If you wish to ride in a western pleasure show, there are a number of points to consider. To be successful the right type of horse is paramount. Western pleasure in not suited to highly strung, spirited mounts. Horses in these classes should move in a smooth, slow manner with a relatively low head carriage. They will need to be well-conformed and perfectly groomed.
A walk, jog and lope will be required in the arena. A rein-back is also required. Horses that are very slow and those that have irregular gaits will be penalized. The horse is ridden with a noticeable loop in the reins. To achieve control and smooth transitions on a loose rein requires hours of training. The horse should stay in the same frame whatever he is asked to do.
The most popular breeds used in these classes are the stock horse breeds such as the American paint, the Quarter horse and the appaloosa. Arabians and Morgans are also quite popular. Breeds that carry their heads in a naturally higher position need consistent training if they are to achieve the required lower carriage.
A level topline is the ideal with the head in line with the withers. Excessive deviation from a natural position will cause resistance in the horse. The horse must bring the hind legs well under the body when he is moving and this is difficult if the head is carried too low. Careful training is needed to develop the correct muscling in the hindquarters. Rhythmic, cadenced paces are very important. Any unevenness in the gait will be penalised.
Horse and rider wear western gear. Chaps, jeans or dress pants, fitted shirt, belt, cowboy hat and boots are standard. Some like to add a waistcoat. Anything that suggests the rider is not sitting still should be avoided. Frills, a loose-fitting shirt or loose, bouncing hair all detract from a rider's appearance. As styles change a little with each season, it pays to note what is currently in fashion. Pay attention to the colour of your outfit to ensure it complements your horse.
The horse and tack should be immaculate. Clip the legs, muzzle, face and ears. It is a requirement for some breeds that the mane and tail be left natural. The manes of stock horse breeds are usually shortened and often banded. Banding causes the mane to lie flat, contributing to a neat appearance.
The tail is normally cut straight across the bottom. Trim a little at a time so that you don't accidentally cut the tail too short. The horse carries his tail higher when moving than when at rest and it is easy to remove too much. Horses shown with natural manes and tails should not to be shown with a tail extension.
Saddlery should be thoroughly cleaned. Polish any silver until it gleams. If you need an underblanket under the saddle, it should not be visible. Ringcraft will help you display your mount to its best advantage. Try to avoid entering the ring with a bunch of other riders. While appearance of horse and rider is very important, western pleasure show classes are judged mainly on the behavior and manners of the horse.
A walk, jog and lope will be required in the arena. A rein-back is also required. Horses that are very slow and those that have irregular gaits will be penalized. The horse is ridden with a noticeable loop in the reins. To achieve control and smooth transitions on a loose rein requires hours of training. The horse should stay in the same frame whatever he is asked to do.
The most popular breeds used in these classes are the stock horse breeds such as the American paint, the Quarter horse and the appaloosa. Arabians and Morgans are also quite popular. Breeds that carry their heads in a naturally higher position need consistent training if they are to achieve the required lower carriage.
A level topline is the ideal with the head in line with the withers. Excessive deviation from a natural position will cause resistance in the horse. The horse must bring the hind legs well under the body when he is moving and this is difficult if the head is carried too low. Careful training is needed to develop the correct muscling in the hindquarters. Rhythmic, cadenced paces are very important. Any unevenness in the gait will be penalised.
Horse and rider wear western gear. Chaps, jeans or dress pants, fitted shirt, belt, cowboy hat and boots are standard. Some like to add a waistcoat. Anything that suggests the rider is not sitting still should be avoided. Frills, a loose-fitting shirt or loose, bouncing hair all detract from a rider's appearance. As styles change a little with each season, it pays to note what is currently in fashion. Pay attention to the colour of your outfit to ensure it complements your horse.
The horse and tack should be immaculate. Clip the legs, muzzle, face and ears. It is a requirement for some breeds that the mane and tail be left natural. The manes of stock horse breeds are usually shortened and often banded. Banding causes the mane to lie flat, contributing to a neat appearance.
The tail is normally cut straight across the bottom. Trim a little at a time so that you don't accidentally cut the tail too short. The horse carries his tail higher when moving than when at rest and it is easy to remove too much. Horses shown with natural manes and tails should not to be shown with a tail extension.
Saddlery should be thoroughly cleaned. Polish any silver until it gleams. If you need an underblanket under the saddle, it should not be visible. Ringcraft will help you display your mount to its best advantage. Try to avoid entering the ring with a bunch of other riders. While appearance of horse and rider is very important, western pleasure show classes are judged mainly on the behavior and manners of the horse.
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