Barnes Ranch - VRH Skill-Building Program

Following the 3-day Introduction to VRH Clinic, two VRH skill-building programs are offered:

Rookie
Intermediate

The VRH Skill Building Programs at Barnes Ranch offers opportunities for riders and horses of all ages, skill levels, and breeds to learn and/or enhance their skills in the multi-skilled event of Versatility Ranch Horse. Customized clinics and practices are available for Colorado ranch horse associations: AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), NVRHA (National Versatility Ranch Horse Association), and Other Ranch Horse Association) – using association rules, classes, and patterns.

Click on Printable Schedule to see the complete current Calendar of Events, or you may browse by month. The rider chooses which clinics and practices to attend.

Mock competitions are offered by association. Mock competitions are run just like actual competitions: registration, back numbers, work orders, reining and trail patterns, announcer, and gate person - but there is no actual judging or scoring. The riders and horses become familiar with what to expect at the actual competition which helps reduce show jitters and builds confidence.

The skill building programs can include participation in actual competitions. This is not a program requirement - but provides focus and motivation during the program and a sense of accomplishment after the competition.

For competitions, all three ranch horse associations divide riders into several divisions by skill level. Riders can join the Barnes Ranch Team when attending a competition for support, encouragement, and camaraderie. . . plus, FUN!

Rookie Skill Building Program

A rookie means that either the rider AND/OR the horse is new to the versatility ranch horse event. Many rookie riders begin with our 3-day Introduction to VRH Clinics. This overview introduces riders and their horses to all the classes and skills in a safe, low-stress, supportive format. We take extra time explaining the rules, classes, maneuvers and skills. Questions are encouraged. Safety is the primary focus along with small steps and big smiles.

The Performance Riding Clinic at the beginning of the season transitions riders from other events and styles of riding, and includes instruction on the Foundation Maneuvers - which form the dance steps for much of the VRH event.

Focus on the following skills help the rider/horse team be effective:

Riding from the seat and legs with minimal use of reins
Flexibility and control of the head/neck, shoulders, barrel, and hip
Improving the responsiveness of the horse to stopping, backing, and turning
Understanding the VRH classes and learning/practicing the skills and maneuvers that make up each class - along with learning the rules and penalties

Among the many VRH Skills, the following will be learned or refined:

Upward/downward transitions at the walk, trot, lope for the Ranch Riding/Pleasure Class
Mandatory and optional obstacles for the Ranch Trail Class
Controlling, driving and turning the cow for the Working Ranch Horse Class
Learning the approved reining patterns and techniques for the Working Ranch Horse Class
Learning how to build a loop, throw the rope, and dally for the Working Ranch Horse Class (depending upon the association) at a stop and a walk.
Learning how to safely handle the rope and other safety tips
Learning how to do the "cow dance" (stop, back, turn) for the Ranch Cutting and Working Ranch Horse Classes
Learning how to enter the herd, cut out a cow, drive the cow for the Ranch Cutting Class

Private lessons are available for quicker progression or to assist with individual rider/horse skills or problem areas.

Intermediate-Plus VRH Skill Building Program

The Intermediate-Plus VRH Skill Building Program is offered for riders and horses who are familiar with the rules, classes, and patterns of their chosen ranch horse association. These riders have fewer questions, need less explanation, and are ready to “go to work”.

Average proficiency of the Foundation Maneuvers is requested and make the rider and horse more effective and successful in progressing.

Intermediate-Plus clinics and practices are available to improve the following maneuvers and skills:

Refining the control of the separate parts of the horse.
Correct use of aids (voice, balance, reins, legs, spurs, if used).
Light responsiveness of horse to cues for go, stop, back, turn, and lateral movement.
Ability to control the horse at a walk, trot, and lope - working toward collection.
Flying lead changes.
Tracking and rating a cow willingly with minimal use of reins.
Improving the "cow dance" required in ranch cutting and working ranch horse classes.
Ability to build a loop while tracking and rating a cow at all gaits.
Throwing the rope in position, dallying, and stopping the cow.
Competently perform the required VRH obstacles for the ranch trail class.

Private lessons are available for quicker progression or to assist with individual rider/horse skills or problem areas.

To list your organization’s VRH competitions on this website, contact Gerrie Barnes
at 303-646-9855 or email us.

For the complete 2010 Barnes Ranch schedule,
click on Printable Schedule.

What others have accomplished through skill-building--

"Thank you both for an excellent day and for your excellent instruction. I feel Brass and I had a breakthrough. I know we have to take baby steps forward, but I feel we're heading in right direction!"

Julie Neukomm

"Barnes Ranch has created and developed an outstanding program from very new riders to highly skilled riders. The approach is rider-centered and has sequential levels for successful, safe and meaningful education of rider and horse."

Peggy Waller

"The skill-building program at Barnes Ranch has helped rider and horses learn multiple skills in a safe, sequential manner, with one skill building on another. I and many others found that we advanced much faster than we expected. It was also great fun!"

Sandy Blackstone

"The Barnes Ranch VRH Skill-Building program does not focus on just one discipline. The approach is far-reaching from basic equitation required in ranch riding to advanced multi-skill maneuvers required in working ranch horse and ranch cutting - combining a unique blend of art and science... all with an emphasis on safety."

Ken & Birgit Berry

"Your VRH Skill Building Program is exactly what I have been looking for and is a gift to many. Thanks to you both for all that you put out for the benefit of we learners."

Emily J.

"Thanks for the clinic—it was great fun. We learned a lot and met a lot of really nice folks, The following week I went to the West Brothers to see about a more appropriate rope. Scott took me on and went through a lot of basic information as well as closely questioning me about what Jeff had to say and expected. At the end of a half hour and almost every rope in the store, he sold me a 29’ soft header rope virtually identical to the one that Jeff was recommending. As a final piece of advice, and with perfect deadpan, he said, ” Don’t worry too much about the stuff Jeff is telling you, he is only trying to save your life.”

Roland C.