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Western Pleasure

Western pleasure is a division found at horse shows where the horse is judged on movement, conformation, conditioning, quiet way of going, manners, suitability as a western mount with even and slow gaits, and his responsiveness to cues. It is so named because a horse needs to be seen as a pleasure to ride all day as if it was a ranch horse. This division is found with many, many breeds, but is most commonly pictured with American Quarter Horses and American Paint Horses. It is one of the most popular divisions at breed shows. Horse Illustrated covers topics such as tack and equipment to use, how to train the horse for the division, how to slow down a horse’s gaits, grooming and presentation for this event, neck reining, head set, and more.

Dress to Impress in Your Next Western Show Class

You’ve been practicing your maneuvers and getting your horse ready to show off his moves in western classes. But now…

3 years ago


Western Lesson: Slide Your Horse into Sidepass

The sidepass is a maneuver that shows up in most trail courses and some horsemanship patterns. Knowing how to move…

4 years ago

Take the Reins: The Ins and Outs of 4 Common Types of Western Reins

Reins are the key to communicating with your horse from the saddle. Used to cue and control direction and speed,…

4 years ago

The 2019 U.S. Equestrian Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Ellen Di Bella

The 2019 U.S. Equestrian Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded to Ellen Di Bella. She will be honored at the…

5 years ago

2019 World Championship Appaloosa Show: Celebrating 30 Years in Fort Worth

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) hosted the 2019 World Championship Appaloosa Show at Will Rogers Memorial Center, where nearly 600…

5 years ago

Morgan Breed’s Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show Wraps Up in Oklahoma City

The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) welcomed nearly 1,000 Morgan horses to the 2019 Grand National and World Championship Morgan…

5 years ago

Paint Horse Exhibitors Walk Away with More Than $1 Million in Cash and Prizes at 2019 APHA World Show

American Paint Horse exhibitors pocketed a record $1 million-plus in cash and prizes at the 2019 American Paint Horse Association…

5 years ago

Selecting a Hat for the Western Show Pen

This properly shaped light hat draws attention to the rider's face. Few things mark you as a greenhorn versus a…

8 years ago

Slowing the Lope

Q: How do I get my western pleasure horse to slow his lope without four-beating? A: Repair your horse’s lope…

9 years ago

10 Ways to Improve Your Western Riding

  Western riding often looks effortless, but it’s hard work and good horsemanship that creates that impression. Whether you have…

9 years ago