Ranch sorting is a timed event consisting of two riders with the objective of sorting ten head of cattle from one pen into another in a designated sequence.
The Open Card Competition shall have two divisions: Beginner and Experienced (Intermediate/Advanced). A team will consist of two riders. This team shall ride together for 3 runs. A team shall be rated "beginner" if they are new to the sport or "experienced" if they have experience in sorting. Riders may purchase a 3 pack (3 runs for $40) and ride with one team member for their 3 runs or they may purchase a 6 pack (6 runs for $60). A 6 pack is divided into 2 - 3 packs. They may ride with the same team member for both 3 packs or with a different team member for each 3 pack. Team members may ride together as many times as they like. If one team member is experienced, then the team shall ride in that category. Management has the authority to move a team up to experienced if deemed appropriate.
Teams will be assigned a team number upon registration. When a team is ready to compete they shall go to the gate and give the gate keeper their team number. They may compete in any order and may do consecutive runs if desired. This is an Open Card Competition.
A team's 3 scores shall be added together for their final score. The team with the highest final score in their group (beginner or experienced) wins 1st place. The second highest score will win 2nd place, etc. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day. Points are earned for year end awards.
There will be 10 cattle in the arena marked with visible numbers from 0-9. Each cow is to be moved individually from one round pen to the other through the open gate. The starting number for each team will be drawn when the team is in the arena. You are to start with the starting number and continue in numerical order. (For example: your number is 8. You must first sort out number 8, then 9, then 0, then 1, etc.) One point will be given for each cow sorted in the correct order. The team will have 2 minutes to sort all ten cows in order.
If any cattle cross the foul line out of order then the team keeps the points that they have accumulated thus far. They may continue to sort for the remainder of their time, but do not earn any more points.
If any cattle already sorted come back across the foul line, the team keeps their earned points and may continue to practice sorting but may earn no more points. Teams may continue to sort until all the cattle are sorted or until they are out of time.
At the discretion of the arena director a cow with no number may be added to the herd. This is called a "dirty" cow and shall not be sorted. If the dirty cow crossed the foul line, point accumulation ceases.
JACKPOTS: The Open Jackpot round will be open to all level riders. The Novice Jackpot is for riders who have won less than $500. The Green & Gold Jackpot will consist of one beginner and one experienced rider. The beginner rider will be the only one to sort the cows and bring them to the gate. The experienced rider may not physically assist the beginner but may offer verbal coaching. The experienced rider may only work the position at the gate. Riders may ride with the team partner of their choice. One point will be given for each cow sorted in the correct order. The team will have 75 seconds to sort all ten cows in order. If any cattle cross the foul line out of order or if any cattle already sorted come back across the foul line, then the time stops and the team receives a zero score. The team may not continue to sort after the time stops. Highest scores/lowest times win the cash jackpot. The payout percentages are based on number of entries and will be posted at the show booth. The purse for the Open and Novice Jackpots will be 50% of the entry fees. The purse for the Green & Gold Jackpot will be $10 per entry.
