How to Do Well in a Western Pleasure Horsemanship Class

A horsemanship class places the emphasis on the equestrian and not so much on the horse. You still need a well-trained and well-groomed horse for the horsemanship class, but be ready for more scrutiny of your appearance and actions to do well in a western pleasure horsemanship class.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Clean your tack and horse until they shine before entering the ring. You also need to be neat, clean and wearing western attire, including a long-sleeved shirt with a collar, vest or jacket, long pants, boots and a western hat. The horse needs to be an appropriate weight, well trimmed, groomed and shod.

2. Find out what western pleasure pattern the judge has picked before the class begins and study it. They are normally posted near the arena at least an hour before start time.

3. Enter the ring with a smile on your face and act as if riding is a pleasure. Sit up straight and pretend there is a yardstick holding your ear, shoulders, hips and heels in a straight line. Hold your heels lower than the toes, with feet fully in the stirrups, unless asked to ride without stirrups.

4. Relax your arms and back, so they don't appear stiff, holding the reins in one hand and relaxing the other straight down at your side, or holding it in the same position as the hand holding the reins. Keep your head turned in the direction you are traveling with your chin level.

5. Hold a light contact on the horse's mouth with the reins neither tight nor slack. Train your western pleasure horse so that it stays calm and responds to very subtle cues. Keep his head almost level with the withers with face nearly vertical.

6. Know how to keep your horse on the correct lead and traveling at the correct speed, never out of control. The horse should stop quickly, keeping her body straight and backing willingly in a straight line.

7. Stay centered in the saddle during stops and spins and don't touch the horse or saddle with your hands. Let the loose end of the reins fall on the same side of the horse as the hand holding the reins.

Tips & Warnings

• Use of chaps, spurs and helmets is optional, as is silver-mounted tack. Use only approved western bits, and be prepared to remove the bit from the horse's mouth to show the judge.
• Be aware of where the judge is at all times, but don't turn your head excessively.
• Use either hand on the reins, but don't switch them during the class.
• Keep a space cushion between your horse and others in the western pleasure class. Never pass between another horse and the rail and turn toward the inside of the arena to reverse.
• Always check your tack before placing it on your horse to ensure it is in good repair and fits the horse correctly.
• Never hit or abuse your horse. Doing so will disqualify you from the western pleasure horsemanship class.