A western pleasure show horse needs to be calm, willing and well-trained. This class is not the place for a spirited mount. Slow, smooth paces will be expected. The head is carried quite low, creating a level topline. Conformation is important as a badly conformed horse will have trouble moving in the manner required.
Entrants will be asked to show their horses in three gaits. These are the walk, jog and lope. Rein backs are also required. The horse should not be excessively slow nor should the gaits be uneven or choppy. A loose rein must be used for the entire class. Transitions between the paces must be smooth with the rider sitting still in the saddle with both horse and rider maintaining the same position throughout.
The most popular breeds used in these classes are the stock horse breeds such as the American paint, the Quarter horse and the appaloosa. Arabians and Morgans are also quite popular. Breeds that carry their heads in a naturally higher position need consistent training if they are to achieve the required lower carriage.
The head should be carried level with the withers. Too much deviation from the horse's natural position will result in an unhappy and stressed mount. If the head is carried too low, the hindquarters will not engage properly and points will be lost. Consistent training is necessary to fully develop the muscles to enable the hind legs to come well under the body. The cadence or rhythm of the gaits, especially the jog, is important. Choppy or uneven strides are not desirable.
Horse and rider wear western gear. Chaps, jeans or dress pants, fitted shirt, belt, cowboy hat and boots are standard. Some like to add a waistcoat. Anything that suggests the rider is not sitting still should be avoided. Frills, a loose-fitting shirt or loose, bouncing hair all detract from a rider's appearance. As styles change a little with each season, it pays to note what is currently in fashion. Pay attention to the colour of your outfit to ensure it complements your horse.
Horse and saddlery must by immaculate. It is usual to clip the legs, muzzle, ears and face. Breeds such as the Morgan and Arabian must be shown with a natural mane and tail. Stock horse breeds often have the manes shortened. Banding the mane encourages the hair to lie flat.
Banging the tail is common. As the horse lifts its tail a little as soon as it moves, it is important not to cut the tail too short. Hold the tail up a little in a natural position and then cut it. Some breeds allow the addition of a tail extension.
Both the horse and its gear should be immaculate. Polish any silver till it gleams. If you use an extra pad under your saddle, ensure it is out of sight. Show your horse to its best advantage. Enter the ring first or wait for a small gap before entering. While an immaculate, smart horse and rider may attract the attention of the judge, it is the correct movement and demeanour of the horse that will win you more points in western pleasure show classes.
Entrants will be asked to show their horses in three gaits. These are the walk, jog and lope. Rein backs are also required. The horse should not be excessively slow nor should the gaits be uneven or choppy. A loose rein must be used for the entire class. Transitions between the paces must be smooth with the rider sitting still in the saddle with both horse and rider maintaining the same position throughout.
The most popular breeds used in these classes are the stock horse breeds such as the American paint, the Quarter horse and the appaloosa. Arabians and Morgans are also quite popular. Breeds that carry their heads in a naturally higher position need consistent training if they are to achieve the required lower carriage.
The head should be carried level with the withers. Too much deviation from the horse's natural position will result in an unhappy and stressed mount. If the head is carried too low, the hindquarters will not engage properly and points will be lost. Consistent training is necessary to fully develop the muscles to enable the hind legs to come well under the body. The cadence or rhythm of the gaits, especially the jog, is important. Choppy or uneven strides are not desirable.
Horse and rider wear western gear. Chaps, jeans or dress pants, fitted shirt, belt, cowboy hat and boots are standard. Some like to add a waistcoat. Anything that suggests the rider is not sitting still should be avoided. Frills, a loose-fitting shirt or loose, bouncing hair all detract from a rider's appearance. As styles change a little with each season, it pays to note what is currently in fashion. Pay attention to the colour of your outfit to ensure it complements your horse.
Horse and saddlery must by immaculate. It is usual to clip the legs, muzzle, ears and face. Breeds such as the Morgan and Arabian must be shown with a natural mane and tail. Stock horse breeds often have the manes shortened. Banding the mane encourages the hair to lie flat.
Banging the tail is common. As the horse lifts its tail a little as soon as it moves, it is important not to cut the tail too short. Hold the tail up a little in a natural position and then cut it. Some breeds allow the addition of a tail extension.
Both the horse and its gear should be immaculate. Polish any silver till it gleams. If you use an extra pad under your saddle, ensure it is out of sight. Show your horse to its best advantage. Enter the ring first or wait for a small gap before entering. While an immaculate, smart horse and rider may attract the attention of the judge, it is the correct movement and demeanour of the horse that will win you more points in western pleasure show classes.
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