New Class for 2026 Sun Circuit: NSBA Non Pro Ranch Horsemanship With $1,000 in Added Money

Ranch classes have proven to be extremely popular at both AQHA and NSBA shows, and Sun Circuit’s Ranch offerings have continued to grow with the increasing interest. At the 2026 Sun Circuit, Ranch exhibitors can try out the latest Ranch class to hit the show scene, Non-Pro Ranch Horsemanship.

NSBA debuted the class in 2025, and for its inaugural presentation at Sun Circuit, Ranch Horsemanship will be an NSBA class, following their established set of rules. Each rider will work individually on the pattern, and unlike Western Horsemanship, there is no rail work following pattern work.

The class resembles a Ranch Riding pattern with spins, transitions, lead changes, extended trots and lopes, trotting logs and side passes. The fundamental difference between Ranch Horsemanship and Ranch Riding, however, is that Ranch Horsemanship focuses more on the rider, not the horse. Judges are looking closely at a rider’s balance and connection to the horse, showcasing a seamless partnership while performing practical maneuvers essential to everyday ranch work. Forward-moving gaits, smooth transitions, and efficient maneuvers are keys to good scores. To exemplify an ideal horse/rider partnership, the horse’s head and neck should be carried in a relaxed, natural position, with the poll level with or slightly above the withers. The head should not be behind the vertical, appearing intimidated, or excessively nosed out, appearing resistant.

Buzz around the class has started, and Non-Pros are excited to have another Ranch class in which to show. Horses 3 and older are eligible, though a Ranch Horsemanship horse cannot cross-enter any other Western Horsemanship class at the same show.

To make the class even more fun, Chas Roberts is Sponsoring $500 in added money, and the class can be jackpotted for a $25 fee.

NSBA Ranch Horsemanship Rules

(Reprinted From NSBA) SEE FULL RULES for Non-Pro-Ranch-Horsemanship

Class 1508 Non Pro Ranch Horsemanship will be shown using the following set of rules.

Ranch Horsemanship highlights the rider’s skill in performing practical maneuvers essential to everyday ranch work. The ideal pattern showcases a seamless partnership between horse and rider, demonstrated through forward-moving gaits, smooth transitions, and efficient maneuvers. The rider’s position should enhance the horse’s ability to execute each task with ease, maintaining a consistent effective connection throughout the performance. The horse’s frame should reflect balance as needed to execute each maneuver. The horse’s head and neck should be carried in a relaxed, natural position, with the poll level with or slightly above the withers. The head should not be carried behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance.

Exhibitors may only show one (1) horse.

ELIGIBILITY

Offered as an all age Non Pro class for horses three years of age or older.A Ranch Horsemanship horse cannot cross enter into any other Western Horsemanship class at the same show.

CLASS FORMAT

Each rider will work individually from the gate utilizing a random working order. Exhibitors will be scored on the basis of 0-100 with 70 denoting an average score. Each maneuver will be scored and should be added or subtracted from 70 on the following basis, ranging from +1 1/2 to -1 1/2: -1 1/2 extremely poor, -1 very poor, – 1/2 poor, 0 correct, +1/2 good, +1 very good, +1 . excellent and is subject to a penalty that should be subtracted as well. Maneuver scores are to be determined and assessed independently of penalty points. Penalties should be assessed per occurrence. All ties will be broken at the judge’s discretion.