Roping and Sorting

Western competition continues at Battle in the Saddle with roping and ranch sorting.

By Larri Jo Starkey
The American Quarter Horse Journal
July 5, 2012

Ranch Sorting National Championships at 2012 Battle in the Saddle

Ranch sorters wait their turn July 5 at Battle in the Saddle in Oklahoma City. (Larri Jo Starkey photo). For more roping and ranch sorting photos, scroll to the bottom.

Battle in the Saddle had three arenas filled with western horse competition July 5.

In addition to the Jim Norick Coliseum at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, horses were competing in Ranch Sorting National Championships divisions in Barn 8.

Meanwhile, over in the Performance Arena, roping numbers were almost doubled, according to Linda Clark of the American Rope Horse Futurity Association, which helps put on the roping events at Battle in the Saddle.

In ARHFA competition, ropers are timed and judged. In the combination classes at Battle in the Saddle, horses received AQHA points and an ARHFA placings.

Ropers and sorters filled the two buildings, lining up for their goes, with both sets of competitors warming up in the arena between the barns.

Scroll to the area below for a slide show of photos from the day.