Some of the best working dogs in the Midwest and beyond will be on display as well as a variety of different breeds. The two-day event will host ten handler/dog teams that will be competing in a time and point cattle trial. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Kelpies and Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs are a few that will be in attendance. The handlers will not see the course until the end of the trial, which consists of several different obstacles in an arena. The handlers and dogs are expected to calmly and efficiently move their cattle through the obstacles in the course order. The recent growth of interest in herding trial competitions, particularly in the U.S., has resulted in an increased interest in these dogs and in the herding potential of those breeds that were once primarily herding dogs. This is the first time the Hoosier Horse Fair and Expo has hosted the Stock Dog Invitational
 

Ranch Rodeo re-creates the roots of rodeo. The event widely hailed as the first rodeo was held in 1882 at North Platte, Nebraska and was produced by William F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody.

The competition was about the ranches and who could be awarded the prize of being the best ranch in the rodeo. Ranch-versus-Ranch contests gradually sprang up, and events were created that simulated what ranch cowboys did for work every day.

As time went on rodeo evolved and became a showcase of the individual cowboy rather than the team concept. Modern day Ranch Rodeo is a return to those times of teams and friendly competition.

Ranch rodeos return to those roots and focus on the cowboys, their families and the ranches they worked for to make sure the country does not lose sight of the important contributions to our country and our economy that the ranching industry and cowboys have made.

You’ll see three exciting events in one performance. The Ranch Horse Versatility competition features the finely tuned skills of a reining horse, the cow sense of a cutting/ working cow horse and the exhibitor’s skills of horsemanship and roping. All showcase the qualities that make a ranch horse desirable – sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, and a willing disposition.

The American Ranch Horse competitions feature well broke, reliable, working horses and members who share a love for that true equine athlete. They open to all western stock horse breeds, whether ridden on the ranch, on the trail, or in the ring; and to all horse enthusiasts who want to become better horsemen and have more fun with their horses. The goal of the ranch horse program is to promote the abilities of the all-around versatile working horse, regardless of breed, through shows, clinics and sales in a positive atmosphere where honesty, personal growth and politeness towards fellow horsemen exists, where horses are always respected, and where true western tradition is genuinely honored.

An area just for the little buckaroos to play!  There will be face painting, coloring, pony rides, giant rocking horses, petting area and other activities just for the youngsters.