| 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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