Sorting Cows as a Horse Sport? What?

By Sara Tylosky

Ranch sorting, or cow sorting, a thrilling western-style equestrian sport, evolved from the traditional ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport—a crucial task at ranches across the Western United States. Sorting involves separating cattle based on sex, age, or condition, often performed on the open range where calves are separated from cows prior to branding, shipping, or sale. This practice requires a blend of excellent horsemanship and "cow sense."

Horse owners saw the excitement in these activities, leading to the birth of the formal “ranch sorting” sport, likely stemming from the first Rodeo in 1883 in Pecos, Texas.

What is Ranch Sorting?

Ranch sorting is an exhilarating timed event where teams of two riders work together to move cattle between pens. The competition involves eleven cattle, each numbered from 0 to 9, plus one unnumbered "trash cow." The goal is to sort the cattle in ascending numerical order from one pen to another, as quickly as possible, based on a starting number called out by the judge.

The event takes place in two pens, each 15 to 18 meters in diameter, with an opening of 3.5 to 4.5 meters between them. The run starts when the judge drops a flag as the first rider crosses the pen line. Riders must move the cows one at a time in the correct order, with the fastest team to sort the most cows correctly winning the event. Time limits vary, typically set at 60, 75, or 90 seconds. Ranch sorting challenges riders' precision, teamwork, and speed, making it a thrilling spectacle for both participants and spectators.

Experience Ranch Sorting

Join us for a fun-filled ranch sorting event starting at 11am on Saturday, July 20th, 2024, at Rancho Canales, Pedro Paramo #28 in Los Frailes. Entrance is free!

The ‘Asociacion Mexicana de Ranch Sorting’ formed in Mexico in 2009, promotes this exciting sport.

As the President of the Asociacion recently said, “It looks dangerous and complicated, one imagines that it is difficult. If you know how to ride and count, you can do this sport, always taking care of all the animals, including the cows, with a focus on the relationship between the rider and the horse.”

National Finals

The national finals for this sport in Mexico will take place in November 2024 at Peña de Bernal, located in the town of Bernal, a pueblo mágico about 45 minutes from Querétaro.

Fun for All Ages

Ranch sorting can be enjoyed by riders of any age and skill level, from kids to advanced riders. There are no special types of horses, tack, or attire required to compete. However, most horses used are quarter horses, a breed originating in the 1660s as a cross between native horses of Spanish origin used by the earliest American colonists. Quarter horses are renowned for their ability to outrun other breeds in races of a quarter-mile or less, and they are usually calm under pressure and enjoy working with cows.

Community and Family Event

Come enjoy this community and family event! Food and beverages will be available, and it is open to the public.

For more information, text Fernando Garcia at +52 442 367 6899 on WhatsApp.