Latest from Horse & Hound in Western

‘Let your horse talk to you’: top teamwork gives 28-year-old horse second chance of an active life

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 18:51:21 +0000

“Let your older horse talk to you”, is the advice from the owner of a 28-year-old gelding enjoying his “second chance at an active life”.

Kiki Maurey’s American quarter horse Snippers Soul Rebel (Ché) was retired in 2020 as he was intermittently unlevel, then went very lame in all four feet a year later. He was diagnosed with laminitis and PPID (Cushing’s) as well as issues in his teeth.

Three years of team effort later, including top veterinary and farrier treatment and Kiki’s care, he is back in work and happy.

“When Kiki first saw Ché in his stable, it was love at first sight,” said a spokesman for Seadown Veterinary Group, which treated Ché.

“She’s always loved grey horses and she recalls loving Ché’s big liquid eyes, his large cheeks, tiny ears and a lively intelligence.”

Kiki had painful joints and was considering hanging up her riding boots when she heard about five-year-old Ché. Her now ex-partner thought she had bought an overpriced New Forest pony but “thankfully it was my money, so no contest”, Kiki said.

Kiki competed and trained in western disciplines, settling on reining as her competitive discipline of choice. They were Garden of England Winter Circuit 2010 Rookie Circuit champions, trained with British Reining team member Doug Allen and competed with some of the best in Europe.

Their last competition was in 2012, after which they hacked out until Ché’s first retirement, at which time Kiki bought another horse.

Karolina Kalka, who came to see Ché when he went lame, X-rayed his feet.

“The radiographic study revealed subtle signs of chronic laminitis that had been overlooked for a while, due to a low level of discomfort being masked by the horse,” she said. “I took a blood sample and discovered that he also had early PPID that could have been associated with an insidious onset of laminar separation within the hoof capsule and mild rotation of the coffin bone. It was not that easy to spot as Ché had none of the classical appearance of early-onset PPID, having a good quality coat, preserved reasonable condition of his musculature and a normal demeanour. The horizontal position of the palmar processes of the coffin bone (flattened position) in the left fore hoof was associated with a mild but persistent discomfort exhibited by Che.”

Dental assessment showed he had multiple diastemata (enlarged spaces between his teeth), which had induced periodontal disease and discomfort.

Ché was put on a strict diet with limited turnout and medicated. He lost muscle but his next blood counts were positive, and he was shod in front with mesh and gel to give him support.

His condition improved but Kiki learned she had to be strict with his diet. The PPID affected his hoof quality but an assortment of foot pads and hoof boots kept him comfortable.

“I’ve learned my lesson: I need to be able to see a slight shadow from his ribs, avoid moving the electric fences too much, and avoid cereals, sugar beet, molasses or oil in his feed, giving damped good quality hay instead,” Kiki said. “And whenever the weather allows, put turnout hoof boots and pads on his front feet to protect his naturally thin soles.”

Kiki said Ché’s recovery has been a team effort, but that the horse himself is the key.

“With an exceptional work ethic he nudges me if we don’t ride out every few days,” she said. “A highly charismatic little horse, he fought as much as I did for his rehabilitation and still goes through all the many western dressage exercises in my back field with gusto. This builds muscle strength – even at a walk. Secondly, Karolina has a great mind and she’s been genuinely interested in getting Ché back to work. Finally, working with The Hoof Boutique was essential in finding the right boots for when Ché couldn’t take metal shoes and couldn’t tolerate going barefoot. All this taken together with a new farrier, has worked fabulously.”

Ché shows “no signs of slowing down” despite his age.

“After years of chronic knee pain, I’m now on a waiting list for a knee replacement,” said Kiki. “I’m as lame as a crow but riding western on a highly responsive and intelligent quarter horse allows me to continue being active. Ché keeps himself in self-carriage on very little contact, never trips, needs no kicking on, and is obedient to neck-reining and my voice. When I mount, we feel like one and he returns to me the thrill of freedom of movement and speed I once experienced in my youth. As for getting off, he patiently stands four-square while I carefully heave myself to the ground, doing the same when I mount, positioning himself perfectly by the mounting block, never moving until my old bum settles in the saddle. And then we’re off.”

Kiki’s advice to other owners includes finding a vet who will work with the farrier and being prepared to change habits.

