WESTERN VERSUS WESTERN

There's no denying that all-around and ranch classes are evolving. While it might seem like one is pushing out the other, the truth is, they need each other.

- JENNIFER PAULSON

Competitors in breed and open shows have felt the winds of change for the last almost 15 years.

When ranch riding made its championship-level debut at the 2012 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show, a snowball started rolling, collecting more and more exhibitors—and horses—as it barreled along its path. For a while, all-around trainers and exhibitors thought it was a fluke—surely a single ranch class could never take off, nor reach the levels of popularity we see in today’s ranch classes.

As we all know, the ranch classes didn't just take off—they blasted off. Classes at breed and open shows grew exponentially. New divisions were added to show circuits. Test classes became official classes. Horses went from “flunking out” of other disciplines to being pointed at ranch classes from the time they hit the ground. Riders went from rhinestones to wild rags.

While it might seem like ranch aims to overtake the all-around, we spoke with five professionals who disagree with that stance for a variety of reasons. Read along to learn why they believe “Western versus Western” isn't a detriment to our industry, but rather a benefit to Western showing overall.

THE PLEASURE-TO-RANCH CONVERT

AQHA Professional and Judge Steve Meadows built a career as a Western pleasure trainer. He's a multiple world champion and has claimed titles at major shows, including the All American Quarter Horse Congress. In 2014, Meadows transitioned his Staunton, Virginia, business to focus on ranch riding, including the other ranch events—trail, ranch on the rail, etc.—as they developed.