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 maintaining a quiet style similar to Western pleasure. Evaluations are based on the horse’s gaits, lead changes, responsiveness to the rider, as well as their manners and disposition. While all three gaits are required, the majority of the pattern is performed at a lope. The emphasis lies in the horse’s smoothness, even cadence, and precise, clean flying lead changes.
Procedure
Each horse performs individually and there are typically four patterns available for a judge to choose from. These patterns consist of a walk, a jog, a jog over a log, a lope, a lope over a log, a jog to lope transition, a large serpentine with four “crossing lead” changes, a shallow serpentine with 3-4 line lead changes, a halt, and a rein back. It is mandatory for all lead changes to be executed within the specified lead change area.
Lead Changes
While all lead changes are critical in competition, they do not solely determine the horse’s evaluation. It is expected that lead changes are executed accurately at the precise location between the markers assigned for lead changes. During this maneuver, both the front and hind leads should switch simultaneously, while the horse retains its proper form and composure. Additionally, the horse’s behavior should be responsive and calm.
Example of a Pattern
The Pattern One in the AQHA Hand Book Show Rules 453B for Western Riding can be explained step by step as follows: 1. The horse enters the ring and starts by walking. 2. It walks a few strides after passing the starting cone. 3. Soon after, the horse begins to jog while traveling down one side of the arena. 4. Once the horse is jogging, it crosses over a log with cones placed on either side of it. 5. After crossing the log, the horse starts to lope. 6. It lopes around the short end of the arena, passing a cone on its left. 7. The horse then continues down the second long side of the arena. 8. After passing a cone, it shifts left and switches to the right lead. 9. The horse passes the next cone on its right and starts shifting to the right again, switching to the left lead. 10. This shallow serpentine movement through the cones is repeated for four loops, completing four line changes.
Approximately half of the pattern has been finished. Then, the horse will proceed to the left lead down the second short end of the arena, turning at a cone for a 180-degree turn while loping. Afterwards, it will cross the entire arena, executing a lead change between the last cone and the next cone. Passing the cone to the right, the horse will perform another 180-degree turn while loping, continuing this large serpentine pattern around the cones. In total, there will be four lead changes completed around the centerline of the arena. While loping around the cone, the horse will also lope over the log. Once all the lead changes are done, the horse will pass the last cone to the left. Subsequently, it will complete a 270-degree circle by loping up the centerline of the arena. Finally, the horse will halt in line with the cones at the center of the pattern and back up.
All About Western Pleasure
Western pleasure horse showing is an equestrian discipline that has its roots in the American West. It is widely practiced at horse shows and competitions, whereby riders and their horses demonstrate a range of movements and patterns to highlight the horse’s fluid, poised motions and sophisticated disposition.
The inception of western pleasure horse showing can be attributed to the early years of American cowboys and the unruly horses they rode. During the era of the Old West, cowboys required horses that were resilient, sturdy, and capable of enduring the severe circumstances of living on the open range. They had a preference for horses with a effortless and fluid movement and a tranquil and affable nature, as these traits made them exceptionally suited for the challenging task of corralling cattle.
The need for horses with these qualities decreased as the West became more settled and the cowboy lifestyle transitioned to modern ranching. Nevertheless, the tradition of breeding and training horses for western pleasure horse showing persisted, and the discipline gained popularity at horse shows.
In today’s horse showing events for western pleasure, there is fierce competition and a notable status, supported by dedicated organizations and competitions throughout the nation. During a usual western pleasure horse showing, riders and their horses execute a sequence of actions involving a walk, jog, and lope, which is a leisurely, calm three-beat gait. The evaluation of the horses is based on their suppleness, the excellence of their movement, with special attention given to being smooth and having control.
Over time, the popularity of western pleasure horse showing has increased greatly, remaining a cherished and iconic aspect of American equestrian culture. Whether an experienced participant or a relaxed observer, attending a western pleasure horse show provides a one-of-a-kind and thrilling occasion that highlights the elegance, charm, and vitality of the American West.
