Cattle Work-Penalty Points
5 points Not getting one turn each way 95 points each way)
Intentionally crashing cow into the corners to exhaust or making it easier to control.
3 points Biting or striking the cow.
Hanging up on the fence.
Exhausting or over working the cow.
Knocking down the cow with out having a working advantage.
2 points Going past the corners of the arena before turning the cow when going down the fence.
Turning the cow on the short fence of the arena.
Attempting the first turn before the cow passes the center point of the arena.
1 point Loss of working advantage.
Horses that run past the cow shall be penalized one (1) point for every horse's length past the cow. When
the horse's buttocks pass the cow's head he is one (1) length past.
Using the corner or end of the arena to turn the cow when going down the fence.
Not allowing cow to pass the center marker before the first turn.
Turning the cow inside the corner marker (within sixteen (16) feet either side of the corner).
Each time the arena is crossed to use the opposite fence to achieve a turn.
Slipping a rein when riding with a romal.
1/2 to 3 points
General bad manners
1 to 5 points
Fall of the horse
0 score Turn tail
Using two hands on the reins in a bridle or two rein class (less than 12 inches between hands is considered
two hands.)
Fingers between reins in a bridle class.
Spurring or hitting in front of the cinch at any time.
Bloody mouth
Fall of rider not caused by falling motion of horse.
DQ Leaving the arena before the pattern or work is complete
a) any horse that is out of control while working the cow, thus endangering the rider (ie: crossing the path of
the cow) shall be called off the cow.
b) Any horse that runs over the cow thus causing the fall of the horse and/or rider shall terminate the work
of that time.
The judge may blow his whistle at any time to terminate the work. A score of zero will be charged if the work
is not completed.
Scoring. A reined cow horse class must consists of reined work and cattle work. The required cattle work is
boxing fence work, and circling. Contestants shall be judged on a basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an
average performance. Half points may be used. Performance only is to be counted. Points scored for reined
work and the cattle work(s) are to be totaled. There shall be no ties for the first place horse. In the event of
such a tie, the entry with the highest cattle work shall score shall win. If there is a tie between entries in
cattle work scores, such ties shall be broken by additional cattle work of a length appropriate under the
existing show conditions.
Bloody mouth in any degree by means incurred shall be cause for disqualification. The fall of a horse and/or
rider shall be penalized at the judges discretion when scoring the work. If tack or equipment should break or
the horse should throw a shoe while negotiating the work, and the difficulty prevents the completion of the
work, the entry shall be disqualified. Should the entry be able to continue the work despite the difficulty, and
without cruelty to the horse, the contestant may continue without penalty.
The following characteristics of the horse are considered faults:
Exaggerated opening of mouth.
Hard or heavy mouth.
Nervous throwing of head.
Lugging on bridle.
Halting or hesitation while being shown, particularly when being run out, indicating anticipation of being set
up.
Losing a cow or being unable to finish a pattern because of a bad cow, the contestant should be penalized
at the judge's discretion.
The characteristics of a good working cow horse are:
Good manners.
Shifty, smooth and having its feet under it at all times; when stopping, hind feet should be well under it.
A soft mouth and should respond to a light rein, especially when turning.
Head should be maintained in its natural position.
Work at reasonable speed and still be under control of the rider.
The judge may request additional work at his/her option.