Australian Stockman’s Challenge Association (ASCA) affiliated. All challenges will be run under ASCA Rules & Regulations. You can download a copy of the full rules and regulations HERE.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to read and understand these prior to competing.
All competitors must be members of ASCA, membership is available from their website www.australianstockmanschallenge.com.au
It is the competitor’s responsibility to read and understand these prior to competing.
All competitors must be members of ASCA, membership is available from their website www.australianstockmanschallenge.com.au
What is a stockman's Challenge?
The Stockman's Challenge consists of two phases, "Dry" work and Cattle work. Each competitor will be scored on both phases and the scores will be combined for a final score.
Finals will be held for Open, Classic, Derby and Rookie Challenges.
There will be no final for the Junior, Juvenile and Encouragement Challenges.
Patterns for the Dry work are now available on our Competitor Info page.
An outline of the rules and regulations are below.
Finals will be held for Open, Classic, Derby and Rookie Challenges.
There will be no final for the Junior, Juvenile and Encouragement Challenges.
Patterns for the Dry work are now available on our Competitor Info page.
An outline of the rules and regulations are below.
Dry Work
The premise of the dry work is simple. The horse and rider must complete a pattern or series of maneuvers similar to a reining pattern. The pattern varies between events and consists of a series of circles, spins and stops that test the athleticism and responsiveness of the horse.
Cattle Work
The cattle work section is very similar to a campdraft with a few minor changes. Firstly a competitor, while in the camp, that losses control of a beast twice may be assisted out of the camp by the mounted steward. The course consists of a left and right circle and a gate. The traditional 1st and 2nd pegs may not be present.
General Rules and Definitions
Classes of Competition
Dress
Equipment
Juvenile Riders
- The event is open to all breeds of horses bred anywhere in the world.
- The event is open to all sexes.
- The horse’s age shall be determined by their breed society registration papers or in the case of unregistered horses by the duly appointed committee representative eg. Veterinarian, Dentitian.
- The horses Birthday shall be the 1st August.
- Horses must be ridden by the same competitor in both the preliminary and final phases. In case of genuine injury or illness occurring after the commencement of an event the Committee reserves the right to allow a replacement rider. Should a change occur, that change is final.
Classes of Competition
- Classic Challenge- Open to horses that are under five years of age and no restriction for rider. All registered horses must have their breed society registration papers available for inspection by the show committee. All unregistered horses must be inspected by the committee’s appointed veterinarian or representative (eg. Equine Dentition) to determine the age and eligibility to compete.
- Open Challenge- Open to all horses and riders.
- Derby Challenge- Open to 5 & 6 year old horses only.
- Rookie Challenge- Restricted to riders who have never won a Classic or Open Challenge at an ASCA Affiliated event or Major Challenge. Competitors who have won a Rookie Challenge will remain eligible to compete in Rookie events for that calendar year only. Open to ALL Horses.
- Encouragement Challenge- Restricted to riders and horses who have never won: a Stockman’s Challenge event involving cattle except for Company Challenges; a Maiden, Novice, Open, Restricted Open or Ladies Campdraft; any affiliated Cutting, Reining or Working Cow Horse events; any affiliated Australian Stock Horse events involving cattle. One win and the horse and rider are no longer eligible.
- Juvenile Challenge- Open to riders aged 13 years and over and under 17 years of age.
- Junior Challenge- Open to competitors 8 years to under 13 years
Dress
- Hats: Australian style hat to be worn whilst competing.
- Helmets: Optional, although it is encouraged they be worn during the cattle work phase. Compulsory for riders under 18 years of age.
- Shirt: Long Sleeve button up shirt with the sleeves buttoned down.
- Trousers: Jeans or moleskins. No jodphurs.
- Tie: Optional. Women may wear a tidy scarf.
Boots: Riding boots must be worn.
Equipment
- Bridle: Personal choice.
- Bit: In all phases a snaffle bit is to be used. This must be a free rolling, loose ring snaffle no thinner than 3/8” with a single join (two piece bit) with a smooth mouthpiece. No twisted wire or rough surfaces allowed. Loose ring bar bits are permitted.