“Let your old horse talk to you,” she said. “Some older horses thrive with having a job.

“Lots of cuddles, blanket changes and grooming, like with us humans, physical comfort brings its own rewards – I think Ché heals me, and I heal him.”

Karolina added that Ché is an “excellent example of an elderly horse that thrives thanks to the owner, who insists on maintaining a good quality of life of her beloved horse”.

“It is a time-consuming and demanding process, but thankfully, is equally rewarding,” she said.

“Geriatric medicine should mean more than just reducing pain originating from poorly defined sources with bute. Resolution of the discomfort can be achieved in many cases and it should be sought, as there can be a reasonable solution easily available that might change not only your horse’s life, but also your own!

“Ché can now enjoy the twilight period of his life to the very fullest extent, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

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(Image credit: Mark Large/Kiki Maurey)

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(Image credit: Mark Large/Kiki Maurey)

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(Image credit: Mark Large/Kiki Maurey)

Choose a pair of the best hoof boots so you can saddle up and go exploring

(Image credit: Mark Large/Kiki Maurey)

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Try something new –Western riding

Sara Walker — Wed, 15 May 2019 07:25:39 +0000

Western riding is about much more than just using a different saddle, and it’s a discipline in its own right. Historically, it’s a softer form of dressage. The horse, once extinct in America, was reintroduced in the 15th and 16th Century as a cavalry charger, beautifully trained to the rider’s weight shifts and leg aids. The Spanish conquistadors who invaded later wanted a sophisticated horse to work the cattle they’d brought to the new world, but who would work a very much softer outline in order not to spook the herds.

Saddles were built to be as comfortable as possible to allow for long work hours, and horses were trained to make them quick and responsible, lessening rider fatigue.

Now, riders across the UK are discovering that the more laid-back style of Western suits them and their horse — but there’s a lot more to it than just throwing on a saddle and riding off into the sunset.

International Western riding instructor and author Bob Mayhew (pictured top, executing a sliding stop with his stallion, First Draw Peppy) was introduced to the discipline in 1978, and by 1983 had bought the Avenue Riding Centre with the idea of starting to offer Western riding.

“One of the biggest problems at the time was the public perception that the discipline was about rodeos and not the sophisticated quality of training that the true Western horse exhibited. So my crusade to rectify that started!” he says. “I started the Western Equestrian Society (WES) with Roger Wells, a lifelong friend, to cater for those interested in quality western riding, and today, it’s the largest UK society for the discipline. As with English riding, there are many sub-divisions including pleasure, trail, reining, ranch horse, and western riding.

“What appealed to me about Western riding was the calmness, smoothness, and obedience of the Western horse. A team, a partnership of horse and rider working together while seemingly staying away from the reins. Looking back, it’s funny to think of the struggles we had to get Western accepted — these have pretty much disappeared when we see so many English riders flocking to natural horsemanship clinics now to learn Western-style ideas.”

“All horses can be trained to go Western to some level. You may not win competition prizes, but you’ll have fun.”

Jim Lyner, a WES committee member, has been involved with the discipline for over 20 years. He agrees that Western a very accessible form of riding.

“At WES, we promote the sport for enthusiasts at all levels, whether pure beginners or seasoned competitors. You can enjoy all of our ridden activities with ANY breed of horse or pony — we have members with Highland ponies, Welsh ponies and cobs, traditional cobs, Haflingers, Arabians and also the various Western breeds. Nearly every horse that has a Western saddle put on its back seems to enjoy it.”

According to Bob, kitting your horse out in Western tack is a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question — there are Western saddles and bridles to suit all pockets.

“You should be paying a little more than the equivalent in English tack, but I would always say invest in correct fitting and quality to the top of your budget and it will pay dividends in the end,” he says. “Your English hard hat is more than acceptable in riding Western, as Stetsons are only for riding trained horses in competitions.”

Jim agrees: “The saddle is the major investment, and, contrary to popular belief, not all Western saddles fit every horse. It’s much better to spend your money on a good quality second hand saddle than a cheaply made new one, and you do need to have it properly fitted by a Western saddle fitter. The main difference between Western and English saddles is that the English saddle is supported by the spinal muscle of the horse and is adapted to the individual discipline, while a Western saddle is supported by the horse’s ribcage, which helps to spread the load of the saddle and the rider more evenly across the back.

