Have you ever wondered about the system ranchers use to treat sick or injured cattle when they are miles away from handling pens? It’s an admirable skill that highlights the resourcefulness and expertise of ranchers.

Ranch Challenges put these skills to the test, showcasing how cowboys and cowgirls, with the help of their horses, manage to care for cattle in remote locations. This challenge is vital as it demonstrates the teamwork between horse and rider in situations where quick, efficient action can save the lives of cattle on open ranges.

The upcoming special event, the Ranch Challenge, involves sorting a designated cow from the herd and either penning it or roping it to mimic what would be necessary treatment and care on a ranch.

Here’s the fun part! There are two separate classes a rider can choose to enter. Both classes have a two minute time limit to find their cow and either pen it (Ranch Penning Class) or rope it (Ranch Roping Class), all without loping. Riders are only allowed to walk and trot to keep the herd settled and comfortable.

For this special event, there will also be an Iron Man/Woman Challenge after the Penning and Roping classes. This event combines both classes and culminates with trailer loading a steer. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, filled with excitement, and with the added bonus of a payout to the champion.​