Yes, you read that correctly! The MAGNIFICENT SEVEN All Around Stock Horse Competition is back at the Western States Horse Expo happening in Sacramento, California on June 8-10, 2018 at the famous Cal-Expo! This is an exciting event will feature the best riders and the best horses from all across the country, competing in a three-event, reined cow-horse competition. Each rider must demonstrate superior horsemanship skills, nerves of steel, discipline versatility and extreme confidence in their horse as they compete in four events: herd work, rein work, steer stopping and fence work. These events show the incredible athletic ability of the amazing horses and a level of training provided by their rider that is unlike another other equestrian sport! Horses are judged on accuracy, timing, and responsiveness, as well as how they handle a single cow and their ability to ride into a herd of cattle and quietly “cut” a cow from the herd. The action is fast pace an fun to witness!
Reining is a part of the Magnificent Seven competition where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope (a slow, relaxed version of the horse gait more commonly known worldwide as the canter), or the gallop (the fastest of the horse gaits). Originating from working cattle, reining is often described as a Western form of dressage riding, as it requires the horse to be responsive and in tune with its rider, whose aids should not be easily seen, and judges the horse on its ability to perform a set pattern of movements. This is a fast-paced and exciting part of the event!
Cow work, where a single cow is released into the arena and the horse is asked to first hold the cow at one end of the arena (known as “boxing”) then run the horse along the rail of the arena, turning it back without the aid of the fence (known as “fencing”). Then the horse maneuvers the cow into the center of the arena and causes the cow to circle in a tight circle in each direction (known as “circling”). All this must be accomplished before the cow is exhausted. This demonstrates the skill and communication between the horse and the human as they must work as a team to be successful in this round of the competition.
Also seen in the Magnificent Seven competition is herd work. The herd work portion if the event is similar to cutting where a single cow is “cut” from a herd of cattle and prevented from returning to the herd by the intervention of the horse and rider. Speed, timing, athletic ability, and horsemanship all must be present to be successful in this portion of the competition.
The Magnificent Seven All Around Stock Horse Championship is one of the main highlights of the Western States Horse Expo with over 5,000 spectators filled the stands and cheering on their favorite horse/human teams. This event is for the Best of the Best and should not be missed!
Over the past twenty (20) years the Western States Horse Expo as proven time and time again to be the gold standard of equine events. The 2018 Western States Horse Expo takes center stage from June 8-10, 2012 at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, CA. In addition to the Magnificent Seven competition, the California Cowgirls will be on hand demonstrating their amazing drill team skills, the Western States Horse Expo Horse Sale is also back and will happen during that weekend, given potential horse owners an opportunity to meet their future horse first hand and interact with the current owners/trainers. The Breed Revelation is happening once again and there will be MANY unique breeds for Attendees to meet! Horse Expo University and the Trail Symposium are a “must attend” event happening at the Horse Expo. Attendees will meet with a variety of experts and medical professionals to learn all about equine health care and managing the Trails and Parks we all enjoy for the future. Clinicians that will be on hand include Julie Goodnight, Warwick Schiller, Scott Purdum, Robert Gage, Curt Pate, Gina Miles and Johnathan Field, just to name a few! The Mane Market Mall will be filled with the most innovative products and services that cater to the equestrian and rural lifestyle enthusiast! In short, it is a “must attend” family friendly event!
We will see you at the Western States Horse Expo.
June 6-8, 2025
Friday June 6th 9:00 AM – 6: 00 PM
Saturday June 7th 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday June 8th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We love dogs, but we ask that you please leave your pups home while attending the Horse Expo. Thanks!
Photos courtesy of Carolynne Smith, Elizabeth Ruiz, Kathy Higgens, Fuentes, Hill Shepard, Charles Hilton, Kala Johnson, Jessi Hogan, Tyson Rininger, Traci Nelson, Lisa Reese, and Constance Birdsong Photos.
