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Western
horsemanship is designed to test the
horsemanship abilities of a rider using
western tack. Designed for youth and
amateur competitions, the class is
divided into two sections. Riders must
first follow a prescribed pattern of
manoeuvres that test their horsemanship
skills. Riders will be asked to walk,
trot or lope their horses in a straight
line, curve, circle or any combination,
such as figure 8. Finalists from the
first portion of the class are then
asked back into the arena as a group to
show their horses at a walk, jog and
lope around the perimeter of the arena
or “on the rail”. Judges pay close
attention to the rider’s body position,
how he/she sits in a saddle and his/her
ability to control the horse.
Again the
pattern for this class is posted well
before the class and must be studied to
make sure you perform on the correct
side of the markers. Accuracy of the
pattern is most important in this class.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Make
sure you understand and remember the
pattern – if any part of it is
unclear it is okay to ask the
steward to clarify this with the
judge.
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