2025 Early Californios Skills of the Rancho
Stock Horse Class
Roping by Division

The Roping is one of three phases that make up the Stock Horse Class. In this phase, participants will demonstrate their skill at operating in a rodear in a quiet and efficient manner as well as their ability to set up and execute a designated roping shot.

Judges Criteria:

• As the emphasis is on the rider’s ability to manage the stock, more points are available in stockmanship, horsemanship and teamwork than for the actual roping shot(s).

• Mishandling stock or unnecessary stress to stock, will result in major deductions and could result in a disqualification.

• Pros are not judged. Participants will be judged on how they listen and respond to the instructions given by the pro. The Advanced group will be judged on how they handle the stock for the Pro. No deduction of points if the Pro is unable to make the heel shot and lay the critter down within the allotted time.

• Time in this event is kept only for the purpose of tie breakers. Participants who exceed the maximum allowable time will be excused by the judges as we need to keep on schedule. There are no bonus points for speed, in fact speed may invoke deducts in horsemanship and stockmanship IF used incorrectly.

Scoring:

Each division will have a specific number of head to rope (see below). Each head roped will be scored from 0 to 5 with 0 being no catch and 5 being the highest quality of completion. There will be ½ point deducted for each missed shot by the Rider (no deduct for Pro misses). There are no points for specific loops in this class, however a Judge MAY award discretionary points for more difficult shots IF they are not done at the expense of horsemanship, stockmanship or teamwork (i.e., don’t take extra time to set up a fancy loop, but take it if it’s available).

In the Intermediate division, it will not be a disqualification if both head are not roped, however points will not be awarded for the incomplete head.

Participants will be judged on what they DO get done and HOW they perform the work.

There will be up to + or – 10 points available each for horsemanship, stockmanship and teamwork, as well as up to + or – 10 points as Judge’s Discretionary points.

Green Youth/Junior / Green Novice

Dummy Roping.
Approach, set up and take head shot. Allowed 2 shots. 2 minutes maximum.

Youth, Junior (age 12-17) and Novice

Pro assisted set up of shot. Participant must take active role in locating the designated stock and in setting up cattle for breakaway head shot. (1 head or 3 loops) Time stops when stock has been roped or all loops have been used. 4 minutes maximum.

Intermediate

Participant takes the lead on setting up head shots with assist from Pro. Both are breakaway shots (2 head or 3 loops per head). Time stops when both head have been roped or all loops have been used. 4 minutes maximum

Advanced

Participant must actively engage in setting up one (1) head shot and handling the critter for the Pro to heel.  No points will be deducted if Pro misses. Participant will be judged on how they handle the stock at all times. Time stops when steer is stretched or both loops are used. (1 head or 2 loops). 5 minutes maximum.