A pleasure contest rates horses on qualities that make them safe, easy, and comfortable to ride across country. The winner will have smooth gaits and conformation that allows it to walk freely and jog and lope slowly and rhythmically. Other working skills - cutting out a cow, navigating obstacles, or getting from Point A to Point B in a hurry - are not required to excel in a western pleasure show class.
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.
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.
For many families, showing is an activity that involves every member. Local shows often have classes that are designed to be fun, like costume contests or bareback riding. Clubs like the 4H and the Pony Club have competitions on both local and regional levels, where points earned by winning can mean end-of-year awards.
However, it is serious business for many. Both amateurs and professionals need high awards to market their horses, both individuals and breeding animals. Trainers and coaches need their horses and students to win in order to establish their credibility. The price of a winning horse may be fabulous. Ribbons and end-of-year rewards can mean much in terms of income or profit.
Many other industries revolve around horses. Feed manufacturers blend grains and supplements to provide the perfect diet for equine athletes. Tack suppliers make and mend saddles, bridles, halters, and all the other things horses wear. Boot makers, hat makers, and designers of colorful clothing compete for the fashion crowns of the sport. Veterinary supply companies market shampoos, coat conditioners, hoof paints, grooming aids, and health care items on a grand scale.
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.
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.
For many families, showing is an activity that involves every member. Local shows often have classes that are designed to be fun, like costume contests or bareback riding. Clubs like the 4H and the Pony Club have competitions on both local and regional levels, where points earned by winning can mean end-of-year awards.
However, it is serious business for many. Both amateurs and professionals need high awards to market their horses, both individuals and breeding animals. Trainers and coaches need their horses and students to win in order to establish their credibility. The price of a winning horse may be fabulous. Ribbons and end-of-year rewards can mean much in terms of income or profit.
Many other industries revolve around horses. Feed manufacturers blend grains and supplements to provide the perfect diet for equine athletes. Tack suppliers make and mend saddles, bridles, halters, and all the other things horses wear. Boot makers, hat makers, and designers of colorful clothing compete for the fashion crowns of the sport. Veterinary supply companies market shampoos, coat conditioners, hoof paints, grooming aids, and health care items on a grand scale.
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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