Ranch Sorting National Championships

History of the Sport Sorting cow/calf pairs and steers and heifers in ranch corrals are everyday occurrences in the ranching industry. Just like breaking colts became a contest in the rodeo arena, now ranch sorting is emerging off the ranch and into the arenas all across the country. Over the years, the American Quarter Horse Association has observed new events that owners of Quarter Horses have become involved in. When they see value in these events, they introduce them as AQHA point- earning events. It is a proven fact that when this happens, participation and growth in these events rapidly spreads all across the United States. Examples of these are working cow horse in the early 1980’s, team penning in the early 1990’s and versatility ranch horse in 2000. RSNC is Exploding with Interest. Team Sorters are coming out of the woodwork, so to speak. Ride in on the fun of today’ s fastest growing equine sport. Ranch Sorting has been offered since 2003 and each year it has grown in popularity. In 2007 AQHA recognized Ranch Sorting as a point-earning event. At the 2007 AQHA World Show, Ranch Sorting classes were the largest divisions with 98 horses in the Amateur Performance and 158 horses in Open Performance. The Open Ranch Sorting division also had the highest purse of all divisions at the AQHA World Show with a whopping $89,748.00 paid out. The 2008 AQHA World Show is anticipated to be even bigger with even higher payouts. RSNC’s membership and calendar of events has already surpassed that of the largest national team penning association. Because of this sports’ parallel to work done in ranch corrals all across the country, it is already attracting the interest of contestants within the ranching community. This is truly a sport that reflects the western heritage. Unique to ranch sorting is the fact that it is much easier to produce than other events that require cattle such as cutting team penning, and roping. This event requires less facilities, cattle, and staff, which reduce the production expenses. Therefore, acquiring producers is easier and they in turn will help us grow a larger membership base. The Event Ranch Sorting is rapidly becoming the #1 Equine Family Sport as an event the entire family can participate in. Ranch Sorting is a timed event that consists of one, two or three riders on a team and eleven head of cattle that are numbered from 0 through 9 with one additional cow left unnumbered. The contest is performed in two 50-60 foot pens with a 12-14 foot opening between them. To start, the cattle are bunched in one 50’-60’ pen. As the riders cross through the opening between the pens, they are given a number and the time begins. Their job is to sort the cattle in numerical order, starting with the assigned number, into the opposite pen. The fastest time on the most head correctly sorted wins. It matches horse and rider skills against eleven very quick and agile cattle. There are several variations that consist of one, two or three riders on the team and all require sorting the cattle Formation of RSNC Ranch Sorting National Championships is the sanctioning body with approximately 2,000 members represented by 41 states and Canada. The RSNC has a rating system that rates contestants from 1 through 9 with Beginner and Rookie divisions offered depending upon background and experience. With this rating system and a handicap system, separate divisions are held so that riders can compete on a level playing field for cash and prizes. There are grassroots level competitions popping up all over the United States and the RSNC has a class that fits your ability. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this exciting sport, contact the RSNC office at #970-897-2901.