Leslie Lange, based in Greeley, Colorado, has been training horses for decades, specializing in various disciplines such as hunter under saddle and ranch events in addition to her primary focus on all-around classes. She has received prestigious honors such as AQHA Professional of the Year in 2003 and AQHA Most Valuable Professional of the Year in 2015.
Currently, Lange is actively competing with Xtra Magic Doctor, a 2014 stallion, in a range of ranch classes. She also owns the highly successful ranch horse SUMAC Gunnabeflashy, shown by Bud Lyon.
The popularity of ranch classes has soared due to their accessibility and the minimal need for extravagant show attire. Well-trained horses excel in ranch riding patterns, attracting skilled riders and expanding the competition landscape.
Lange emphasizes the importance of quality in ranch horses, highlighting the shift towards requiring good movement and overall capability in these events.
With her keen eye for talent, Lange has overseen the success of senior ranch horses like SUMAC Gunnabeflashy and The Immortal, showcasing her expertise in identifying top prospects.
Editor’s note: Lange and Lyon collaborated on SUMAC Gunnabeflashy, a decision that led to significant achievements in ranch events.
Leslie Lange’s Criteria for Selecting Ranch Horses:
3. Movement
Lange prioritizes movement in evaluating ranch horses, emphasizing the importance of quality movement regardless of breeding or experience level.
She exemplified this principle with The Immortal, showcasing his versatility in multiple disciplines before excelling in ranch events.
2. Manners
In addition to movement, Lange stresses the significance of good manners in a ranch horse, particularly for stallions, to ensure their marketability and ease of handling.
She emphasizes the importance of respectful behavior and good temperament, especially in younger horses.
1. Trainability
Lange underscores trainability as a crucial factor that complements movement and manners, ultimately determining a horse’s success in ranch events.
A horse’s ability to learn and adapt to training significantly impacts its performance and potential in various disciplines.
By embodying these three qualities, ranch horses can excel in the competitive realm of ranch events and showcase their skills effectively.
Explore the Ranch Riding 101 Masterclass on Ride TV for more insights into ranch horse events.
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