- Reins: Personal choice,
- Saddle: Australian type stock saddle with knee pads and no horn. Competitors will not be penalised for the use of a back girth.
- Not Allowed: Tie-downs or martingales of any description, nosebands or any other artificial device are not to be used.
- It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure they have the correct gear and adhere to the rules and regulations.
Juvenile Riders
- Helmets: All riders under the age of 18 years are required to wear a riding helmet when competing and when riding in the competition arena. Helmets must meet current Australian Safety Standards and be less than five years old from the date of manufacture. The chin strap must be securely fastened. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of juvenile riders to ensure their gear is safe and they are mounted on suitable horses.
- Stallions: Are not to be ridden by anyone under the age of 17 years at any time during a competition either on the grounds or in the competition arena.
Disqualification
Competitors will be scored in all phases unless eliminated or disqualified.
Disqualification will apply if:
Fall of horse in any event receives a score of ‘0’.
Definition of fall of rider: Rider is no longer astride the horse.
“0” Score for Dry Work –
Horse tail turns.
Dangerous riding.
Handling cattle in arena detrimental to the wellbeing of stock.
Crashing into cattle and dangerous hocking of beast.
Purposely running cattle into the fence.
Unnecessary scattering of the mob.
Excessive aggression in continuing to pressure a lost beast through the mob causing stress to the mob.
Competitors will be scored in all phases unless eliminated or disqualified.
Disqualification will apply if:
- Horse/Rider falls.
- Horse bucks or becomes unmanageable.
- Any blood from spurring or in the mouth from the bit.
- Lameness.
- Using the incorrect gear as stated in regulations.
- Abuse of horse, judges or official.
Fall of horse in any event receives a score of ‘0’.
Definition of fall of rider: Rider is no longer astride the horse.
“0” Score for Dry Work –
- Fail to complete the pattern
- Ride behind the pattern markers.
- Have two (2) or more major deviations to the pattern. Example doing three circles instead of two circles plus doing three spins in one section instead of two will score 0 for the entire pattern.
- Fall of horse and/or rider
Horse tail turns.
Dangerous riding.
Handling cattle in arena detrimental to the wellbeing of stock.
Crashing into cattle and dangerous hocking of beast.
Purposely running cattle into the fence.
Unnecessary scattering of the mob.
Excessive aggression in continuing to pressure a lost beast through the mob causing stress to the mob.
Dry Work Rules
Horses shall work individually.
Judging begins the moment the judge indicates to the competitor to commence. There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena.
A dry work pattern may consist of the following variation of gaits: such as walk, trot, canter, fast canter and/or gallop, lead changes (simple or flying), at least one spin each way, one roll back each way, back up, stops, circles and whip cracking. It is suggested that committees use one of the patterns approved by the Australian Stockman’s Challenge Association. The judge may deviate from the traditional order of the performance and he/she may also deviate from the exact printed pattern due to arena conditions.
The best dry work horse shall be easily guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance. Bad manners exhibited by the horse will be penalised. All deviations from the exact pattern must be considered a loss of control and marked down accordingly. Credit shall be given for the smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing various manoeuvres while using controlled speed which raises the difficulty level and makes the horse more exciting and pleasing to watch.
A manoeuvre which is performed accurately at the average requested pace should be scored above a competitor which is performing inaccurately, but at a faster pace.
Score is form 0 – 10, with 7 being an average.
The dry work pattern is divided into sets of manoeuvres. It is the judge’s responsibility to evaluate these manoeuvre groups individually and rate each manoeuvre group on the following scale:
Credit will be given for:
a) Correctness of pattern
b) Correctness of manoeuvre
c) A horse that is displaying a willingness to perform to the pattern and rider command
d) A high degree of difficulty
e) Smoothness
Judges will look for:
a) Walk: a horse that shows the ability to extend itself at a walk
b) Trot: a horses that can extend itself with a degree of collection
c) Canter: to be free going and calm, exhibiting a degree of collection
d) Gallop: a horse that can show speed with calmness and control
Additional points to note:
a) Canter transition from the halt may be ridden with a few strides of walk
b) When trotting on a circle or turn the rider should be on the correct diagonal
c) In the event of a Major Interference the judge may award a restart at their discretion.
