Bridles & Brains

Invitational Collegiate Ranch Horse Competition

2026 Dates: february 4th - February 5th

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is proud to work with the American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association and Stock Horse of Texas to present a competition for collegiate ranch horse teams. This invitational competition will test collegiate equestrian athletes’ abilities in the saddle as well as their knowledge on their ranch horse team program through use of public speaking skills, all while showing good sportsmanship and teamwork. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us at (817) 877-2400 – ask to speak to the Horse Department.

2025 Results

Results

$7,500 IN ADDED MONEY PAID DIRECTLY TO TEAMS

Buckles to champion team
Prizes to top four individuals in each riding class
MVP award is voted on by contestants

6 Events

Ranch Partner Penning Riders will be tested on their ability to sort and pen a numbered cow from the herd in a timely manner with no loping, cantering, or galloping allowed.

Ranch Roping Testing their roping capability, each rider must rope one of two numbered cattle without loping, cantering or galloping; otherwise, time penalties will occur.

Ranch Reining Riders must show their horse’s ability to perform basic handling maneuvers through a willfully guided pattern in this scored class.

Ranch Trail As if they were out riding on a ranch, riders will have to maneuver their way through a pattern of obstacles generally found during everyday ranch work.

Public Speech Each competing team will present over their ranch horse team program and level of involvement with the team. All team members are required to speak.

Media Interview Teams will be interviewed in a group setting as if they are being interviewed for a magazine article or T.V. segment.