be successful. NVRHA’s involvement with ranches will assure a good match between the event and the ranching culture. NVRHA will help preserve the western heritage of American ranching while providing a market for both the ranches and the professional horseman’s product and services.

“The NVRHA will work with other horse organizations which specialize in the many talents of the ranch horse such as the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Reined Cow Horse Association, the Stock Horse of Texas, and others to optimize success in achievement of its goals.

“NVRHA’s focus is on the “all around horse” that has good “form to function” conformation with the mind and heart to successfully accomplish, at high skill levels, in the ranching functions as defined in most part by AQHA in the Versatility Ranch Horse program. For horsemen interested in competing, it will provide an excellent “leg up” to successful competition. For others, it will provide opportunities to learn the various Ranch Horse functions with opportunities to perform at NVRHA events at all skill levels. But, whatever the level of involvement, the focus will always be fun and education.”

There are five specific events and a good horse will compete in all of them. A rider must show his horse with only one hand on the reins, unless the horse is five years old or younger and is being shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore (bosal).

The five events are:
1. Ranch Riding (patterns designed to show how broke and responsive the horse is to the riders cues)
2. Ranch Trail (open & close gate, drag a log, dismount, unbridle, ground tie, pick up feet)
3. Cutting (the horse, not the rider, has total control of the cow)
4. Working Ranch Horse (reining, working a cow, roping)
5. Conformation (the structural correctness, balance and functional ability of the horse)

You can get more information at their website nvrha.org.

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.