Rules are subject to change. Below is a general description of the Ranch Rodeo event rules implemented at Western Heritage Classic. These rules may be different from other Ranch Rodeo events.
WILD COW MILKING is an event that often brings laughter and heightened anticipation as a team of four cowboys does whatever it takes to catch and milk a wild milk cow.
*Roper must stand behind the line at South end of the arena. Cow will be released from North end of the arena.
*Roper must stay on horse, 3 men on ground.
*Roper is given two chances to rope the cow.
*Cow must be up when milked. (Down is cow with belly or side on ground)
*Two minute time limit for event
*Three teammates hold onto the cow and one milks the cow.
*When the milker believes they have enough milk, they run to circle to meet with the judge.
*Judge will pour the milk to verify the time. No milk, no time.
TEAM PENNING has become known as one of the most popular events in ranch rodeos. It demonstrates how vital, A good cutting horse is vital, as three cows must be cut from the herd. Patience and teamwork is the key in this event.
*Judge will call pre-drawn number for the team’s cattle as the team enters the arena.
*One cutter, three penners.
*Designated cutter is the only rider allowed to enter the herd.
*No loping into the herd by cutter.
*Team captain to signal for time to stop by raising his hand.
*Three minute time limit for event.
*The team with the fastest time and the most correctly numbered cattle wins.
CALF BRANDING requires four team members: one on horseback, two ready to flank the calf and one ready with the "branding iron".
*2 teams to rope at same time.
*Required to brand 2 calves.
*One roper, two muggers, one brander.
*Catch as catch can.
*Only the roper is allowed across the line.
*Calf, flat on side when branded.
*Can brand any calf on either hip or side.
*Flanker can’t touch calf until calf is across the line.
*Calf must re-enter the herd before he can be re-branded.
*If two calves are caught with the same loop only one can be branded.
*Two and ½ minute time limit.
*Brander has to go back to bucket after each calf
*Time stops after last calf is branded and iron is back in bucket.
BRONC RIDING is considered one of the most exciting events. On the ranch it is important to have an adequate supply of good horses for working cattle. "Starting" and training new broncs each year is just a typical part of the job for a cowboy.
*Ranch saddles must be used.
*Halter with one rein is required.
*Eight seconds is judged as a ride.
*Horses must be flanked by same man for all teams.
*Rider is scored if horse is ridden.
*Night Latch is legal.
TEAM DOCTORING presents cowboys with limited time and loops which makes for an intense and exciting event. As a calf is held with ropes from both ends, the "doctoring" takes place.
*4 Man team – 1 Designated Cutter, 3 Herd Holders
*4 Loop limit
*2 Minute time limit
*Neck or neck and foreleg are legal catches
*1 or 2 Heels are legal catches
*Numbered yearling must be across line before it can be roped.
*Ground cowboys must get yearling flat on its side before removing both ropes.
SCORING SYSTEM
Only the first 6 places for each of the 5 events with first place winning 12 points, second place 9 points, third place 7 points, fourth place 5 points, fifth place 3 points and sixth place 1 point. This helps create a greater spread between the teams. There will be an added column for each of the 5 events for average winners, meaning that the winner of the average for both nights will receive 12 points, the second place team in the average will receive 9 points and so on.