‘0’ Score for the entire pattern
Competitors will be scored ‘0’ for the dry work if they:
a) Fail to complete the pattern
b) Introduce new manoeuvres to the pattern
c) Ride behind the markers
d) More than two Major deviations from the pattern
e) Blatant disobedience, biting, bucking or rearing
20 Point Penalty Any Major deviation, omission or addition to the prescribed pattern will incur a ‘0’ score for that manoeuvre plus a 20 point penalty. More than two major deviations will incur a ‘0’ for the entire pattern.
Manoeuvre Penalties
Penalities at Judges discretion: A Judge will score according to the guidelines, keeping in mind that not all minor variation of a manoeuvre need the same severe penalties.
½ point deductions:
a) Not changing leads simultaneously
b) Over or under spin 1/8 of a turn
c) Speeding up through a lead change
1 Point deductions:
a) Incorrect lead/disunited each ¼ circle
b) Break of gait c) Over of under spin ¼ of a turn
d) Scotching or anticipating a stop
e) Trotting more than 2 strides on a lead departure or roll back
2 Point deductions:
a) Performing a simple change where a flying change is prescribed or vice versa
b) Lockup or refusal in roll back or spins.
c) Trotting over one quarter of a circle on lead departure.
d) Kicking up during a lead change
5 Point deductions:
a) Spurring or hitting in front of girth
Penalties at Judges discretion:
a) Excessively slow canter resulting in a 4 beat gait
b) Excessively fast gallop which appears to be detrimental to the horses welfare and detracts from the smoothness of the pattern.
Circles Circles are a controlled manoeuvre in the designated area of the arena. Emphasis on the scoring shall be given to the contestant exhibiting smooth, controlled figure eights with easy lead changes. Right and left circles shall have a common centre line in the middle of the designated area. Circles shall be ridden and started on the correct lead. The speed and size of the right circles shall be exactly the same as the speed and size of the left circles. The horse’s gait should appear to be even and fluent, without heavy rider contact and obvious commands. Circles shall be ridden far enough from the arena wall that it does not affect the circles. The horse should be correctly bent and maintain its balance without falling in or drifting out.
Lead Changes
a) Simple Change: when riders change leads by performing a downward transition before going to the opposite lead at the canter.
b) Flying Change: is performed by a horse in which it changes leads at the canter while in the air between two strides. The flying change must be executed with no change of speed or gait. The horse shall change leads at the exact location dictated in the pattern description and shall change in one stride. A horse shall be considered out of lead if both front and rear leads are not changed in the same stride.
Run-Downs Run lengthwise through the arena. They shall be made as described in the given pattern, unless the judge indicated otherwise due to arena conditions. The horse shall demonstrate a relaxed fluid attitude when starting a run-down and throughout the manoeuvre. The horse shall use controlled speed consistent with the size of the arena and the conditions of the ground. The horse shall travel in a straight line with a minimum of contact with the rider. Straight, controlled rundowns with square, smooth stops, maintaining suppleness are desirable.
Stops Shall be in line with the direction of travel. Horse shall have its hocks well under it during the entire stop, maintaining a proper head position and response to a light rein.
Spins Consistent and positioned 360 degree turns executed with the hind quarter in the same geographic area with minimal movement. Spins shall be smooth and fluent. The location of the hind quarter shall be fixed at the start of the spin. As the spin is a forward movement, the outside front leg shall step across in front of the inside front leg. The horse shall stop the spin exactly as dictated by the pattern description. The right and left spins shall have a similar speed and balance.
Back-up The horse being caused to move in a reverse motion in a straight line for a required distance. The horse shall begin the back-up in a controlled and willing manner and shall continue to back-up without hesitation until directed to stop by the rider.
Hesitate Hesitation is only long enough to show the completion of one manoeuvre before the next one starts. There shall be slight hesitation to indicate each manoeuvre, not disrupting continuity.
