The Judge’s Perspective

Click here to read the complete article
296 – September/October, 2026

By Lita Perrin

Ranch or the Old Western Pleasure: A Reflection on Ranch Rail and Ranch Riding Classes

When looking at the evolution of Ranch Rail and Ranch Riding classes, one can’t help but draw comparisons to the Western Pleasure classes of the past. As someone who grew up showing in Western Pleasure, I have witnessed the significant shifts in style and judging criteria over the years. These changes raise an important question: Are Ranch Rail and Ranch Riding classes becoming the Western Pleasure of the past, or will they remain true to their intended purpose as outlined in the rulebooks?

Western Pleasure in the Past: A Personal Reflection

When I was a youth competitor, Western Pleasure horses had a very different style compared to what we see today. The horses carried themselves with a more elevated head carriage and were forward-moving. This was a far cry from today’s Western Pleasure horses, which are often praised for their slow and “low” movement. Back then, it wasn’t uncommon for exhibitors to cut their horse’s tails so that they carried them about two inches below the hock while in motion. There were no fake tails or excessively long tails.

Additionally, when asked to reverse, we did a fast pivot unless specifically instructed to “reverse at the walk.” This approach to showing feels reminiscent of the early Ranch Rail classes, where functionality and practicality were the focus. Over time, Western Pleasure evolved. The goal became to slow the horses down, drop their heads lower, and drape the reins to demonstrate a “degree of difficulty.” We bred horses to naturally carry themselves below level. In Western Pleasure, we had horses with their heads carried as low as the carpals (knee). These horses can be good legged and excel in Western Pleasure or even Reining. While this style became popular in Western Pleasure, it strayed further from the image of a true working horse.

Ranch Riding: The AQHA Standard for Authenticity

Click here to read the complete article
296 – September/October, 2026