What is the Sport of Team Penning? Team Penning Rules and Code of Conduct What is the Sport of Team Penning Team Penning is an equestrian sport that started in America evolving from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring or transport.

Today, it is a fast-paced and exciting event that provides a team of three riders 2.00 minutes to separate three same colour collared cattle from the herd and pen into a yard located at the opposite end of the arena.

The herd can range from 21 head to 30 head of cattle and judges ensure that the colours are rotated fairly amongst the various teams. Team work is the key with all three riders required to work in harmony to cut out the correct cattle and drive them to the pen at the opposite end of the arena while keeping the wrong coloured cattle back.

The sport is widely promoted as the fastest growing western horse sport in the United States, Canada and Europe, with an estimated 93,000 active team penners alone in North America. Dayboro Cow Horse Club proudly promotes the sport of Team Penning that encourages the mixing of all age groups, abilities and skill levels within a fun, social, yet competitive atmosphere. The Team Penning rules for Dayboro Cow Horse Club are listed

If you have never seen the sport of Team Penning in action come and have a look at one of our club days or better still why not have a go at one of our bi-monthly team penning practice afternoons. No team required for our practice sessions, teams formed on the day. Refer to calendar of events for the next practice day.

Team Penning Rules and Code of Conduct

1. There are 30 head of cattle used in the arena, with 10 different colored collars – (3 cattle having the same color.) Cattle will be changed immediately following the tenth penning run unless the decision has been made with remaining team(s) and committee that the competition can be completed with those existing cattle.

2. The arena is set up into 2 sections. A white line is drawn separating cattle and riders. This will be used as the cattle line.

3. The announcer will call the team into the arena. When the judge is ready, he/she will give the team the designated color or number. Once nose of first horse of a team member crosses cattle line – at that point time will then start.

4. Team will have a total of 2 minutes in which the event is to be completed with 3 or less cattle penned. A warning signal will be sounded when team has only 30 seconds remaining. 5. No more than 5 head of cattle shall be allowed at any time over the penning side of cattle line. If there are more than 5 head of cattle, team will be disqualified. 6. When the claimed cattle are over the cattle line, all riders must immediately cross the line to pen cattle. No riders are to go back across the line or you will be disqualified.

7. At no stage are horse & rider permitted to enter the pen to remove any incorrect cattle or when claiming time. The line of the gate will be determined by the judge on the day and be explained to the competitors before commencement of the competition. All horses must be under control when they reach the line of the gate.

8. Once you have the claimed cattle penned, there must be a team member blocking the gateway with hand raised to signal time. Time will be recorded when the judge is satisfied team has control over penned stock. No time shall be recorded unless all incorrect cattle have returned to cattle side of the line.

9. In the event that all claimed cattle have been penned and 1 or more breaks free, time will still be recorded with remaining penned cattle. The position of breaking – away cattle will be disregarded.

10. No blocking of cattle in pen by any team member(s) is allowed whilst other cattle are still being sought. This action will result in disqualification.

11. A competitor can compete 3 times, but not in the same team unless determined by organizing committee. 12. A team must compete as a whole team (same 3 riders) for at least 3 of the series rounds to qualify for a buckle. 13. A junior team will consist of children 17 years & under. All juniors must wear safety helmets. 14. No tie downs or rings are permitted

15. Rough handling of stock will result in disqualification at the discretion of the judge.

16. If a rider has fallen from horse in competition it will be the judges decision whether the rider is in danger and if so the team will be disqualified.

17. If a run is stopped by the judge, clocks must be stopped and a time recorded. A decision will be made at the end of the competition if a re-run is to be awarded. A rerun will not be given if there are placings with faster times. Judges decision is final.

18. Disputes in judges decision must be handled through correct procedures I.E.:- A fee of $20 up front and compliant must be lodged at secretaries box during competition. Judges may only be approached or questioned by a single team member in direct relation to their own team’s run. If this is breeched that team will receive a fine of $50 and will be disqualified from that competition and any further competition with loss of series points. A copy of the Team Penning Rules and Code of Conduct are available to download from here. Team Penning Rules and Code of Conduct.