Rollbacks A manoeuvre that combines a stop, turn over the hindquarters and exit in one fluent motion. The rollback must be executed with no more than slight hesitation after the stop and the horse shall not step ahead or back-up prior to the turn. The horse shall be in position to canter off in a straight line when exiting a rollback insuring the correct lead without raising its head or showing resistance.
Collection Collection implies that a horse will carry itself in frame by engaging its hindquarters and whilst maintaining a lightness and mobility of the forehand with only light contact through the bit. This is achieved by the use of the seat, legs and containing hands.
Appearance and Presentation Both the horse, rider and equipment should be clean, neat and tidy and well presented. Any horse showing excess sweating up should be penalised for presentation.
Horses shall work individually.
Judging begins the moment the judge indicates to the competitor to commence. There will be no schooling from the time the horse enters the arena.
A dry work pattern may consist of the following variation of gaits: such as walk, trot, canter, fast canter and/or gallop, lead changes (simple or flying), at least one spin each way, one roll back each way, back up, stops, circles and whip cracking. It is suggested that committees use one of the patterns approved by the Australian Stockman’s Challenge Association. The judge may deviate from the traditional order of the performance and he/she may also deviate from the exact printed pattern due to arena conditions.
The best dry work horse shall be easily guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance. Bad manners exhibited by the horse will be penalised. All deviations from the exact pattern must be considered a loss of control and marked down accordingly. Credit shall be given for the smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing various manoeuvres while using controlled speed which raises the difficulty level and makes the horse more exciting and pleasing to watch.
A manoeuvre which is performed accurately at the average requested pace should be scored above a competitor which is performing inaccurately, but at a faster pace.
Score is form 0 – 10, with 7 being an average.
The dry work pattern is divided into sets of manoeuvres. It is the judge’s responsibility to evaluate these manoeuvre groups individually and rate each manoeuvre group on the following scale:
Credit will be given for:
a) Correctness of pattern
b) Correctness of manoeuvre
c) A horse that is displaying a willingness to perform to the pattern and rider command
d) A high degree of difficulty
e) Smoothness
Judges will look for:
a) Walk: a horse that shows the ability to extend itself at a walk
b) Trot: a horses that can extend itself with a degree of collection
c) Canter: to be free going and calm, exhibiting a degree of collection
d) Gallop: a horse that can show speed with calmness and control
Additional points to note:
a) Canter transition from the halt may be ridden with a few strides of walk
b) When trotting on a circle or turn the rider should be on the correct diagonal
c) In the event of a Major Interference the judge may award a restart at their discretion.
‘0’ Score for the entire pattern
Competitors will be scored ‘0’ for the dry work if they:
a) Fail to complete the pattern
b) Introduce new manoeuvres to the pattern
c) Ride behind the markers
d) More than two Major deviations from the pattern
e) Blatant disobedience, biting, bucking or rearing
20 Point Penalty Any Major deviation, omission or addition to the prescribed pattern will incur a ‘0’ score for that manoeuvre plus a 20 point penalty. More than two major deviations will incur a ‘0’ for the entire pattern.
Manoeuvre Penalties
Penalities at Judges discretion: A Judge will score according to the guidelines, keeping in mind that not all minor variation of a manoeuvre need the same severe penalties.
½ point deductions:
a) Not changing leads simultaneously
b) Over or under spin 1/8 of a turn
c) Speeding up through a lead change
1 Point deductions:
a) Incorrect lead/disunited each ¼ circle
b) Break of gait c) Over of under spin ¼ of a turn
d) Scotching or anticipating a stop
e) Trotting more than 2 strides on a lead departure or roll back
2 Point deductions:
a) Performing a simple change where a flying change is prescribed or vice versa
b) Lockup or refusal in roll back or spins.
c) Trotting over one quarter of a circle on lead departure.
d) Kicking up during a lead change
5 Point deductions:
a) Spurring or hitting in front of girth
Penalties at Judges discretion:
a) Excessively slow canter resulting in a 4 beat gait
b) Excessively fast gallop which appears to be detrimental to the horses welfare and detracts from the smoothness of the pattern.