If you’d like to have a go at Western riding, then start by taking a look at the WES website.

“WES is divided up into 13 regional areas each with its own shows, clinics and members’ days,” says Jim. “Clinics are open to non-members and can be ridden in English tack, so you can try the experience. All details can be found on the website or on the areas’ individual Facebook pages, and everyone is welcome to come and watch!”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Howdy! Head on a Western riding holiday (without leaving the country)

Carol Phillips — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 12:29:53 +0000

Whether you’re looking for a Western horse riding holidays in the UK with your significant other (what guy would pass up the chance to be a cowboy for a weekend?) or fancy getting a group of like-minded friends together for a break with a twist, we suggest you check out Loose Reins in Dorset.

The accommodation

Set in a tranquil wooded coomb looking across the River Stour to Hambledon Hill, Loose Reins epitomises the pioneer lifestyle without skipping on comfort. There are a choice of cosy cabins or luxurious canvas lodges, depending on the size of your party, which are all decked out with everything you could need from comfortable king size beds and open fire pits for cooking under the stars, to the all-important essentials like instant hot showers and flushing loos.

The riding

On the equestrian side, the centre offers a range of Western horse riding holiday in the UK suitable for beginners up to experienced riders with a focus on enjoying long trail rides in the country, learning horsemanship basics in the round-pen and perfecting Western riding techniques in the outdoor school. If you’re looking to go galloping around the beautiful Dorset countryside, then this probably isn’t the holiday for you. But if you’d like the chance to slow down and enjoy taking life at a more sedate pace, with great home cooked food and the chance to make new friends, then I’d definitely recommend a visit.

Continued below…

The ultimate adrenaline rush: 7 tips for a hardcore riding holiday

Prices

Rooms: Cabin sleeping up to two adults and two children: two nights from £255; four nights from £525; seven nights from £745. Lodge sleeping up to six adults: four nights from £585; seven nights from £950.

Riding: Western riding lesson: group £42; private lesson £54. Two-hour trail ride: £75 Western taster experience (round pen horsemanship plus riding session) £85. Loose Reins experience (Western taster experience in the morning, lunch, two-hour trail ride in the afternoon) £165.

Find out more at loosereins.co.uk

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (25 January 2018) with our horse riding holidays special, where one writer heads on an adrenline-fuelled trip to Spain, and another relaxes at a luxurious horsey hotel near to London

The mountains are calling! 6 reasons to try Western riding

Olivia Mulligan — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:25:43 +0000

Horse & Hound's Olivia Mulligan explains why she fell in love with Western riding during a visit to California

I have recently returned from an adventurous trip to Mammoth Lakes, California. Although I had planned to spend most of my trip hiking and running, I couldn’t resist trying Western riding up in the mountains.

I was introduced to a bonny looking palomino and eventually found out that his name was ‘Chief’ (pictured below). I say ‘eventually’ because there was a slight misunderstanding due to my terribly British accent.

“What’s he called?” I asked. (The tour guide thought I was asking if he was cold). “Ohhh, what’s his name? Chief. He likes t’take the lead.”

The experience of riding around Convict Lake was incredible. Thanks to Chief, I have fallen in love with the mountains and riding Western style.

Here are six reasons why you should give Western riding a try:

1. Keepin’ it casual

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

You won’t be judged for wearing jeans and trainers – what’s not to love?

2. Great for novices

You can choose a group that sticks to a slow pace. Especially if it is up in the mountains, it will be mostly walking.

3. Unleash the adrenaline

Thrill seekers don’t need to gallop to enjoy it. You and your horse may get pretty close to the edge of the mountain track at times and the paths can be very steep.

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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4. Relax for once

Horses that are trained Western-style are often extremely responsive. Chief was the easiest horse that I have ever ridden, even in a bitless bridle.

5. Culture and history

We dismounted our trusty steeds to have a well earned lunch break (including potato chips and beef jerky, of course). Our tour-guide spoke about the history of Convict Lake and we had a little wander on foot. When we returned our untied horses hadn’t moved an inch – just like the movies.

6. A memorable experience for the whole family

In Mammoth, the scenery was breath-taking. Remember to take a camera – the photo opportunities are fantastic.

