Registration for the 2025 Working Ranch Horse Finals opens June 20th!
The Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse Project is a heritage-based program designed to pass down traditional livestock handling practices from horseback to today’s youth. This is not a rodeo project, but a practical and exciting opportunity to learn essential skills for handling, sorting, and moving cattle. Participants will also learn mounted roping as a humane and useful livestock tool, along with branding techniques, and the care and housing of both cattle and horses.
 
In addition to horsemanship, members will develop leadership and responsibility, core values of 4-H. As ranching becomes increasingly automated, many traditional skills are being lost. The 4-H Working Ranch Horse Program aims to preserve these age-old practices while equipping youth with skills for the future.

 

Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse Show

Photo Credit: Tom Aldrich

2025 Working Ranch Horse Finals Dates- September 12-14, 2025 at 406 Arena, Vaughn, MT 

Volunteer Opportunities 

The Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse Finals wouldn't be possible without the support of our incredible volunteers—thank you for all you do!

We’re asking all volunteers to sign up in advance this year. Opportunities are available forcertified volunteers, non-certified volunteers, and youth.

Sign up today and be part of this unforgettable event!

Sign Up Opens June 20th

  • Gate Attendant
  • Ribbons Coordinator
  • Course Set-Up
  • Course Tear Down
  • Grounds Cleaner
  • Music Handler
  • Photographer
  • Floor Runner
  • National Anthem Performer
  • Scribe
  • Announcer
  • Meal Runner
  • Time Keeper
  • Ranch Hands
  • Cow Handlers
  • Prize Coordinator
  • Arena Directors

Shifts will be scheduled in 2–4 hour segments. Some shifts may be longer depending on task/job. 

Free Meal: Work more than 4 hours and receive a complimentary meal.

Gift Card Drawing: Volunteers who work 8+ hours will be entered for a chance to win a gift card.

National Anthem Performer

We're seeking a youth participant to sing the National Anthem and lead the pledges. Interested? Be sure to mark “National Anthem Performer” on the sign-up form, and the State Office will follow up with you.

 

Photographers

Youth and adult volunteers are welcome to help capture, edit, and share event photos. If interested, select “Photographer” on the form, and the State Office will follow up with you.

 

Ranch Hands

We are offering a special opportunity for certified volunteers with experience to assist with cattle handling in the arena on horseback during various events.

Tasks may include:

  • Roping

  • Sorting

  • Cutting
  • Driving

Experience is required.

If you are interested, please select "Ranch Hands" when signing up. The State Office will follow up with additional details.

 

Cow Handlers

We are seeking experienced volunteers to assist with cattle handling at ground level during the event. Tasks may include:

  • Assisting with steer wrestling

  • Untying cattle

  • Helping guide and manage cattle movement in and out of the arena

If you have experience and are interested in helping, please indicate "Cow Handlers" when signing up.

Youth Team Challenge

Back for the second year! Get ready for added excitement, energy, and teamwork at the Youth Team Tournament Challenge — happening during the Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse State Finals!

This all-in-good-fun team competition is designed to build camaraderie and sportsmanship across counties and age divisions. All participants entered in the State Finals are automatically entered into the Team Challenge — no extra sign-up needed!

6–10 teams total, with 10 youth per team

Teams will be randomly assigned ahead of time to create a mix of counties, levels, and experience

Each rider earns points through their regular class placings in Knowledge Test, Sorting, Ranch Trail, Heading & Healing Roping, and Reined Cow Horse.

All individual scores contribute to a combined team total

Top three teams will be recognized with prizes and awards

This tournament is about more than ribbons — it's about team spirit, leadership, and building friendships. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, everyone plays a valuable role in helping their team succeed.

Team champions will be announced at the final awards ceremony, with special prizes and recognition for the highest scoring teams.

2025 Stall Sign Contest

We’re excited to introduce a Stall Sign Contest at this year’s Montana 4-H Working Ranch Horse Finals!

All participants—regardless of whether you have a stall—are invited to enter. During the show, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite stall sign, and the top three entries will receive prizes.

Please review the guidelines and requirements below before participating.

Sign Requirements:

  • Size: Signs must be 8.5" x 11"

  • Material: Must be made entirely out of paper

    • No wood, metal, stall decorations, or 3D structures outside of paper

Acceptable Techniques:

  • Origami

  • Scrapbooking

  • Paper Marbling

  • Quilling

  • Paper Flowers

  • Collage

  • Decoupage

Acceptable Materials:

  • Paper

  • Paint

  • Markers

  • Colored Pencils

  • Crayons

  • Glue

  • Photos

  • Magazines

2025 Photo Contest

We’re excited to announce a Photo Contest at this year’s event!

Participants will have the opportunity to take photos during the show and post them to social media using a special event hashtag, which will be announced at the show.

Once the hashtag is live, participants and attendees can vote by liking their favorite photos. The top three most-liked photos will win prizes!

Additional Details:

  • Participants may use a family member’s or friend’s social media account to submit their photo if needed.

  • Photos must be taken during the event and posted using the official hashtag.

