Western Riding UK

Western Tack and Equipment

Parts of the Western Bridle

The Western bridle consists of three primary components: the headstall, the bit, and the reins. The headstall is composed of a head or crown piece, cheek pieces, and occasionally, a browband and throatlatch, which aid in securing the bridle.

The reins typically have a length of up to eight feet and are made of two pieces of leather. They are fastened to both sides of the bit and are usually either 1/2″ or 5/8″ in width.

1. The first step involves considering the crown piece.

The browband is a piece of material that is worn across the forehead.

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The term “throatlatch” refers to the part of a horse’s head and neck where the throat and upper neck meet.

5. the location where the bit connects

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The brow band has the option of being straight across the brow or being two separate pieces of leather joined in the middle to create a knot, also referred to as a Futurity Knot.

There are two types of headstalls: one-ear and two-ear headstalls. These types eliminate the need for a browband and instead utilize a leather piece with openings or loops attached to the crown piece, which can be adjusted to fit over either one or both ears.

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At the commencement of their training, horses frequently wear snaffles in order to receive direct rein aids. The inclusion of a leather curb strap ensures the snaffle remains securely in place and does not slide.

When the reins are shortened, snaffle bits, which can have a jointed or solid mouthpiece, directly impact the tongue, palette, and corners of the mouth.

Experienced trainers use twisted wire snaffles cautiously to “lighten” a heavy mouth, as the severity of the action increases with a thinner mouthpiece.

Parts of the Bit

When used correctly, bits have an impact on a horse’s mouth, chin, and poll, enabling the rider to maintain control.

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5. The shank

Restrictive measures such as curbs and limitations.

Curb bits serve as a refining aid for more advanced, necked reined horses. Their purpose is to induce the horse to lower his head and shape his body.

Because their action is potentially severe, it is important to exercise caution when riding a horse in a curb bit.

Curb bits are employed alongside a curb chain that runs below the horse’s chin, functioning with a ‘leverage’ action. When a rider lifts their hand to take up the reins, the impact of the curb is sensed in the mouth, at the horse’s poll (where the bridle passes behind its ears), and beneath the chin via the curb chain.

When comparing a bit with a straight shank to one with an S-shaped shank, the leverage action will show slight variation. The sensation experienced by a horse when the bit is activated will also be influenced by the weight of the bit and the adjustment of the curb chain.

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A port is a U-shaped feature that is inverted and positioned in the center of a mouthpiece. By having a low port, adequate space is created for the tongue, therefore preventing the horse from positioning it above the mouthpiece.

When using a high port, it is important to be cautious because it puts pressure on the horse’s palate. In some cases, the port may have a roller, which can help relax a nervous horse by providing something for it to interact with, thus encouraging the horse to accept the bit. Additionally, it is believed that copper and sweet iron metals promote salivation in horses and help them accept the bit’s action.

Ports that are not composed of a U-shaped bar but are solid in structure are referred to as spoons or spades.

Guide to Western Saddles: Parts of a Western Saddle

The name of this area differs based on the type of saddle: In Western saddles, it is called the fork or swells, whereas in English saddles, it is exclusively referred to as the pommel.

The gullet is a crucial component of the saddle as it serves as a protective tunnel for the horse’s withers. If it is positioned too low, it can come into contact with the horse’s withers and result in pain or injury.

The gullet channel, which is located on the underside of the tree, creates a significant space. This space serves to decrease pressure on the horse’s spine and central nervous system.

The horn, also referred to as the saddle horn, is the most identifiable component of a Western saddle. Its well-known purpose is to anchor one end of a rope while the opposite end is fastened to a cow, calf, or any animal that has been roped. Saddle horns serve various useful functions, such as aiding in mounting or dismounting a horse and providing a place to hang saddlebags.

The seat refers to the portion of the saddle specifically designed for the rider to sit on.

The function of the cantle is to connect the bars at the back and provide support for the back of the seat. A lower cantle facilitates quick dismounting during cattle work, while a higher cantle ensures back support and helps maintain stability in the seat during the twisting and turning movements involved in Barrel racing.

The latigo, a leather strip, is fastened around the horse’s girth and connects to the back cinch of the saddle. It is secured with a small tab featuring a horizontal opening, which plays a crucial role in keeping Western saddles in place.

The strap known as Latigo is constructed from durable leather or nylon material and is used to fasten the front cinch to the horse.

A blevin serves as a belt buckle to both modify the saddle for individuals with various leg lengths and keep the stirrup length secure.

