A ranch horse should ideally have which of the following attributes?

A ranch horse should ideally possess a keen sense of cow because this ability is crucial for working with cattle. Horses trained for ranching are often needed to assist with tasks such as herding cattle, moving them to different pastures, or separating them. A keen sense of cow allows the horse to understand and predict the movements of the cattle, making it easier to manage and control them effectively.

This attribute ensures that the horse can respond to the unpredictable behavior of cattle, facilitating smoother operations on the ranch. The horse's sensitivity and instincts can help anticipate the actions of the herd, allowing the rider to direct the animals more effectively.

While strong jumping ability, an excellent herding instinct, and fast running speed can all be beneficial traits for certain tasks or breeds, they do not directly address the primary function of a ranch horse, which revolves around effective cattle handling and management. Therefore, the keen sense of cow stands out as the most valuable attribute for a ranch horse.