| 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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