 

2024 Working Ranch Horse Finals

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
1 1 179 Adison Powell Lil Joe Cascade
1 2 158 Mariam Jones Whiskey Gallatin
1 3 106 Avery Emrich Miss Sister Bucks Cascade
1 4 129 Chloe Shaw Skip Fergus
1 5 147 Cooper Fryberger Highbrow Willow 406 Teton
1 6 169 Aliya Hoffman Tennesee Cascade

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
2 1 103 Jessica Elings Bar Two Zipin Slowly Fergus
2 2 156 Mesa Scalese Sierra Judith Basin
2 3 101 Josephine Casto Sargent Gallatin
2 4 134 Logan Kellom Mister Judith Basin
2 5 132 Reata Jones Tilde Ravalli
2 6 130 Samantha Lee BNH Smoke N Smart Cascade

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
3 1 139 Leann Murphy Spud Cascade
3 2 123 Charlotte Steele Sherman Gallatin
3 3 154 Sicily Scalese Jammer Judith Basin
3 4 162 Keegan Kennedy Docs Silver-N-Reno Yellowstone
3 5 184 Kaylee Otto O Bar Pendleton Way Teton
3 6 167 Kealie Hixson Willy Ravalli

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
4 1 109 Reagan Jassen Wish Iza Lazy Cascade
4 2 163 Kiarra Kennedy Haida RJ Yellowstone
4 3 121 Clay Stott Plummer Yellowstone
4 4 125 Paige Shaw Chex Custer
4 5 189 Caden Brooks Maggie Teton
4 6 112 Cheyenne Prater Jolene Lewis & Clark

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
5 1 106 Avery Emrich Miss Sister Bucks Cascade
5 2 135 Sam Kellom Cinch Judith Basin
5 3 158 Mariam Jones Whiskey Gallatin
5 4 161 Alivia Jones Breeze Gallatin
5 5 144 Brea Sattoriva Popcorn Hill
5 6 151 Colt Schmitt Mare Judith Basin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
6 1 101 Josephine Casto Sargent Gallatin
6 2 132 Reata Jones Tilde Ravalli
6 3 146 Connor Fryberger MB Goodgollymsmolly Teton
6 4 134 Logan Kellom Mister Judith Basin
6 5 156 Mesa Scalese Sierra Judith Basin
6 6 130 Samantha Lee BNH Smoke N Smart Cascade

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
7 1 164 Ariana Banner Bobbies Smarty Cat Teton
7 2 188 Allissa Otto Rolling Starlight Teton
7 3 133 Taylor Kellom Winn Judith Basin
7 4 154 Sicily Scalese Jammer Judith Basin
7 5 123 Charlotte Steele Sherman Gallatin
7 6 184 Kaylee Otto O Bar Pendleton Way Teton

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
8 1 125 Paige Shaw Chex Custer
8 2 114 Allie Uecker Jiggers Tyree Fergus
8 3 116 Dakota Woodring Lenas Parr Delight Gallatin
8 4 121 Clay Stott Plummer Yellowstone
8 5 189 Caden Brooks Maggie Teton
8 6 128 Lynn Catterlin Jackson Gallatin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
9 1 186 Annie Otto Minnie Teton
9 2 117 Josey Woodring Sapphire Gallatin
9 3 169 Aliya Hoffman Tennesee Cascade
9 4 122 Nathan Farris Cat Cascade
9 5 179 Adison Powell Lil Joe Cascade
9 6 135 Sam Kellom Cinch Judith Basin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
10 1 134 Logan Kellom Mister Judith Basin
10 2 156 Mesa Scalese Sierra Judith Basin
10 3 130 Samantha Lee BNH Smoke N Smart Cascade
10 4 146 Connor Fryberger MB Goodgollymsmolly Teton
10 5 132 Reata Jones Tilde Ravalli
10 6 103 Jessica Elings Bar Two Zipin Slowly Fergus

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
11 1 108 Luke Jassen Shiney Orange Crush Cascade
11 2 188 Allissa Otto Rolling Starlight Teton
11 3 127 Kora McCray Miss Piggy Judith Basin
11 4 154 Sicily Scalese Jammer Judith Basin
11 5 184 Kaylee Otto O Bar Pendleton Way Teton
11 6 162 Keegan Kennedy Docs Silver-N-Reno Yellowstone

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
12 1 113 Reis Speer Bullet Silver Bow
12 2 189 Caden Brooks Maggie Teton
12 3 121 Clay Stott Plummer Yellowstone
12 4 163 Kiarra Kennedy Haida RJ Yellowstone
12 5 125 Paige Shaw Chex Custer
12 6 116 Dakota Woodring Lenas Parr Delight Gallatin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
13 1 150 Ira Miner Cachinge Beaverhead 
13 2 186 Annie Otto Minnie Teton
13 3 190 Maci Brooks Jackie Teton
13 4 122 Nathan Farris Cat Cascade
13 5 144 Brea Sattoriva Popcorn Hill
13 6 179 Adison Powell Lil Joe Cascade

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
14 1 130 Samantha Lee BNH Smoke N Smart Cascade
14 2 146 Connor Fryberger MB Goodgollymsmolly Teton
14 3 156 Mesa Scalese Sierra Judith Basin
14 4 185 Amya Otto Willow Teton
14 5 134 Logan Kellom Mister Judith Basin
14 6 132 Reata Jones Tilde Ravalli

