Most breed and open circuit horse shows include Western pleasure classes. Many horse owners choose the pleasure class as their initial foray into the show world in order to enjoy their horses more. However, newcomers often feel disoriented and let down by their initial lack of achievement due to the simplicity of the class routine. This article explores the fundamentals of Western pleasure competition and the characteristics that judges seek in a champion.
Western Pleasure Is Not As Simple As Many Think
Horsemanship, like dancing and gymnastics, requires a considerable amount of time and study to properly evaluate differences among couples on the dance floor or gymnasts performing floor exercises. Judging Western pleasure, which may appear “simple,” is actually quite complicated. In a Western pleasure competition, each horse and rider team goes through three gaits while traveling in one direction in the arena, then reverses and repeats the same three gaits in the opposite direction. Additionally, they must also back up at some point. The three gaits include walk, jog, and lope. Scoring this may seem easy, but Western pleasure is actually a highly technical discipline. Many riders participate in Western pleasure competitions without truly understanding the criteria that judges use to select winners and rank riders from first to last. It is important to note that in pleasure classes, only the horse’s performance is evaluated, while riders are assessed in horsemanship and equitation classes.
When evaluating a horse’s performance in a pleasure class, a judge inquires about various aspects. If any of these questions are unclear, it suggests that your horse is probably not performing correctly. In such cases, it is advisable to study that specific topic or seek clarification from someone knowledgeable.
The criteria the judge considers when selecting a winner is what the judge looks for in a winner.
Are the horse’s gaits correct? Is the horse displaying elevation in its shoulders? Is the performance consistent, with each stride resembling the one before and after? Does the horse move in a relaxed and collected manner? Does the horse have a pleasant appearance, exhibiting a steady frame and a natural head position that is neither too high nor too low? Are the horse’s gaits smooth and effortless, or do they seem forced? Comparing a class of skilled competitors to a class with no clear winner is an easier task. How do you differentiate between a horse that doesn’t perform all three required gaits and one that attempts to buck or bolt with its rider? Which one deserves a higher placement? Sometimes, good behavior can make all the difference between earning a lower placement or securing a top position. Knowing the rules is crucial, but it alone doesn’t guarantee a victory. Enjoy the process and consider attending a few practice shows or volunteering as a ring steward for a judge at a local open show. Remember that every world champion started at the beginning.
Ask Clinton: Headset for Western Pleasure Horse
Pam D. wants to know how to persuade her horse to keep his head down during Western pleasure classes as he is now more energetic and wants to observe everything, no longer interested in maintaining a lower head position.
If a horse is constantly looking outside or inside the arena, their attention is not on the rider. Instead of concerning yourself with where the horse is looking, prioritize getting them to pay attention to you. Once the horse is focused on you, they will no longer be preoccupied with their surroundings and will become relaxed and attentive to your signals once more.
Horses possess two sides to their brains, namely the reactive side and the thinking side. The reactive side corresponds to the horse’s current mental state, in which it is energetic and not focused on the rider. The combination of high energy levels and lack of attention makes horses using the reactive side potentially dangerous. On the other hand, the thinking side is the desired state for horses since it results in calmness, attentiveness, and safety. To encourage the use of the thinking side, it is necessary to prompt the horse to move its feet in various directions (forwards, backwards, left, and right) and consistently reward any small attempt made.
Before getting in the saddle, I begin each training session by performing groundwork with my horses. This involves moving their feet in various directions, including forwards, backwards, left, and right, in my vicinity. The more you are able to prompt your horse to move its feet, the greater level of respect it will develop for you and the more it will engage its cognitive abilities. Once you feel assured that your horse is attentive and respects you while on the ground, proceed to mount the saddle.
Once you are in the saddle, it is important not to simply ride your horse on the rail. Instead, you should keep his mind engaged by working on transitions and by softening and suppling his body. These are key components to achieving collection. A great way to practice suppling exercises is by performing Bending at the Walk. This involves asking the horse to bend his body in a circle around your inside leg while walking. Another effective exercise is Bending Transitions, where you trot or canter the horse off and then use one rein to ask him to bend in a circle around your inside leg at the walk. Serpentines and trotting and cantering circles are also beneficial exercises. By constantly making your horse’s feet move and changing directions, you will help him focus on your cues rather than the distractions outside the arena. Once he is paying attention to you, you can then practice riding on the rail and ask him to collect and carry his head at the same level as his withers.
Ensure that your horse is not being fed an excessive amount of grain. It is common for horses to be overfed and not receive enough exercise, resulting in an imbalance between the quantity of grain they consume and the amount of physical activity they engage in. If your horse displays high energy levels consistently during rides, it is likely that he is being overfed with grain. By adjusting his feed appropriately and focusing on establishing a respectful and attentive relationship with him, you will observe that he becomes more calm and attentive to your instructions.
