| When one speaks about Western style of riding | | | | horse that is trained with similar stimuli will not be |
| horses, it refers to a completely different type of riding | | | | bothered by the unknown simply because nothing is |
| than the English style. There is different gear and a | | | | scary anymore. Since western pleasure riding is not |
| different set of rules for riding. The most common thing | | | | extremely physical on your horse for the most part, |
| in mind would be trail riding and cowboys. In actuality, it | | | | attitude and demeanor is paramount. The process of |
| refers to many and diverse kinds of riding and | | | | desensitizing can be referred to as such, or sacking. |
| mounted activities. Basically, western riding is anything | | | | Tip No. 2 - Create an excellent connection with your |
| that is done with western tack. | | | | horse |
| One of the most popular classes within the spectrum | | | | To win in pleasure riding, you must display that you and |
| of western riding is the western pleasure class. | | | | the horse are communicating flawlessly. As a rider, |
| Typically, it is for beginners to the show ring or trail | | | | you must show that you are in control at all times and |
| riding. It will provide the beginners experience and | | | | that your horse is always willing. Only time in the |
| control over themselves in a show or trail scenario. | | | | saddle, mixed with knowledge, will create success in |
| The requirements for competitive western pleasure | | | | this area. On the trail, enjoyment and safety of both |
| classes vary somewhat depending on the governing | | | | the mount and rider should be the only concerns. |
| competitive association and on the breed of horse | | | | Riding with confidence is vital. Judges will try to |
| involved, it also varies depending on what you want to | | | | examine you in many ways to determine if you are |
| accomplish with your mount. Generally speaking, a | | | | having difficulty with the activity or it is just a walk in |
| western pleasure class is judged primarily on the | | | | the park for you. You need to hide your cues. Judges |
| horse's ability to deliver a pleasurable ride through his | | | | must not be able to detect your commands. This is the |
| responsiveness, attitude, and way of moving. You are | | | | primary way of judging your performance. The more |
| in control of how your horse moves, and are | | | | visible your cues are, the less your chances of winning |
| responsible for providing the proper pleasure riding | | | | the show. Your horse can also pick up on your every |
| training for your horse. | | | | emotion. Realize the horse feeds off your energy and |
| In contrast to events like reining, western riding, trail, and | | | | keep it positive and uplifting. |
| others, in a pleasure class the contestant is not alone in | | | | Tip No. 3 - Enjoy and show that you are having fun |
| the show ring. He or she can "hide" among a group of | | | | It is not called Pleasure Riding for just any reason. |
| other competitors and is not judged individually. | | | | Make sure that you express your pleasure while riding |
| Here are Three Essential Horse Tips for Western | | | | the horse, whether on the trail or in the ring. Judges |
| Pleasure Riding: | | | | love smiles and controlled enthusiasm. Your happy |
| Tip No. 1 - The horse must be well disciplined | | | | attitude could be difference between winning and |
| In pleasure riding, the horse's demeanor is very | | | | losing. |
| important. You must be able to show that your horse | | | | Remember in pleasure riding - attitude, horse's |
| is consistent with his behavior. Some horses change | | | | responsiveness, and the execution of movements are |
| their attitude instantly once they enter the arena. They | | | | what count the most. While we have gone over many |
| may get overly excited or unruly with other animals. | | | | horse training tips in this article for competitive horse |
| It is very important to train and control your horse's | | | | pleasure riding, please remember that there are many |
| behavior. He should be prepared and make sure that | | | | types of bonding with and riding your horse, including |
| nothing will be new to him once the competition has | | | | western pleasure riding, trail riding & rodeo events. |
| initiated. In your training, simulation is very important. A | | | | |