2015 Americana Introduces Inaugural $2,000 Added Ranch Pleasure World Cup

2015 AMERICANA with $2,000-added Ranch Pleasure World Cup

Booming new Western Discipline is part of Europe’s premier Western event for the first time

Augsburg – AMERICANA has seen many firsts over the years, like in 1988, when Europe’s premier western event organized the first big bronze trophy. In 2015, a new AMERICANA class will be added: Ranch Pleasure. From September 2nd- 6th, 2015, not only the best reiners, cutters and cow horse riders are expected in Augsburg, but also Europe’s best riders and horses for the first AMERICANA Ranch Pleasure World Cup offering a purse of $2,000-added money.

Ranch Pleasure – A Very Special Discipline

When the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) added Ranch Pleasure to its AQHA disciplines several year ago, no one could have expected the huge success of this new discipline. Two years ago, Ranch Pleasure was introduced in Europe as well and is now becoming more and more popular. “Ranch Pleasure is a wonderful class,“ says AQHA judge and Professional Horseman Ricky Bordignon. “Over the past two years, I’ve given a lot clinics and judged numerous Ranch Pleasure classes. It’s usually one of the biggest classes of a show and is growing very fast in Europe.“

Ricky Bordignon, who is a successful trainer himself and has been competing in practically every AMERICANA so far, is one of the greatest supporters of this discipline and was very enthusiastic when he heard from Show Manager Sandra Quade that she planned to incorporate Ranch Pleasure into the 2015 AMERICANA.

”Ranch Pleasure is something completely different than Western Pleasure,“ Bordignon explains. “In fact, it is a working discipline asking for a different way of moving as well as show outfit. A good Ranch Pleasure horse must be moving with a lot of forward motion. It should have a good walk, as you want to get somewhere when you are out on the ranch. Then, there are walk – trot and trot – lope transitions, which should be very smooth and precise. There is the extended trot and lope, where the horse should really extend his gait, not simply move faster. The horse should willingly respond to the slightest aids of the rider and carry his head in a natural position with the reins being neither too loose nor too tight.“

“The turnarounds are similar to reining, although there are not as many and they are not so fast. Remember, this is a working discipline, and the turnaround and stop should be such that you would be able to control a cow on the ranch. Therefore, the stop should not be a sliding stop but a good hard stop on the hindquarter with a minimum of aids from the rider.”

“Ranch Pleasure is a discipline for everybody who loves good western riding with a well trained horse, which need not be bred for a special discipline,” adds Ricky Bordignon. “In contrast to most other western disciplines, no special show outfit is needed for horse and rider. Instead, the horse should carry a good working saddle with breast collar and back cinch and especially not with a lot of silver trim. The rider should wear a fine working outfit with working chaps or even chinks. This discipline goes ‘back to the roots,’ which makes it perfect as an AMERICANA class. I’m very glad that with AMERICANA, Ranch Pleasure will get the best platform possible in Europe. Where else have you got the chance of riding in front of thousands of spectators promoting your discipline?”

More Than Only A Horse Show: Fair, Fun, and Lifestyle

AMERICANA is much more than just another big horse show. Europe’s premier Western event offers a unique combination of show and international fair as well as lots of fun and lifestyle. No wonder AMERICANA attracts about 50,000 visitors each year. In 2015, AMERICANA once more offers a highly attractive program. Exhibitors from all over the world will present their products at the Augsburg fairground. Whatever the western rider or fan of western lifestyle is looking for, he or she will find it at AMERICANA: saddles, bridles, bits, boots, hats, jeans, equipment for barn and pasture, trailers, trucks and horse care products…. Whether you need a saddle, equipment, or trailer, AMERICANA is the place to go. Also, most vendors offer special reductions and fair rates. Another must see is the AMERICANA Forum, which offers a huge program of presentations from renowned trainers and other specialists.

Book Your Tickets Online

The ticket sale has already started. In November, the number of sold tickets already exceeded those of January 2013. Those who are interested in getting good seats for the evening shows should book their tickets now. Since October 1st, all tickets including tickets for daily admission can easily be acquired via (www.americana.de ).