Riding Gear Horse

3 Tips For Western Horse Pleasure Riding

When one speaks about Western style of riding horses, it refers to a completely different type of riding than the English style. There is different gear and a different set of rules for riding. The most common thing in mind would be trail riding and cowboys. In actuality, it refers to many and diverse kinds of riding and mounted activities. Basically, western riding is anything that is done with western tack.

One of the most popular classes within the spectrum of western riding is the western pleasure class. Typically, it is for beginners to the show ring or trail riding. It will provide the beginners experience and control over themselves in a show or trail scenario.

The requirements for competitive western pleasure classes vary somewhat depending on the governing competitive association and on the breed of horse involved, it also varies depending on what you want to accomplish with your mount. Generally speaking, a western pleasure class is judged primarily on the horse’s ability to deliver a pleasurable ride through his responsiveness, attitude, and way of moving. You are in control of how your horse moves, and are responsible for providing the proper pleasure riding training for your horse.

In contrast to events like reining, western riding, trail, and others, in a pleasure class the contestant is not alone in the show ring. He or she can “hide” among a group of other competitors and is not judged individually.

Here are Three Essential Horse Tips for Western Pleasure Riding:

Tip No. 1 – The horse must be well disciplined

In pleasure riding, the horse’s demeanor is very important. You must be able to show that your horse is consistent with his behavior. Some horses change their attitude instantly once they enter the arena. They may get overly excited or unruly with other animals.

It is very important to train and control your horse’s behavior. He should be prepared and make sure that nothing will be new to him once the competition has initiated. In your training, simulation is very important. A horse that is trained with similar stimuli will not be bothered by the unknown simply because nothing is scary anymore. Since western pleasure riding is not extremely physical on your horse for the most part, attitude and demeanor is paramount. The process of desensitizing can be referred to as such, or sacking.

Tip No. 2 – Create an excellent connection with your horse

To win in pleasure riding, you must display that you and the horse are communicating flawlessly. As a rider, you must show that you are in control at all times and that your horse is always willing. Only time in the saddle, mixed with knowledge, will create success in this area. On the trail, enjoyment and safety of both the mount and rider should be the only concerns.

Riding with confidence is vital. Judges will try to examine you in many ways to determine if you are having difficulty with the activity or it is just a walk in the park for you. You need to hide your cues. Judges must not be able to detect your commands. This is the primary way of judging your performance. The more visible your cues are, the less your chances of winning the show. Your horse can also pick up on your every emotion. Realize the horse feeds off your energy and keep it positive and uplifting.

Tip No. 3 – Enjoy and show that you are having fun

It is not called Pleasure Riding for just any reason. Make sure that you express your pleasure while riding the horse, whether on the trail or in the ring. Judges love smiles and controlled enthusiasm. Your happy attitude could be difference between winning and losing.

Remember in pleasure riding – attitude, horse’s responsiveness, and the execution of movements are what count the most. While we have gone over many horse training tips in this article for competitive horse pleasure riding, please remember that there are many types of bonding with and riding your horse, including western pleasure riding, trail riding & rodeo events.

About the Author

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