There is usually a billet strap, which is made of leather or sometimes nylon, situated on either side of the saddle. Its purpose is to secure the cinch. In contrast, English saddles have billet straps on both sides, while a western saddle typically has an off-billet strap (on the right side for left-side riding, and vice versa) along with one latigo strap (located near-side).

Stirrup hobble straps are utilized in order to secure the stirrup fender extensions. These straps are wrapped around the lower part of the extension and fastened tightly using buckles on one end and corresponding holes on the other. Hobbles are employed to retain the alignment of the stirrup leathers. It is crucial that the stirrups consistently hang at a 90-degree angle to the fender to facilitate easy insertion of your feet, and these straps are responsible for maintaining this position.

The rider is protected by two leg shields on Western saddles, which are known as fenders.

The stirrup, which is a triangular piece, serves as a resting place for the rider’s feet during horseback riding. Its main function is to provide support for the rider’s legs and assist in maintaining an appropriate position that is beneficial for both the rider and the horse.

The stirrup leathers, which are made of heavy leather, serve the purpose of holding the stirrups.

Most saddles have front, back, and side jockeys. These jockeys serve multiple purposes: they run the saddle length, protect the rider’s leg, and provide a polished appearance.

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Saddling a Western Horse

If you follow this step-by-step guide by Beth Stefani, you will be able to saddle your horse with minimal fuss.

1. Tie your horse up before saddling. If he is a fidget, you should get him used to being cross tied using two lead ropes clipped to either side of his halter and attached to two sturdy posts.
2. Ensure your horse is well brushed with all mud, sweat and loose hair removed . Pay particular attention to the cinch and saddle areas. Any rubs or sores here will mean no riding until they have healed.
3. Standing on the horse’s left, place the saddle pad on his back, just forward of where it will eventually rest. Slide the pad back into the proper position just behind the withers so that your horse’s coat lays flat.
4. Ensure the offside stirrup and cinch are flipped up over the saddle’s seat before placing it on the horse.
5. Still standing on the left side, lift the saddle up and place it gently and squarely on the horse’s back, making sure it’s centred. Going around to the other side, pull down the cinch and stirrup.
6. From the left side again, hook the left stirrup over the horn, then reach under the horse’s belly and pull the cinch toward you.
7. Thread the latigo from the left side and pass it through the ring on the end of the cinch. You may need to do this twice. Pull out the slack and fasten it off like a belt. If you need to tie your latigo, thread it around the back of the D ring to the left, and bring it around to the front and back through. The end should come through the middle of the D and thread down behind the loop you have just made (like tying a tie). Pull tightly again.
8. If there is also a flank billet (rear cinch), fasten it so you can fit a hand between it and the horse. Also, make sure to connect the rear cinch to the front cinch with a strap. If you don’t, the rear cinch will slide back, causing the horse discomfort.
9. When you are ready to ride, untie your horse, put on his bridle and walk him forward a few strides. Go back to his cinch and tighten it up before mounting.

The technique of swinging

If you find it difficult to handle the weight of the saddle, attempt the following methods:

Position yourself by the left shoulder of the horse, ensuring that the saddle is near your right hip. Have your right hand on the off side of the cantle, while your left hand should be on the near side, specifically at the base of the fork.

Begin by positioning your feet shoulder-width apart, with your left foot positioned in front and near the front hoof of the horse, while your right foot is slightly behind your left foot.

To generate momentum, rock your body in a backward and rightward direction for three repetitions. When returning forward from the third rocking motion, rotate your torso towards the horse, aligning your stomach with it. Employ your right arm to swing the saddle up and over, as if you intend to embrace the horse.

Western Horse Events

In this section, we will guide you through the primary occasions where horse shows for competitive western riders take place.

What is Reining?

Reining is a widely recognized discipline and currently an FEI sport. It is an exhilarating sport for spectators and a thrilling test for participating riders. If you enjoy watching spins, slides, flying changes, fast and slow runs, then continue reading.

Reining is a type of class where both the horse and rider are assessed based on the precision of the pattern, which they have to complete solely from memory.

Western dressage is frequently characterized as the counterpart of dressage in the Western world, where the horse and rider must synchronize to execute the movements without revealing the rider’s cues.

Cattle work originated from the need for agile horses that could swiftly change direction and come to an immediate stop. The horses had to be guided primarily through leg aids and weight, with only minimal use of the reins, allowing the cowboy to concentrate on the current task.

Each pattern consists of the following actions, which should be executed smoothly and precisely by both the horse and rider, including the control of speed.

