The discipline of Western is as diverse as the expansive plains of the Old West where it originates. There is a wide range of classes available, including Western pleasure, trail, and working cow horse. However, all classes have a shared lineage with the working ranch horses of America’s history. Horses are showcased in Western stock saddles, often adorned with silver, while riders sport traditional Western attire that can be reminiscent of the cowboys and cowgirls seen on TV, rather than the simple and practical clothing worn by working ranch hands. Nevertheless, the historical roots are still evident. Leather chaps, initially designed to protect a cowboy’s legs and clothing from obstacles encountered on the trail, are still worn in today’s show ring. Additionally, the iconic broad-brimmed cowboy hat has remained virtually unchanged since its 1800s predecessor.
The duties of the modern Western competition horse remind us of the tasks required of a working ranch horse. This includes navigating through a timber-covered or thickly-brushed countryside, similar to how a modern trail horse maneuvers through obstacles. It also involves swiftly maneuvering and corralling a wayward steer or calf during branding time, just like the modern day working cow horse. While American stock breeds have always been favored for this discipline, there are classes available for virtually every breed. With a little cowboy spirit in all of us, finding a class suited to specific interests or riding level won’t be a problem. The excitement of the Old West lives on in the equestrian discipline of Western.
Western Horsemanship, a discipline within Western Riding Styles
In Western Horsemanship, also known as Western Equitation, the rider’s skill and the level of training of their horse are both evaluated. Essentially, the focus is on the synergy and coordination between the two, and the smoothness of their collaborative performance.
AT A SHOW
This class is exclusively for Amateurs and Youth participants. The judge will create a pattern for the class, but executing the pattern correctly is not the only factor in evaluation. Half of the evaluation is based on the horse and rider’s appearance, while the other half is based on their performance. In the western horsemanship class, appearance includes the rider’s posture, the horse’s condition, the equipment, and the rider’s outfit. This is the only western riding class where the rider’s seat, position, posture, and hand and leg movements are judged, along with their ability to give subtle cues to the horse. These factors also play a role in other classes, but they are the main focus in this class. Fashion and trends have a significant influence on this class. Lady exhibitors especially like to wear fashionable outfits and it is advisable for them to do so. The popularity of gloves may vary. It is important for everything to be color-coordinated. Male exhibitors can get by with a more traditional outfit.
FUNCTION OF THE RIDER
In the western horsemanship class, it is necessary for riders to sit their horses upright in a natural way. However, to be successful in this class, riders must also ride in balance and be functional. A horse that is exceptionally well-trained and performs the pattern correctly will not win if the rider is simply a passenger on top. Judges are looking for skilled riders who actively participate in guiding and supporting their horses, and who have both control and functionality. While missing parts of the prescribed pattern will not lead to disqualification, a rider who makes mistakes or misses something will never be placed higher than someone who executes the entire pattern correctly.
PATTERNS
Patterns for western horsemanship can vary, and often simpler patterns are chosen. These patterns typically involve walking, trotting, and loping at designated points, as well as potential turns or back-ups. Cones are commonly used to mark where the horse should transition to a specific gait or stop. The execution of these maneuvers requires precision and smoothness, with aids that are as invisible as possible. In some cases, a basic pattern may be sufficient for the judge to determine the winner and placements. However, in higher-level classes, a wide range of maneuvers can be incorporated, such as spins, flying lead changes, side-passing, and even dismounting and remounting. The western horsemanship class is divided into two parts: pattern work and rail work. The rail work is similar to western pleasure, but with some differences in judging criteria. Horses may be expected to be more engaged with the bridle and presented with more contact. Western horsemanship classes may be conducted with all exhibitors waiting in line in the arena or individually starting from the gate. In the latter scenario, a working order must be established and posted before the class begins. Starting individually from the gate is preferred as it allows the contestant to warm up and prepare the horse properly.
