All-Around Cowgirl Challenge Application

Rules: 

1. Minimum of 2 horses, maximum of 4. Every person has to do an equine and non equine event.  Competitors can only be on one team.  Equine can not be shared on other teams.

2. Breakdown of competition:

A) A two-person team means each contestant will do two horse events and two non-horse events.

B) A three-person team: One contestant will double up on the horse events, and another will double up on the non-horse events. The same person cannot double up on horse and non-horse events, meaning one person will not do half of the events. 

C) A four-person team: Each person will do a horse and a non-horse event. 

4. Each event will be worth an equal number of points. The overall team ranking is based on placement points. For example, if there are 20 teams and you have the highest score in obstacles, then first place will be awarded 20 points, second place will be awarded 19 points. We do not use raw data for overall team standings. 

5. The overall team ranking is based on your top 7 out of 8 event placements. The lowest-placing event is dropped from the overall team ranking. 

6. In the event of a tie, your 8th event placement will be added back in. If there is still a tie, the tiebreakers will be in this order: trailer backing, barrel racing, multiple choice test, stationary mounted archery, shooting, obstacles, campfire cooking, and ranch horsemanship. 

7. No overall placements will be announced until the award ceremony after the competition. This is to keep the cattiness of an all-women's competition to a minimum. We are here to create a positive environment geared toward community. 

8. There is only one entry payment per team, and it is non-refundable. If we are able to fill your team's spot, we will refund you.  The fee is $250 per team. 

9. Your entry into the competition does not include your camping or stall expenses. Each person will need to contact Von Holten Ranch for electric sites, cabins, and stalls. Do not assume that you have camping reservations made by paying your entry fee. 

10. A negative Coggins is required on all equine. 

11. A valid driver's license is required for the trailer backing competition.

12. This competition is open to 20 teams, with the possibility of up to 25 teams based on the number of participants in each of the first 20 teams. There will be no more than 25 teams. 

13. Dress code

All competitors under 18 must wear a helmet. Minors without helmets will not be allowed to begin competition. All competitors must wear a cowboy hat or a helmet.

All competitors may wear a collared long-sleeve button-up shirt, a collared short or long-sleeve polo, a collared short-sleeve button-up shirt (shirts may zip or button), or matching team t-shirts. Shirts must be tucked in before the competitor begins competition.

All Western competitors are to wear jeans and boots, including lace-up riding boots. Chaps, chinks, and half chaps are acceptable.

All English competitors are to wear breeches and boots.

Hybrid saddle riders may choose to wear Western or English attire.

14. Tack and Equipment: No running martingales, tie downs, or cavessons are allowed. Cavessons are only allowed if rider is using English tack.

No gag bits or mechanical hackamores are allowed. Curbs must be flat chain or flat leather.

 

Competition Details: 

Teams may consist of 2, 3, or 4 cowgirls. 

There will be four horse events. 

• Barrel Racing: Fastest, accurate pattern time wins. Five-second penalty for knocking over barrels. If the pattern is done incorrectly by multiple people, you'll move to the bottom but be placed by time. 
• Obstacles with no points for speed (Rules for Country Tough Trail Versatility). See the rules here.
• Ranch Horsemanship Pattern: Announced the morning of the event. Maneuvers can include: Walk, trot, canter, lead changes, stopping, backing, side-passing, spins, etc. 
• Stationary Mounted Archery (a teammate can/will hold your horse). We will use bows from United States Mounted Archery. Bows, arrows, and gloves will be provided. 3 shots, best one out of three, using our bow. If there is a tie, your second and third shots will be used for tiebreakers. Check out the United States Mounted Archery and equipment here.

There will be four non-horse events. 

• Multiple-choice Test: written by two qualified equine professionals. Ties will be broken by the accuracy of the questions in order. For example, if two people get a 95, then we would go in order of the questions to see which person missed a question first. In the event that no questions are missed, contestants will be brought up, and a coin toss will determine the placement. Topics for the test will be: Horsemanship (ex., maneuvers, transitions, gaits, etc.), pellet rifles, equine diseases and health, and stock trailers. 
• Shooting: (3 shots, best one out of three, using a pellet rifle.) If there is a tie, your second and third shots will be used for tiebreakers. 
• Trailer backing: You'll be given a 5-minute time limit; you do not have to use the full 5 minutes. You'll need to stay in the vehicle. You'll back a simple pattern, ending at a specific point that is measured. That point is shown to everyone before the competition starts. You'll be driving a 2015 automatic F-250 and backing a 28-foot flatbed gooseneck trailer. Must have a valid driver's license. 
• Campfire Cooking: The meal must be cooked outdoors at the ranch. Bring a canopy to cook outdoors in case of bad weather. Containers will be provided. A main dish and a side dish are required. The meal will be graded on taste, appearance, and originality. You must turn in your recipe and directions.

Prizes: 

Champion and Reserve Champion teams will receive buckles for each team member 

Awards for top 5 in horse and non-horse events

The lowest ranking team will receive a hard luck award.