Pam D. wants to know how she can persuade her horse to keep his head down during western pleasure classes as he has become more energetic and gets easily distracted by everything around him. A horse that is more interested in observing its surroundings inside or outside the arena is not giving its full attention to its rider. Instead of being preoccupied with where the horse is directing its … [Read more...]
Western Pleasure Basics
The original western pleasure horse was capable of being ridden comfortably around the farm and on the road, providing an enjoyable experience for the rider as they walked, jogged, or loped. Over the course of many years and horse shows, these horses have become specialized to the point that most pleasure horses are specifically bred for this particular event and have not been exposed to a farm or … [Read more...]
5 Weird Reining Stop Tips That Actually Work
There is a lot of sliding stop advice available online (and in the stands at reining or reined cow horse shows), where people will enthusiastically talk about the advantages of fencing your horse and emphasize the significance of running in a straight line. Undoubtedly, phrases such as "securing the stop" will be spoken. All of that is valuable and worth pursuing. However, my stops continued … [Read more...]
Step-by-step guide to long-reining
Long-reining is a ground-based training and exercise technique that serves as a beneficial method for both the education and physical conditioning of your horse. Regardless of your horse's level of expertise, long-reining proves to be a valuable approach in training and maintaining their fitness and flexibility without the added burden of a rider. Moreover, it grants you the opportunity to observe … [Read more...]
Western riding (horse show)
Western Riding is a competitive event at American horse shows, specifically for stock horse breeds like the American Quarter Horse. It should not be confused with the general term "western riding," which encompasses various forms of equestrianism using a western saddle. In this particular class, the horse and rider must complete a pattern that combines reining and trail elements, while also … [Read more...]
We Ask Trainers: Tips to Fix Bad Western Pleasure Habits
Western Pleasure is a popular western discipline that evaluates horses based on their quality of movement. Riders are required to walk, jog, and lope in both directions while maintaining a loose rein to display the horse's calmness. Judges penalize riders who fail to remain composed during these movements. The sport emphasizes the slow and relaxed nature of western horse culture, along with flashy … [Read more...]
Tutorials : Advanced Western Pleasure
WESTERN PLEASURE is a class at horse shows, and it involves a rider on a western saddle, rather than a casual ride for pleasure. In order to participate in a western pleasure class, a horse must give the impression that it is enjoyable to ride. During the class, horses must perform at a walk, jog, and lope, demonstrating correct leads in both directions of the arena. Additionally, they may be … [Read more...]
Show-Ring Turnout
It is crucial for every skilled show rider to understand the significance of presenting a well-groomed and stylish show horse to the judge, rather than a outdated fashion disaster. Although superior training and riding skills cannot be substituted by attractive equipment, it can make a difference and potentially outshine competitors who are equally capable. Saddle Seat The saddle seat horse … [Read more...]
How do you judge reining?
In a reining class, exhibitors perform a specified pattern on an individual basis. The guidelines for reining that are generally accepted and established by the National Reining Horse Association are as follows: To rein a horse is not only to guide it but also to control its every movement. The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent … [Read more...]
Judging Horse Events – Western Horsemanship
The judging of the western horsemanship event is based on the performance of the horse for the rider as well as the skill of the rider. The judge, using a systematic approach, is considering the matter carefully and proceeding in a logical manner. evaluates the rider’s position tests the ability of the rider and the horse to perform a prescribed pattern Rider’s Position … [Read more...]