How a pattern class is scored
Every run starts at 70. Each maneuver gets a score in half points, penalties are written separately, and the run score is 70 plus the maneuver scores minus the penalties. The tally uses your rule book's scale, penalty values and placing rules. AQHA classes use the rule year of the show date.
| Class | Each maneuver | Penalties | Off pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reining | -1½ to +1½ | ½, 1, 2, 5 | Score of 0, not placed (4-H: placed after correct runs) |
| Ranch riding | -1½ to +1½, plus appearance at AQHA | 1, 3, 5 | Scored, placed below runs that finished |
| Trail | -1½ to +1½ per obstacle | ½, 1, 3, 5 | AQHA: disqualified, 0 score |
| Western riding | -1½ to +1½ | ½, 1, 3, 5 | AQHA: disqualified, 0 score |
| Showmanship, horsemanship, equitation | -3 to +3, plus form and effectiveness 0 to 5 | 3, 5, 10 | AQHA and APHA: disqualified (4-H: placed after correct runs) |
Example: a ranch riding run
Ten maneuvers score +1, +1, +½, 0, 0, 0, -½, 0, 0 and +1½, so +3½. Appearance is +1. The horse broke to a trot at the lope (3) and was too slow at the walk (1), so 4 points come off: 70 + 3½ + 1 - 4 = 70½. Open a scored example class.
The tally has penalty lists and scales, not pattern diagrams: type your posted pattern's maneuver names. Level 1, rookie and walk-trot exceptions (such as AQHA's Level 1 trail gate rule) are not built in; mark those runs by hand.
Questions
How is ranch riding scored?
Every run starts at 70. Each maneuver gets -1½ to +1½ in half points, and AQHA also scores natural ranch horse appearance on the same scale. Penalties of 1, 3 or 5 points come off the total. An off-pattern run keeps its score but places below every run that completed the pattern.
How is reining scored?
70 is an average run. Each maneuver group gets -1½ to +1½, and penalties of ½, 1, 2 or 5 points are taken off. Being out of lead costs 1 point for each quarter circle. Under NRHA and AQHA rules a score of 0 or a no score cannot place.
How are showmanship and horsemanship scored?
The pattern is split into 6 to 10 maneuvers, each scored -3 to +3 in half points, plus 0 to 5 for form and effectiveness. Penalties are 3, 5 or 10 points. At AQHA shows going off pattern disqualifies; Montana 4-H places it after the correct runs instead.
What does OP mean on a score sheet?
Off pattern: the rider left out, added or changed a maneuver. In ranch riding and in 4-H classes the run is still scored but cannot place above anyone who finished the pattern correctly. In AQHA reining, trail and western riding the same mistakes give a score of 0 or a disqualification.
How are scores from two or more judges combined?
At AQHA and APHA multi-judge shows each judge's card is placed as its own class. Reining composites add the judges' scores, and NRHA drops the high and low score when five judges sit. Open and 4-H shows choose; adding and averaging give the same order.
How are ties broken in a pattern class?
NRHA only works off a tie for 1st, by run-off or by agreement to be co-champions; other ties share the places. AQHA breaks every tie through the point-earning places. Montana 4-H judges name tie-breaker maneuvers before the class, and this tally applies them for you.
Will it work at an arena with no signal?
Yes. Open the page once with signal and it keeps working offline. Every box is saved on the device as you type, so a reload or a flat battery does not lose the class. Save a backup file to move a class to the show office computer.
Rules checked October 2026 in the AQHA Official Handbook (2025 edition: SHW124, SHW374-378, SHW417-419, SHW433-438, SHW453-454, SHW463-464, SHW481-487, SHW621) with the rule changes AQHA approved in 2026 for 2027, the NRHA Handbook 2026-2027 (Rules for Judging, Ties), the APHA Rule Book (2026 edition: SC-250, SC-255, SC-260, SC-302, AM-105 to AM-115) and the Montana 4-H State Horse Shows Rule Book 2026. Rule books change every year: check yours. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any association.