| 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!
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