| Western
Pleasure is one of the most popular western show events.
A good Western Pleasure horse should be as the name
implies: a pleasure to ride. Contestants compete as a
group, travelling around the perimeter of the arena “on
the rail” and are asked to walk, jog, lope and reverse
the direction of their horses at the judges’ direction.
Reversing is done to the inside or away from the rail
and you should perform a neat loop and come back to the
rail as neatly as possible.
Riders must hold the
reins according to the head gear the horse is shown in
i.e. Snaffle bit and hackamore horses are shown two
handed while bridled horses are shown with one hand. A
rider cannot change hands on the reins during the class.
A rider cannot touch the horse or saddle during the
competition with his/her free hand. The horse should
travel on a loose rein with a level neck, the top of the
ears no lower than the withers.
It is important during
this class to be aware of the other competitors and
respectful of their space. Do not ride up close behind
another horse and be aware of how close the horse is
behind when changing to a slower gait. If your horse is
travelling faster than the horse in front then come off
the rail and pass at a safe distance, making sure you
are well clear before moving back in towards the rail.
Riding deep into your corners or passing to the inside
(safely) on a corner can help you make more space
between you and the other competitors. If your horse
starts to play up and become disruptive then pull into
the centre of the arena and stand quietly – better luck
next time!
At the conclusion of the
class horses will either be asked to rein back on the
rail then come into the centre – line up side by side
and the judge will either move down the line asking
horses to rein back or, if this has already been done,
call out the placings – if you’re in the winning line up
move into a line head to tail down the centre of the
arena in placed order.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- At all times be
respectful of the other competitors in the arena.
- Remember there may
be stallions competing in ridden classes so keep a
safe distance from all other horses.
- Be polite to the
judge and other competitors and remember to
congratulate the winners and placegetters!
- SMILE! – it’s a
Western PLEASURE!
|