Western pleasure show classes are designed to celebrate the pleasure of riding a quiet horse across country. In contrast, other classes exhibit the working horse, one that can herd a cow or get its rider from point A to point B through any obstacle and over any terrain.
Often classes are open to all horses, except for 'breed shows' where only registered horses of the chosen breed can be exhibited. Although most light horses can do well in this category, the most popular breed is the American Quarter Horse, followed by Appaloosas and Paints. These horses will most often have the conformation to have balanced gaits, natural rhythm, and the low head carriage that wins points.
Riders compete in a group, working in a ring. They are asked to perform in both directions on the rail of a large ring. Horses must go on a long - or loose - rein at the walk, the trot, and the lope. They will be asked to stand quietly and back freely. Although extremely slow pacing and abnormally low head carriage used to be popular, the new fashion is for smooth but ground-covering gaits and an even top line.
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.
Showing is both fun and serious business. For many families, it is a leisure activity that gives a point to all the practice and routine horse care that good riding requires. Kids who love their horses like showing them off, and ribbons and trophies won are proudly displayed on the walls of tack rooms around the country.
For horse breeders, professional trainers, riding coaches, and serious horse exhibitors, winning is more important than fun. A national title makes the reputation of a stallion, whose owner hopes to make money by breeding the mares of others who hope to raise a top performer. When students win, their coaches look good, and the trainers of their horses have earned their fees. Those with a horse to sell can jack up the price when the animal brings home top honors from major shows.
There are other industries involved. Colorful clothing is a must for western classes. Horses wear expensive tack, often decorated with silver or color inlays, and riders need at least fancy boots and hats. Feed companies advertise that their products will give horses the energy as well as the shine of the coat and the bright eyes that will attract attention. All sorts of other supplies, from vitamins to shampoos, promise to help make a superior equine athlete.
The Western Pleasure show class is a standard in both amateur and professional horse shows. These classes are designed to showcase horses with smooth gaits, quiet dispositions, and perfect obedience to the riders' signals. They are good for beginners and can also be very demanding in top-rated competition.
Often classes are open to all horses, except for 'breed shows' where only registered horses of the chosen breed can be exhibited. Although most light horses can do well in this category, the most popular breed is the American Quarter Horse, followed by Appaloosas and Paints. These horses will most often have the conformation to have balanced gaits, natural rhythm, and the low head carriage that wins points.
Riders compete in a group, working in a ring. They are asked to perform in both directions on the rail of a large ring. Horses must go on a long - or loose - rein at the walk, the trot, and the lope. They will be asked to stand quietly and back freely. Although extremely slow pacing and abnormally low head carriage used to be popular, the new fashion is for smooth but ground-covering gaits and an even top line.
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.
Showing is both fun and serious business. For many families, it is a leisure activity that gives a point to all the practice and routine horse care that good riding requires. Kids who love their horses like showing them off, and ribbons and trophies won are proudly displayed on the walls of tack rooms around the country.
For horse breeders, professional trainers, riding coaches, and serious horse exhibitors, winning is more important than fun. A national title makes the reputation of a stallion, whose owner hopes to make money by breeding the mares of others who hope to raise a top performer. When students win, their coaches look good, and the trainers of their horses have earned their fees. Those with a horse to sell can jack up the price when the animal brings home top honors from major shows.
There are other industries involved. Colorful clothing is a must for western classes. Horses wear expensive tack, often decorated with silver or color inlays, and riders need at least fancy boots and hats. Feed companies advertise that their products will give horses the energy as well as the shine of the coat and the bright eyes that will attract attention. All sorts of other supplies, from vitamins to shampoos, promise to help make a superior equine athlete.
The Western Pleasure show class is a standard in both amateur and professional horse shows. These classes are designed to showcase horses with smooth gaits, quiet dispositions, and perfect obedience to the riders' signals. They are good for beginners and can also be very demanding in top-rated competition.
No comments:
Post a Comment