Finding The Right Class For You
One of the greatest things about the western all round is the huge multitude of events on offer. There is something for everyone and every horse to compete in and enjoy. Here is a simple guideline for each event which may help you choose you and your horses speciality.
Western Pleasure
If you enjoy the simplicity and comfort of loping slow around the rail, and the peace of mind knowing there is no pattern or obstacles to follow, then you probably will/do love the Western Pleasure class. The WP class involves a Walk, Jog, Extended Jog, Lope and Extended Lope in both directions, as well as a back up. This class is best for horses who have a natural ability to jog and lope slow, and are able to be “left alone” to just go around. A relaxed, slow and consistent pace with little apparent rider interference is most desirable.
Hunter Under Saddle
If you enjoy a bit of pace and forward, and similarly to the WP class, the simplicity and comfort of cantering around the rail, then you probably will/do love the Hunter Under Saddle class. The HUS class involves a Walk, Trot and Canter in both directions, as well as a back up. This class is best for horses who have a larger and more forward swinging pace, and are able to be “left alone” to just go around. A steady, smooth, comfortable and consistent pace with little apparent rider interference is most desirable.
Horsemanship
If you enjoy a mentally and physically demanding class that will challenge you at every manoeuvre, you probably will/do love the Horsemanship class. The HMS class involves a pattern which includes but is not limited to a Walk, Jog, Extended Jog, Lope, Extended Lope, Flying Lead Change, Simple Lead Change, Turns and a Back Up. The difficulty of the pattern generally depends on the level/age division of the class. Rail Work after every competitor has completed their pattern is up to the discretion of the judge/s. The HMS is best for horses who have a higher level of training, and are able to be guided and perform a multitude of manoeuvres quickly and correctly. It is also best for a rider with a delicate and still seat. A precise, correct, fluid and comfortable pattern with little apparent rider interference is most desirable.
Trail
If you enjoy a mentally and physically demanding class that will challenge you at every manoeuvre with the added bonus of obstacles, you probably will/do love the Trail class. The Trail class involves a multitude of different obstacles, up to the discretion of the designer of the pattern. How ever all classes will involve a Walk, Jog, Lope, Turn and Back Up. Required obstacles are the Gate, Bridge, Walk, Jog and Lope Poles. Poles can and will be set up in random sequences, single, doubles, triples, patterns etc, to be ridden over at the different paces. Like HMS, Trail is best for horses who have a higher level of training, and are able to be guided and perform a multitude of manoeuvres quickly and correctly. It is an added bonus if you have a horse who is delicate and careful of their foot placement. A precise, correct, fluid and comfortable pattern with a minimal amount of pole knocks, and with little apparent rider interference is most desirable.
Hunt Seat Equitation
If you enjoy a mentally and physically demanding class that will challenge you at every manoeuvre, you probably will/do love the Hunt Seat Equitation class. The HSE or EQ involves a pattern which includes but is not limited to a Walk, Trot, Extended Trot, Canter, Extended Canter, Flying Lead Change, Simple Lead Change, Turns and a Back Up. The difficulty of the pattern generally depends on the level/age division of the class. Rail Work after every competitor has completed their pattern is up to the discretion of the judge/s. Like HMS and Trail, the EQ is best for horses who have a higher level of training, and are able to be guided and perform a multitude of manoeuvres quickly and correctly. It is also more desirable to have a “Hunter Type” horse who has larger paces. It is also best for a rider with a delicate and still seat. A precise, correct, fluid and comfortable pattern with little apparent rider interference is most desirable.
Western Riding
If you enjoy a mentally and physically demanding class that will challenge you at every manoeuvre, you probably will/do love the Western Riding class. The WR class involves a pattern which includes but is not limited to a Walk, Jog, Lope, Flying Lead Change, Backup and Poles. The difficulty of the pattern generally depends on the level/age division of the class. WR is best suited to horses with a higher level of training, that can change leads smoothly over and over and is more of a western type. A precise, correct, fluid and comfortable pattern with little apparent rider interference is most desirable.
Showmanship
If you enjoy a mentally and physically demanding class that will challenge you at every manoeuvre, with the comfort of being on the ground, you probably will/do love the Showmanship class. The SMS class involves a pattern which includes but is not limited to Walk, Jog, Trot, Extended Trot, Turn, Back Up and Inspection. The difficulty of the pattern generally depends on the level/age division of the class. Showmanship is a very unique event, and is best suited to just about anyone! Most horses and handlers are capable of being or becoming competitive in this event. A precise, correct and confident pattern with little apparent handler interference is most desirable.
Halter
If you enjoy a very relaxed, straight forward class with the comfort of being on the ground and no pattern, you probably will/do love halter. The Halter class involves a Walk, Trot and Inspection. Halter is a fantastic event for those who perhaps like a simple class, the glamor and preparation that goes into showing a Halter horse, or perhaps those who simply don’t like riding. Halter is best suited to horses who are very conformationally correct, strong and pretty with presence to boot.
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