I experienced my first taste of Western riding in the mountains with my parents (non-horsey people) and they agreed that the experience of riding in the mountains was the highlight of the trip.

For further information and to get an idea of prices, check out the Convict Lake Resort website: www.convictlake.com

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Matt Jenkins’ dressage blog: getting ready for the year ahead

Matt Jenkins — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:00:39 +0000

Hello all! Happy 2013 — I hope you all had a good Christmas. It’s always difficult to keep motivated in the run up to Christmas with the cold weather and dark nights, but never fear, January is here! It’s time to crack on and gear up for the spring, get ready for shows, tidy up the tackroom and work off that mince pie tummy.

I’ve just been reading this week’s Horse & Hound magazine and I am thrilled to see a horse that I used to train and compete not only featured in the dressage round up, but also mentioned on the front cover! Woodward is an eight-year-old gelding, owned by Daniel Greenwood and Jamie Reynolds, that I competed at novice up to regional level. I rode him for Dan, who can’t compete at novice due to his rider group. He is such a talented horse and that combined with his big frame creates such an impressive picture.

It is so rewarding to see a horse that you used to care for and ride go on and do such great things with their owner. Woody has competed at several regional and national championships and now his first advanced 102 at Addington. I have been lucky enough to watch Dan train Woody at home and he really brings out the best in him. He has such jaw-dropping extravagant paces, it’s no wonder the judge at C (David Trott) put ‘Wow’ for his paces. Sadly Dan has decided to sell Woody but I am sure the best is yet to come for him.

We are very lucky at Crown Farm to have such a diverse range of liveries. There are dressage horses, eventers, showjumpers, show horses and happy hackers. But the ones that interest me are the Western horses owned by Henrietta Campbell. Last week Henrietta offered me a lesson on one of her horses, Ebby. Well, more like dared me! After the initial worry of making a fool of myself I succumbed to the power of peer pressure — just call me Anky van Grunsven!

A lot of the principles of western riding are similar to those of dressage. Both disciplines require the horse to be extremely obedient and sensitive to the rider’s aids. It is difficult to get used to the different tack and different ways of doing things. The reins felt very long! I could tell Ebby where I wanted to go just by looking in that direction and taking my leg away from his side meant I was asking him to go forward. It’s all about opening doors with the aids and allowing the horse to move into that space.

Henrietta showed me how to go from a jog straight into a rein back and also how to do one of those spinny things (I’m sure there is a more technical name for that!). It was such a pleasure to ride a horse, although trained for an alternative discipline, that was just as responsive and obedient. That’s the way I like to train my horses.

The boys are all going well. Bandini returned home last week after his short stay, so it is fairly quiet at the ranch. However I have a feeling it is just the quiet before the storm…

Hope the weather isn’t disrupting you all too much. Stay warm.

Matt

Irish Western rider scoops â‚¬5.7m on the Lotto

Charlotte White — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:28:04 +0000

An Irish Western rider has no need to rein-back her spending after winning â‚¬5.7m ( £4.7m) on the Irish Lotto.

Giustina Macari, who works in her family’s fish and chip shops in Kildare, won half of Ireland’s biggest rollover jackpot this year.

She bought a â‚¬10 ticket from her local newsagents on Saturday.

Giustina is a keen Western rider and is part of the Horse Sport Ireland team, competing in barrel racing at Haras Raphaela, Brazil last month.

She told the Irish Independent: “I absolutely love horses so I will definitely use my money to pursue my passion, but I have not come down off the clouds enough yet to think about what else I might do.”

East meets Western on Horse & Country TV in “Tales of a Yorkshire Cowgirl”

Horse & Hound — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:20:58 +0000

A new show on Horse & Country TV, on 12 August at 7.30pm, will give viewers unique insights into the world of Western riding.

“Tales of a Yorkshire Cowgirl” will feature Lou Talintyre, experienced western rider and co-founder of The Pure Feed Company, as she offers insight into the trials and tribulations of breeding, training and competing western style.

This 30-minute one off show will also feature leading Chinese event, and Pure Feed sponsored, rider Alex Hua Tian as he turns his hand to western riding.

Lou Talintyre said: “There is something for everyone in western riding and it was a real experience to see Alex trade his breeches and body protector for western chaps, with surprising results.”

