American Saddlebreds Get Western
March 19, 2022
Years ago, if you attended a Saddlebred horse show, you could expect to see high-stepping, animated horses shown in saddle seat and fine harness classes and not much else. And while the beauty and excitement of the saddle seat show ring is still a beloved part of the experience for...
No Bridle, No Problem: Is Riding Bridleless Right for You and Your Horse?
January 30, 2022
If you’ve been to a horse expo, you’ve probably seen a bridleless riding demonstration. The lack of tack looks like an inspiring next plane of communication and connection with your horse. But is bridleless riding an attainable goal for all? Here, we talked with longtime horsemanship trainer and 5 Star...
Ranch Riding Rundown
December 26, 2021
Ranch riding tops the list as one of the most popular western show classes. The appeal? A class that riders can succeed in without expensive silver-adorned saddles or fancy clothes. Most any horse-and-rider team that prepares for the pattern class has a chance to win. The American Quarter Horse Association...
Western Trail Class Dos and Don’ts
November 11, 2021
To score well in horse show trail classes, you must pay attention to details. Glancing in the wrong direction or allowing your horse to take an extra step between carefully measured poles can cost precious points. Top trainer Shaun Gloude of Franktown, Colo., understands how important it is to learn...
Dress to Impress in Your Next Western Show Class
November 3, 2021
You’ve been practicing your maneuvers and getting your horse ready to show off his moves in western classes. But now you need the best western show outfit. You want your clothes to be appropriate for each class without distracting from your performance. Your choice of clothing will vary, depending on...
Western Lesson: Introduce Your Horse to a Baby Pool
September 6, 2021
Baby pool water obstacles are common in trail classes. Plus, splashing in a baby pool is a great way to introduce your horse to water crossings if you’re surrounded by dry land. (Plastic pools should only be used with barefoot horses. If your horse wears shoes, opt for a low...
Take the Reins: The Ins and Outs of 4 Common Types of Western Reins
October 4, 2020
Reins are the key to communicating with your horse from the saddle. Used to cue and control direction and speed, the right set of reins can make the difference between a good ride and a disaster. American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Professional Horsewoman Carol Metcalf breaks down the four most...
The Need for Speed: Improving Your Barrel Racing Runs
September 4, 2020
You’ve been running barrels for a while now: You know the pattern. Your turns are solid. Your seat is stable. But you just aren’t going fast enough! If that sounds familiar, then this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the steps to add acceleration and improve your barrel...
Ranch Riding Coaching Session for Pattern 1
August 4, 2020
Champion trainer Julian Nemmers explains how to navigate through AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. For Pattern 1, you’ll enter with a big walk, moving around the corner, and then start the trot. The collected trot is first but should be ground covering. At the middle of the arena, you’ll move...
Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Adds Ranch Riding to Western Line-Up
August 2, 2020
The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) leadership announced that they will add ranch riding classes to their growing western division. Ranch riding competition includes the individual performance of an approved pattern. The patterns emulate maneuvers commonly used in ranch work, such as gait extensions and turnarounds with a more forward-moving...