Circles Circles are a controlled manoeuvre in the designated area of the arena. Emphasis on the scoring shall be given to the contestant exhibiting smooth, controlled figure eights with easy lead changes. Right and left circles shall have a common centre line in the middle of the designated area. Circles shall be ridden and started on the correct lead. The speed and size of the right circles shall be exactly the same as the speed and size of the left circles. The horse’s gait should appear to be even and fluent, without heavy rider contact and obvious commands. Circles shall be ridden far enough from the arena wall that it does not affect the circles. The horse should be correctly bent and maintain its balance without falling in or drifting out.
Lead Changes
a) Simple Change: when riders change leads by performing a downward transition before going to the opposite lead at the canter.
b) Flying Change: is performed by a horse in which it changes leads at the canter while in the air between two strides. The flying change must be executed with no change of speed or gait. The horse shall change leads at the exact location dictated in the pattern description and shall change in one stride. A horse shall be considered out of lead if both front and rear leads are not changed in the same stride.
Run-Downs Run lengthwise through the arena. They shall be made as described in the given pattern, unless the judge indicated otherwise due to arena conditions. The horse shall demonstrate a relaxed fluid attitude when starting a run-down and throughout the manoeuvre. The horse shall use controlled speed consistent with the size of the arena and the conditions of the ground. The horse shall travel in a straight line with a minimum of contact with the rider. Straight, controlled rundowns with square, smooth stops, maintaining suppleness are desirable.
Stops Shall be in line with the direction of travel. Horse shall have its hocks well under it during the entire stop, maintaining a proper head position and response to a light rein.
Spins Consistent and positioned 360 degree turns executed with the hind quarter in the same geographic area with minimal movement. Spins shall be smooth and fluent. The location of the hind quarter shall be fixed at the start of the spin. As the spin is a forward movement, the outside front leg shall step across in front of the inside front leg. The horse shall stop the spin exactly as dictated by the pattern description. The right and left spins shall have a similar speed and balance.
Back-up The horse being caused to move in a reverse motion in a straight line for a required distance. The horse shall begin the back-up in a controlled and willing manner and shall continue to back-up without hesitation until directed to stop by the rider.
Hesitate Hesitation is only long enough to show the completion of one manoeuvre before the next one starts. There shall be slight hesitation to indicate each manoeuvre, not disrupting continuity.
Rollbacks A manoeuvre that combines a stop, turn over the hindquarters and exit in one fluent motion. The rollback must be executed with no more than slight hesitation after the stop and the horse shall not step ahead or back-up prior to the turn. The horse shall be in position to canter off in a straight line when exiting a rollback insuring the correct lead without raising its head or showing resistance.
Collection Collection implies that a horse will carry itself in frame by engaging its hindquarters and whilst maintaining a lightness and mobility of the forehand with only light contact through the bit. This is achieved by the use of the seat, legs and containing hands.
Appearance and Presentation Both the horse, rider and equipment should be clean, neat and tidy and well presented. Any horse showing excess sweating up should be penalised for presentation.
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Cattle Work Rules
The cattle work will be scored with a maximum of 100 points. 25 possible points in the cut out (camp) section and 75 points in the arena work: 25 points for the first circle; 25 points for the second circle; 25 points for the gate or third circle. The time limit in the arena is 40 seconds.
The outside course is similar to a campdraft course and will consist of two circles; one being on the right and the other on the left and a gate. The course can be ridden in whatever direction the committee chooses. Committee’s may use pegs as a guide if they choose.
A gate will be present. Once the competitor has guided the beast through the gate the run will be terminated immediately. If the competitor is unable to make the gate they must continue to demonstrate they are in control of the beast and attempt to complete a third circle. If a peg or gate is missed, the competitor must continue and not make a second attempt. The competitor is allowed 1 attempt at each peg/circle.
Horses will enter the camp quietly and select a beast without disturbing the mob. Competitors must NOT enter the herd/work the herd in any way until acknowledged by the judge to commence their run. The competitor is expected to work the beast until it is clear of the mob and show the cutting out ability of the horse. The competitor calls for the gate when satisfied with the work in the camp and takes the beast into the arena.
