Welcome to the 2025 Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse Finals

September 12-14, 2025

Registration Deadline: August 15, 2025

Judges: Lori Walton & Victor Salazar

Location: 406 Arena, 200 HWY 89, Vaughn, MT

https://www.406arena.com/

Registering through Fair Entry makes it easy to enter Working Ranch Horse Finals (WRHF) classes for one rider or a whole family, and this year includes an integrated credit or debit card payment option.

Questions about the event details, registration, or issues with Fair Entry? Contact Montana 4-H staff: 406.994.3501 or email Kellie Kahtani at kellie.kahtani@montana.edu

General Schedule:

Friday: 2:00pm - Knowledge Test, 3:00pm - Sorting

Saturday: 8:30am - Roping, 4-H Pattern & Cow Work, Mid Afternoon - VRH Ranch Riding &Trail

Sunday: 8:30am - Reining, Cow Work & Trail

https://www.montana.edu/extension/4h/programs_and_events/events/state_WRhorse_show/

Required Forms:

There are 3 required forms for exhibitors and horses which may be downloaded below

  1. Media Release Form (for each exhibitor from Z-Suite)
  2. Medical Form (for each exhibitor from Z-Suite)
  3. Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (for each horse) https://www.montana.edu/extension/4h/projects/animal_science/horse_docs/2020%20MT4H%20Vet%20Inspection%20Form.pdf
***You must bring these completed forms to Check-In or email in advance to Kellie Kahtani, kellie.kahtani@montana.edu in order to compete. Horses without a valid CVI will not be allowed on the premises.

Entry Rules:

Riders may not enter the same class on two different horses. A horse may not be shown by multiple riders in the same class. No horse or rider may compete against themselves in any class or division.

To qualify for Overall Prizes, the same horse must be used across all classes within a division. If different horses are used in different classes, riders will only be eligible for individual class prizes.

Ranch Horse Level Fee: $70.00
You may enter ONE Ranch Horse Level class. Entry must be at the level in which you are currently enrolled and assessed in your county. Ranch Horse Level entries include the following five classes: Knowledge Exam, Pattern, Roping – Heading, Roping – Heeling, and Sorting Cattle.

Riders must use the same horse for all five classes. This horse must be an approved 4-H project horse for the current 4-H year.

Colt Classes Fee: $40.00

In an effort to grow the 4-H Ranch Horse Project, we are offering a Ranch Colt class for members enrolled in 4-H Colt to Maturity or Green Horse. Members may enter the Ranch Colt class in addition to their Ranch Horse Level class. Ranch Colt participants will compete in Sorting and a Ranch Riding Pattern only. They will not participate in the knowledge exam or roping classes. Horses must be enrolled and approved as project horses for the current year.

VRH Entry Fee: $70.00
Additional Horse Fee: $45.00 per horse

The VRH Division is open to all youth ages 8–18 and does not require 4-H enrollment. Participants compete by age division: Junior, Intermediate, or Senior. Horses aged 5 and under are eligible to compete in both level and/or colt classes.

Youth Team Tournament Challenge:

Back for the second year! Get ready for added excitement, energy, and teamwork at the Youth Team Tournament Challenge — happening during the Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse State Finals!

This all-in-good-fun team competition is designed to build camaraderie and sportsmanship across counties and age divisions. All participants entered in the State Finals are automatically entered into the Team Challenge — no extra sign-up needed!

Team Format:

  • 6–10 teams total, with 10 youth per team
  • Teams will be randomly assigned ahead of time to create a mix of counties, levels, and experience
  • Each rider earns points through their regular class placings in Knowledge Test, Sorting, Ranch Trail, Heading & Healing Roping, and Reined Cow Horse.
  • All individual scores contribute to a combined team total
  • Top three teams will be recognized with prizes and awards

The Goal:

This tournament is about more than ribbons — it's about team spirit, leadership, and building friendships. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, everyone plays a valuable role in helping their team succeed.

Accommodations: Indoor stalls, outdoor covered stalls, and RV or dry camping sites will be available. There are multiple hotel lodging options in Great Falls (DISCOUNTED HOTEL). Spots and stalls are available on a first come first serve basis.

  1. Stall Outdoor: 20 per day*
  2. Indoor Stall: $30 per day*
  3. RV w/electric hookups: $25 per day
  4. Dry camping is also available at no cost
  5. Shavings will be available for $10 per bag
*We will be collecting a $20 deposit for stalls (cash or check) upon arrival, the deposit will be returned once the stall has been cleaned and checked out at the end of the show.

Meals & Jackets:

Members will have the option to purchase a WRHF jacket. Please designate size(s) when you register. Additional jackets will not be available at the show.

On Friday night, Cascade County 4-H will be hosting a dinner. Tickets for dinner can be purchased for $6 each.

How would you like to participate?

  • As an Exhibitor

  • As Fair Staff/Volunteer