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
15 1 188 Allissa Otto Rolling Starlight Teton
15 2 184 Kaylee Otto O Bar Pendleton Way Teton
15 3 108 Luke Jassen Shiney Orange Crush Cascade
15 4 118 Makenze Woodring Trashy Rooster Gallatin
15 5 127 Kora McCray Miss Piggy Judith Basin
15 6 139 Leann Murphy Spud Cascade
15 6 180 Norah Stromberg Jiggers Flying Wood Judith Basin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
16 1 189 Caden Brooks Maggie Teton
16 2 163 Kiarra Kennedy Haida RJ Yellowstone
16 3 128 Lynn Catterlin Jackson Gallatin
16 4 125 Paige Shaw Chex Custer
16 5 121 Clay Stott Plummer Yellowstone
16 6 113 Reis Speer Bullet Silver Bow

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
17 1 117 Josey Woodring Sapphire Gallatin
17 2 168 Carson Hixson Kit Ravalli
17 3 104 Adley Emrich Jewel Cascade
17 4 181 Wyatt Stromberg Brigitte Judith Basin
17 5 147 Cooper Fryberger Highbrow Willow 406 Teton
17 6 169 Aliya Hoffman Tennesee Teton

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
18 1 146 Connor Fryberger MB Goodgollymsmolly Teton
18 2 185 Amya Otto Willow Teton
18 3 130 Samantha Lee BNH Smoke N Smart Cascade
18 4 103 Jessica Elings Bar Two Zipin Slowly Fergus-Petroleum
18 5 156 Mesa Scalese Sierra Judith Basin
18 6 134 Logan Kellom Mister Judith Basin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
19 1 180 Norah Stromberg Jiggers Flying Wood Judith Basin
19 2 108 Luke Jassen Shiney Orange Crush Cascade
19 3 184 Kaylee Otto O Bar Pendleton Way Teton
19 4 118 Makenze Woodring Trashy Rooster Gallatin
19 5 162 Keegan Kennedy Docs Silver-N-Reno Yellowstone
19 6 145 Emma Baeth Zig Gallatin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
20 1 116 Dakota Woodring Lenas Parr Delight Gallatin
20 2 125 Paige Shaw Chex Custer
20 3 163 Kiarra Kennedy Haida RJ Yellowstone
20 4 109 Reagan Jassen Wish Iza Lazy Cascade
20 5 189 Caden Brooks Maggie Teton
20 6 121 Clay Stott Plummer Yellowstone

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
21 1 110 Reagan Jassen Miss Busy Rein Cascade
21 2 124 Paige Shaw Porkchop Custer
21 3 148 Laynie Sattoriva Boudreaux Sugar Time Hill
21 4 140 Aspen Smart Pippa Gallatin
21 5 142 Afton Mignery Hickory Smallfry Judith Basin
21 6 119 Dakota Woodring Lenas Trashy Sparkle Gallatin

Class

Place

Entry No.

Exhibitor Name

Horse Name

County
22 1 124 Paige Shaw Porkchop Custer
22 2 110 Reagan Jassen Miss Busy Rein Cascade
22 3 166 Ariana Banner High On Sierra Teton
22 4 148 Laynie Sattoriva Boudreaux Sugar Time Hill
22 5 120 Makenze Woodring Gunna B A Pretty Daisy Gallatin
22 6 179 Adison Powell Lil Joe Cascade

Place

Name

County
1st Mesa Scalese Judith Basin
2nd Samantha Lee Cascade
3rd Logan Kellom Judith Basin
4th Connor Fryberger Teton
5th Reata Jones Ravalli
6th Jessica Elings Fergus
7th Amya Otto Teton
8th Josephine Casto Gallatin
9th Micah Widmer Teton
10th Taylor King Fergus

Place

Name

County
1st Kaylee Otto Teton
2nd Allissa Otto Teton
3rd Luke Jassen Cascade
4th Sicily Scalese Judith Basin
5th Kora McCray Judith Basin
6th Norah Stromberg Judith Basin
7th Charlotte Steele Gallatin
8th Leann Murphy Cascade
9th Makenze Woodring Gallatin
10th Kealie Hixson Ravalli

Place

Name

County
1st Paige Shaw Custer
1st Caden Brooks Teton
2nd Kiarra Kennedy Yellowstone
3rd Clay Stott Yellowstone
4th Dakota Woodring Gallatin
5th Reagan Jassen Cascade
6th Reis Speer Silver Bow
7th Allie Uecker Fergus
8th Lynn Catterlin Gallatin
9th Cheyenne Prater Lewis & Clark

Place

Name

County
1st Reagan Jassen Cascade
2nd Paige Shaw Custer
3rd Laynie Sattoriva Hill
4th Aspen Smart Gallatin
5th Afton Mignery Judith Basin
6th Adison Powell Cascade
7th Ariana Banner Teton
8th Makenze Woodring Gallatin
9th Dakota Woodring Gallatin
10th Justine Curry Fergus