They are quiet, attentive, and obedient in nature, while remaining highly athletic.

Ranch horses works naturally from its hind quarters, whether with a cow or performing other tasks. This includes the ability to slide stop, rollback, and spin.

These horses is balanced and between the reins, with the more finished horses being ridden one-handed and in a bridle. As a result, these horses can accurately change leads, stay balanced, and go forward at a variety of speeds.

A ranch horse is a graceful and efficient mover with good length of stride and much adjustability. A ranch horse should never move in a manner that is highly stylized or would detract from his ability to complete ranch tasks.

Ranch horses can transition precisely up and down through the gaits, from any gait to any gait, even while traveling through terrain outside of the arena.

These horses can quietly and safely negotiate any obstacles that it may encounter on the ranch, including gates of differing configurations, dragging items with a rope, or passing over obstacles on the ground.

The best of these horses performs these tasks while remaining alert, aware, careful, and relaxed, always able to stand quietly whenever it is required.

A truly versatile ranch horse is completely comfortable and capable with cattle. This horse can separate a single cow from a herd and hold it away from that herd with a minimum of guidance.

The best of these horses can “read” that cow and help the rider to complete the task efficiently, even if some guidance is required. A truly versatile ranch horse can also control and direct a single cow. While working from its hindquarters and with the use of a fence, that horse should be able to hold that cow in a space, send that cow in any direction, and cause the cow to change directions.