The show has been filmed at various intervals over the last four months at the Mendip Stud in Somerset.

New western training centre opens in Scotland

Horse & Hound — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:42:01 +0000

A new western-style training and livery centre has opened in south west Scotland.

Charlotte Allen, 27, has opened CFA Performance Horses, near Newton Stuart in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

As well as traditional training, CFA will offer the western disciplines that Charlotte learnt working with horses in Colorado, USA.

Peter Lane, chairman of British Reining says: “Although there are a few in England, this is the first Western discipline training centre I’ve heard of in Scotland.”

Charlotte’s family moved from Scotland to Colorado when she was 11. She broke her first horse in her teens, studied equine science at Colorado State University, then became an associate trainer on the American Quarter Horse Association show circuit.

She returned to the UK in 2007 and worked as a trainer before setting up on her own. CFA Performance Horses’ western ‘all-around events,’ include showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, western riding and trail.

Western riding is growing rapidly in Europe. Olympic gold medal winning dressage rider Anky Van Grunsven and Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna are both fans.

The core of the discipline is a light, responsive, well-disciplined horse — one on which a cowboy could rely while riding across the range, lassoing cattle or on posse duty.

Charlotte hopes that her mixture of breaking, training and livery will appeal to owners who lack the time to prepare their horse for upcoming events.

For more information visit: www.cfaperformancehorses.co.uk

Western actor and stuntman Bobby Hoy dies

Horse & Hound — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:04:27 +0000

Bobby Hoy, star of the The High Chaparral has died aged 82. Hoy, who started acting in 1949, is best known in the UK for his role as ranch hand Joe Butler in the popular early 1970s western TV series.

A former cowboy, Hoy started his film career as a stuntman, specialising with horses in the 1949 film Ambush. He later went on to act as a double for Tony Curtis, Lee Marvin and Tyrone Power.

Hoy was born in New York City in 1928 and learned to ride, aged seven, on a ranch in the Catskill Mountains, New York State. He enlisted in the marines during World War II and returned in 1946 to work as a cowboy in Nevada.

Performing alongside greats such as Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman and Goldie Hawn, Hoy featured in 150 films and TV series during his 56-year career.

Western riding to receive extra support from BEF

Horse & Hound — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:53:09 +0000

Western riders are being offered access to improved facilities and training via the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), putting them on an equal footing with disciplines such as dressage and show jumping.

The BEF has invited organisations including the Western Equestrian Society (WES) and American Quarter Horse Association UK (AQHA UK), to take up affiliate membership via British Reining.

“Our membership structure allows just one member body from a particular equestrian interest,” said a BEF spokesperson, “but we would like to encourage groups with similar interests to be represented by coming together — as the showing organisations are doing — or being affiliated via an existing member.”

Members of the western bodies that affiliate through British Reining (BR) would be able to take advantage of training grants for subsidised clinics, take part in the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) or be trained by UKCC level III western coaches and use BEF approved training facilities.

BR chief executive David Brimson explained: “We’re aiming to get more representation for western riding. Each society would retain its autonomy and could put in requests for funding to meet its own needs.”

There are over 2,000 people actively involved in western riding in Britain, but only 130 are BR members. The WES has around 850 members and the AQHA UK 900.

The concept of a single voice for western riding has been welcomed in principle, though the societies have varied interests — AQHA UK majors on the promotion of the breed, while the WES organises instructional and competitive events for all breeds. BR focuses mainly on its western-style “dressage” discipline, but is spearheading a UKCC programme for general western riding skills at its basic levels.

WES chairman David Brindley said: “We agree that all organisations representing western riding should work together and we will put this to the membership at our AGM in April.”

But AQHA UK chairman David Teideman commented: “We are keen to be represented within the BEF, but we want all aspects of western equestrianism to be recognised.”

European Appaloosa Championships in Aachen

Trevor Cooper — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:03:22 +0000

A schoolboy from Northumberland has returned from the European Appaloosa Championships in Aachen, Germany with a clutch of medals.

Chris Dalton, a 16-year-old from Alnwick, took gold in both the trail class and the youth halter gelding class at the competition in Germany. He took silver in Western equitation (riding a pattern in three gaits) and a bronze in youth showmanship-at-halter, all with his six-year-old mount Zips Tardy Impressive.