Reining Manoeuvres

Performing spins in a full rotation of 360 degrees.

The horse is required to execute a full 360-degree turn while keeping the inside hind leg motionless. In simpler terms, the horse should rotate around its inside hind leg. The evaluation of spins is based on their accuracy, fluidity, and rhythm.

The process of performing flying lead changes by horses in their gaits.

The horse completes a flying change by switching the leading front and hind legs during suspension. Precision is important in judging the transition, as points will be deducted for changes performed too early or too late.

Circles that are small and slow, as well as circles that are large and fast.

The horse can perform two gaits: a slow, relaxed canter called the lope and a four-beat gait named the gallop. The circles the horse makes should be perfectly round, and transitioning between small, slow circles and large, fast circles should be effortless.

Stopping by sliding

The horse achieves a stop by actively placing his hocks beneath him and smoothly sliding on his hind feet, while the front legs maintain a walking motion. Prior to executing a sliding stop, it is important for the stop to occur in a straight line. The “rundown,” which involves the horse running alongside the arena, is done to gain momentum before performing the stop.

After completing the sliding stop, there are three options: staying in place and coming to a halt, rolling back, and proceeding to the subsequent section of the pattern or going back.

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To execute a rollback from a sliding stop, start by making a 180-degree turn over the hocks while keeping one leg weighted inside. Begin by leading with the inside front leg and, once you complete the turn, continue loping on the correct lead for the next maneuver.

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The task requires performing a straight line movement for at least 10ft (3m) by following a sequence of steps. The evaluation of the manoeuvre is based on how well it maintains a straight line, how smooth the execution is, and how quickly it is completed.

How is reining judged?

This sport is evaluated individually by judges, who assign a score to each run ranging from 0 to infinity. An average score is typically 70. Every horse starts with a score of 70, and the judge then adjusts the score by adding or deducting points for each maneuver, with a range of -1.5 to +1.5.

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A score of 70 is considered good and is something that reining competitors strive for. When a maneuver is executed correctly, without any level of difficulty, there will be no gain or deduction of points.

In order to achieve a +score, one must exhibit a combination of smoothness, finesse, attitude, and quickness during manoeuvres. The level of difficulty is enhanced by speed in the pattern, which results in a reward, but this is only applicable if the speed is maintained under control.

Among others, faults that can result in a -score are excessive mouth opening, raising the head on the stop, anticipating, refusal to change leads, and stumbling.

Exhibitor disqualification may occur due to deviation from the specified pattern, usage of unauthorized equipment, display of disrespect or misconduct, or display of evidence indicating abuse before or during the run.

Equipment and Attire

In order to stay safe, horses typically have splint boots on their front legs and skid boots on their back legs. Additionally, horses commonly wear a special kind of horseshoes called sliders, which have wider and smoother plates compared to normal shoes.

When it comes to choosing the right saddle for competition riding, it is recommended to consult with Western saddlers who are knowledgeable in this area. In terms of this particular discipline, it is advisable to seek a saddle with stirrups that are forward-hung. These stirrups are specifically designed to position the rider in a seated position that is both deep and set back. This positioning enables quick starts and stops while also facilitating close contact for improved communication with your horse.

For this competition, riders should wear a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, cowboy boots, and chaps, while avoiding overly flashy attire.

Barrel Racing

The challenge involves racing against time. The arena contains three barrels arranged in a cloverleaf pattern, and the rider must skillfully navigate the pattern with speed and accuracy.

From the get-go, this event becomes thrilling as the rider enters the arena at a fast pace. They swiftly approach the initial barrel, performing a full circle around it, then head towards the second barrel to complete another circle. Upon finishing this, the rider propels towards the third barrel. Once barrel three is conquered, the rider takes off at full speed, making a final run towards the finish line.

If heart-thumping, adrenaline-filled fun is your thing, keep reading because the entire experience is quickly over in a matter of seconds!

History of Barrel Racing

The event, which originated in the 1930s as a women’s sport, involved alternating between a cloverleaf and figure-eight pattern at the time. Initially, speed was not considered crucial. However, in 1949, the event’s evaluation criteria shifted from the appearance of the girl and her horse to the determination of the shortest time.

In 1948, the Girl’s Rodeo Association (GRA) was established, leading to the evolution of this event into the fast and exciting sport we witness today. The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) took over from the GRA in 1981, and now the sport offers prize money that rivals that of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Modern Barrel Racing

Like any contemporary sport, barrel racing is inclusive of both women and men. Associations like the Nation Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) and similar organizations embrace the participation of women and men in their membership and competitions.

