To win a western pleasure show class, both horse and rider must show smoothness, relaxed communication, and comfort. The horse must appear to be safe and able to give a comfortable ride over the ground, while obeying the slightest command of the rider. 'Pleasure' is not a contest of working skills, like reining or cutting classes. Speed is not a factor, and no timekeeper is needed for this category.
In many shows, this class is open to all types of horses. Many light breeds are suitable. However, the American Quarter Horse is probably preferred, followed by the Paint and the Appaloosa; these last breeds are now 'closed' (no cross-breeding allowed for registration) but show the influence of quarter horse blood. Some competitions are open only to horses of certain breeds, but even those will have pleasure classes.
These classes are group competitions, where many horses are in the ring. They must walk, jog, and lope on a loose rein, going in both directions. A calm and willing manner is paramount, with the horse obeying every slight signal of the rider. Competitors will be asked to stand and back and may have to do an extended trot or a gallop. The fashion today has gotten away from exaggerated slowness at the jog and lope and an unnaturally low head carriage.
The judge's preference does play a part, although judges are supposed to be impartial and free of prejudice. The major horse showing associations have guidelines for judges that are designed to make the standards of performance as even as possible. However, any competitor will tell you - with more or less accuracy depending on the source and situation - that judges favor certain things over others.
For many, showing is fun. The whole family can be involved, even non-riders. Many local shows have fun classes, like 'Best Costume' or bareback riding. Families often travel to distant shows in RVs and make a holiday of competing.
However, showing is serious business for top-notch amateur and professional horsemen. Breeders use success in the ring to attract mates for their stallions and buyers for their colts. Trainers and coaches prove their value and skill level in competition. A winning horse or pony can command fabulous prices, making all the effort and expense of training and competing worthwhile.
Other industries also depend on the fact that people like to show off their horses and their skills. The sport demands special equipment and clothing. Tack for the horse and boots and hats for the rider are part of a billion-dollar industry. Horse care and veterinary supplies make up another huge category, as do feed and supplements.
The western pleasure show class is one of the popular contests in the sport, as well as one of the most demanding. It gives beginning riders and green horses a place to start and top competitors a showcase for practiced perfection.
In many shows, this class is open to all types of horses. Many light breeds are suitable. However, the American Quarter Horse is probably preferred, followed by the Paint and the Appaloosa; these last breeds are now 'closed' (no cross-breeding allowed for registration) but show the influence of quarter horse blood. Some competitions are open only to horses of certain breeds, but even those will have pleasure classes.
These classes are group competitions, where many horses are in the ring. They must walk, jog, and lope on a loose rein, going in both directions. A calm and willing manner is paramount, with the horse obeying every slight signal of the rider. Competitors will be asked to stand and back and may have to do an extended trot or a gallop. The fashion today has gotten away from exaggerated slowness at the jog and lope and an unnaturally low head carriage.
The judge's preference does play a part, although judges are supposed to be impartial and free of prejudice. The major horse showing associations have guidelines for judges that are designed to make the standards of performance as even as possible. However, any competitor will tell you - with more or less accuracy depending on the source and situation - that judges favor certain things over others.
For many, showing is fun. The whole family can be involved, even non-riders. Many local shows have fun classes, like 'Best Costume' or bareback riding. Families often travel to distant shows in RVs and make a holiday of competing.
However, showing is serious business for top-notch amateur and professional horsemen. Breeders use success in the ring to attract mates for their stallions and buyers for their colts. Trainers and coaches prove their value and skill level in competition. A winning horse or pony can command fabulous prices, making all the effort and expense of training and competing worthwhile.
Other industries also depend on the fact that people like to show off their horses and their skills. The sport demands special equipment and clothing. Tack for the horse and boots and hats for the rider are part of a billion-dollar industry. Horse care and veterinary supplies make up another huge category, as do feed and supplements.
The western pleasure show class is one of the popular contests in the sport, as well as one of the most demanding. It gives beginning riders and green horses a place to start and top competitors a showcase for practiced perfection.
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