Whilst working cattle in the camp, the judges will be assessing the horse and rider’s accuracy on cattle, style and effectiveness.
In the camp, when the judges have determined that the competitor has lost control of the beast twice, the competitor’s “cut out” section will be terminated and they will be scored ‘0’ in this “cut out” section. The competitor will then be assisted out of the camp by the mounted steward and allowed to continue on course.
A horse that hits a beast over the hocks or runs up the rump of a beast will have the run terminated.
The judge shall immediately terminate the round should a beast show any bleeding or appears lame, distressed or bails up and attempts to horn a horse. The competitor shall be scored up to that point.
Where the judge terminates an outside run due to interference, the competitor will be awarded a re- start. The competitor will start again with the lesser of the two cut out scores with the original entitlement of cattle.
The competitor must continue to ride until the whip terminates the run for a score.
Committee reserves the rights to decide on the maximum and minimum number of cattle in the cut out yard.
The cattle work will be scored with a maximum of 100 points. 25 possible points in the cut out (camp) section and 75 points in the arena work: 25 points for the first circle; 25 points for the second circle; 25 points for the gate or third circle. The time limit in the arena is 40 seconds.
The outside course is similar to a campdraft course and will consist of two circles; one being on the right and the other on the left and a gate. The course can be ridden in whatever direction the committee chooses. Committee’s may use pegs as a guide if they choose.
A gate will be present. Once the competitor has guided the beast through the gate the run will be terminated immediately. If the competitor is unable to make the gate they must continue to demonstrate they are in control of the beast and attempt to complete a third circle. If a peg or gate is missed, the competitor must continue and not make a second attempt. The competitor is allowed 1 attempt at each peg/circle.
Horses will enter the camp quietly and select a beast without disturbing the mob. Competitors must NOT enter the herd/work the herd in any way until acknowledged by the judge to commence their run. The competitor is expected to work the beast until it is clear of the mob and show the cutting out ability of the horse. The competitor calls for the gate when satisfied with the work in the camp and takes the beast into the arena.
Whilst working cattle in the camp, the judges will be assessing the horse and rider’s accuracy on cattle, style and effectiveness.
In the camp, when the judges have determined that the competitor has lost control of the beast twice, the competitor’s “cut out” section will be terminated and they will be scored ‘0’ in this “cut out” section. The competitor will then be assisted out of the camp by the mounted steward and allowed to continue on course.
A horse that hits a beast over the hocks or runs up the rump of a beast will have the run terminated.
The judge shall immediately terminate the round should a beast show any bleeding or appears lame, distressed or bails up and attempts to horn a horse. The competitor shall be scored up to that point.
Where the judge terminates an outside run due to interference, the competitor will be awarded a re- start. The competitor will start again with the lesser of the two cut out scores with the original entitlement of cattle.
The competitor must continue to ride until the whip terminates the run for a score.
Committee reserves the rights to decide on the maximum and minimum number of cattle in the cut out yard.
Australian Stockman's Challenge Association
The Australian Stockman's Challenge Association mission is to promote the sport of Stockman’s Challenge Events across Australia and create an entertaining and professional environment for competitors and spectators.
- To encourage and assist clubs and committees to engage in the development of ASC. events.
- To develop and maintain a uniform set of judging rules and regulations which is simple, fair, and futuristic for the sport.
- We would endeavour to continue to be evolving, and keep abreast of changes and best practice within the horse industry, paying particular attention to cattle handling skills and education. We would intend to be proactive and maintain a positive attitude regarding the encouragement of growth and development within our association.
- To develop the skills of horsemanship, with particular emphasis on encouraging the development of our youth, and develop the sport under the mantel of an Australian Sportsmanship Code of Conduct.
- To maintain and protect the heritage and ideology of the Australian Stockman in the form of a sporting event.
- To create an ASCA National Horse Of The Year in the form of a Premiership whereby points are allocated for placings at affiliated events.
- To create a register of Open, Under 5, and Rookie Horses.
- To provide Public Liability cover for Judges, voluntary workers, officials, coaches, management committees, and affiliated clubs within the A.S.C.A.
- To develop a Judges Panel and encourage “learner judges”.