The development of the IBHF (International Barrel Horse Foundation) is now under the responsibility of overseeing its expansion globally. Over 20 countries, such as Brazil, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Canada, and France, currently have NBHA’s in operation.

Barrel Racing in the UK

The objective of the UKBHA is to encourage the sport and enhance involvement, by offering coaching and riding opportunities for barrel racers across the UK. Additionally, they aim to establish a support network that enhances the standard and number of riders, horses, and competitions.

Barrel Racing Basics

In order to complete the task, riders are required to swiftly turn each of the three barrels arranged in a cloverleaf pattern. They have the option to opt for a pattern that involves two left-hand turns and one right-hand turn, or conversely, one right-hand turn and two left-hand turns.

In order to successfully complete the required pattern and number of turns, the rider must execute a series of straight lines along with sharp, rapid turns.

In order to be able to compete at speed, it is crucial to first practice at slower paces with your horse. Just like any competition, being accurate is extremely important. Being precise will help save time when you are prepared to enter the competition.

According to the IBHF, the athleticism and mental state of the horse as well as the horsemanship skills of the rider play a crucial role.

To enhance your precision, it is advisable to engage in practicing riding your horse in a figure-eight pattern and circles. Don’t forget to factor in stamina and conditioning exercises for both you and your horse.

Judging and Scoring

Before you start, make sure to read the rule book as different associations may have different rules. The distance between the first and second barrels is 90 feet, and there is 105 feet between the second and third barrels.

Due to the fast-paced nature of this event, penalties are measured in seconds. In a highly competitive class where seconds can determine victory or defeat, a five-second penalty carries considerable importance. To ensure precise recording of start and finish times, numerous associations rely on electronic timers and sensors.

In order to achieve success in this class, the participant needs to follow the pattern accurately and avoid causing any barrels to fall down. If a barrel gets tipped over, it will lead to a penalty of five seconds, while straying from the designated pattern will result in receiving a score of zero.

Tack and Equipment

The purpose of sports boots is to safeguard the legs of the horse from getting injured.

When considering saddles, it is important to note that they typically feature deep seats and short skirts. This design enables riders to sit deep and step out during quick and tight turns, while keeping their legs slightly forward. Additionally, using a breast collar can assist in preventing the saddle from shifting backward during fast starts. Therefore, it is advisable to seek guidance from a reputable saddle fitter to guarantee that you have the appropriate equipment for your intended equine sport.

Apparel

A standard dress code includes wearing a western hat or a safety hat, along with long-sleeved western shirts or blouses, riding jeans, western boots, and a western belt.

Western Pleasure

The riding style known as Western pleasure mandates that horses are trained to move accurately and in a measured manner. Riders prompt the horse to maintain a consistent and seamless gait, while judges observe for specific rhythms and tempos.

In Western pleasure, horses need to be aware and carry their heads level and slightly down. Horses that are calm and able to maintain a consistent and smooth rhythm are typically the most suitable for performing well in Western pleasure.

The majority of horse breeds that are utilized in Western pleasure have sturdy builds and are of taller stature. These horses typically have a leaner physique in both their shoulder and hip regions. This is due to the fact that Western pleasure necessitates horses to maintain steep angles and execute smooth, purposeful movements.

In Western pleasure, horses need to maintain a level neck and exhibit smooth strides that appear effortless. Quarter horses are often well-suited for Western pleasure due to their strong hindquarters and ability to excel in this category, provided they have received the necessary training in this particular sub-category.

An Appaloosa is also well-suited for Western pleasure, as it shares similar traits to a Quarter horse such as smooth gaits and a generally calm temperament.

These horses possess great elegance and possess an effortless manner of moving that enables them to perform with ease.

Cutting

Cutting is a display of competitive ranching activities, where the purpose often involves isolating a specific cow from the herd for medical treatment or relocation. Certain cowboys and their horses have acquired remarkable abilities in executing these duties.

Competitions were established among cowboys and ranches, where individuals and teams utilized these activities to demonstrate their horse and rider capabilities. In the discipline of cutting, both the horse and rider collaborate to separate and guide one cow towards a specific location.

In the process, the rider and horse collaborate to separate a specific cow from its group, while the cow tries to rejoin its herd. Frequently, the rider grants the horse autonomy to handle the cow, thereby showcasing the horse’s natural instincts.

When a cow refuses to be separated from its herd, it can be difficult to guide and manage them.