Points To Consider When Competing In A Western Pleasure Show
A western pleasure show horse needs to be calm, willing and well-trained. This class is not the place for a spirited mount. Slow, smooth paces will be expected. The head is carried quite low, creating a level topline. Conformation is important as a badly conformed horse will have trouble moving in the manner required.
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.
Some breed shows have their own classes. In an open class, stock horse breeds are popular. These include Quarter horses, paints and the appaloosas. Morgans and Arabians are also quite common. Some breeds have a natural higher head carriage and will need careful training to encourage them to carry their head in a lower position.
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.
Banging the tail is common. As the horse lifts its tail a little as soon as it moves, it is important not to cut the tail too short. Hold the tail up a little in a natural position and then cut it. Some breeds allow the addition of 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.
Some breed shows have their own classes. In an open class, stock horse breeds are popular. These include Quarter horses, paints and the appaloosas. Morgans and Arabians are also quite common. Some breeds have a natural higher head carriage and will need careful training to encourage them to carry their head in a lower position.
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.
Banging the tail is common. As the horse lifts its tail a little as soon as it moves, it is important not to cut the tail too short. Hold the tail up a little in a natural position and then cut it. Some breeds allow the addition of 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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