Chris also walked away with the title of all-round youth champion for the highest overall points across all the youth classes. The prize was a bronze effigy of an appaloosa horse.

“He was absolutely over the moon,” said his dad, Rob. “It was the first time he had competed in Europe, and he only really went there to test the water.”

Rob said the plucky A-level student fought off competition from about 13 riders in each class — from all over Europe and the US.

Chris, who has ridden since he was two, became interested in Western riding after visiting horsey friends in Texas when he was 14. At that time Rob decided to encourage his son by importing an American Paint Horse from Texas.

“Now he wants to get into western horses professionally — his ambition is to become a professional trainer of western horses in England,” said Rob.

Western star shines at Equus

Horse & Hound — Thu, 19 Feb 2004 16:24:53 +0000

David Deptford will be demonstrating his western riding techniques at Equus 2004, sponsored by Horse & Hound, HORSE and Eventing magazines, at the Excel exhibition centre in London’s Docklands on 16-18 April.

David has been riding western all his life, and the American Quarter Horse has been his passion for more than 25 years. His western riding demonstrations have been a talking point for many years and this will be his third consecutive appearance at Equus.

He specialises in reining, an equestrian sport which is becoming increasingly popular and may soon be included as an Olympic discipline. Reining has been likened to a western form of dressage: the horse is expected to complete a set pattern at the lope (canter).

The pattern must include spins, roll-backs, flying changes and sliding stops as well as a back-up, which must all be executed smoothly and correctly, demonstrating the unity of horse and rider.

Tracey Guerrero, events director at TJW Events, which organise Equus, says: “We are delighted to have David appearing at Equus 2004. Western riding is becoming more and more popular with riders of all ages and to have David at the show gives people a wonderful opportunity to see an expert in action – up close – and to ask questions after his display.”

For more information about Equus, or to book tickets visit: www.equusevent.co.uk

Career profile: Western groom

Horse & Hound — Thu, 05 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Chrissy Mayhew has been competing in reining for 12 years after being introduced to Western riding by a friend with Quarter Horses.

Grooming for her husband Bob and his stallion Fast Draw Peppy, Chrissy had to prepare the horse for the Games and the climate. He was put on a course of electrolytes prior to and during the event, and was well rugged up before it.

“The horse is from California anyway, so the temperature would not have been too much of a shock for him,” says Chrissy.

Chrissy travelled Peppy to Jerez by road and let him off the lorry to graze every time she made a stop.

“One of my main worries was how he would travel, but he was a dream,” says Chrissy, who was a winner of the National Reining Horse Society’s Pewter Trophy and the British Reining Horse Association’s high point non-pro award in 2000.

On arrival in Jerez, Chrissy recalls her surprise at the venue.

“I had expected the Games to be held in the middle of the countryside and not in a big city – I had to travel everywhere by bike.”

The British reining team was stabled at Spain’s National Stud, and the weather was unkind on some days, with heavy downpours.

“We were luckier than the show jumpers,” says Chrissy. “They were flooded out.”

At the competition, Chrissy became more nervous watching Bob compete than when she competes herself.

She says: “It was also slightly frustrating being a groom – we weren’t even allowed to sit on the horses to cool them off, but that’s FEI rules!”

This was the first time reining has been included at WEG so it made the occasion all the more special for Chrissy.

Read more career news in Horse & Hound, or click here to subscribe and enjoy Horse & Hound delivered to your door every week.

All about western classes

Horse & Hound — Tue, 23 Jul 2002 23:00:00 +0000

Expert advice from HORSE magazine on how to get started in western riding competitions

Q: I have started riding my horse western and we are both really enjoying it. Now we would like to start competing. Can you tell me what classes there are in western and what is involved?

Ros Sheppard replies: The Western Equestrian Society organise shows throughout the country and there are six western classes:

Showmanship
Trail
Horsemanship
Pleasure
Reining
Western Riding.

Showmanship:

In this class, the handler is being judged, and though grooming and condition of the horse will be taken into account, points are gained from the general manner in which the competitor presents their horse.

Trail:

The horse and rider have to negotiate a series of obstacles on the arena.

Obstacles include a gate, walking, jogging or loping over poles, backing between poles or around cones, the square (between 5-6ft) in which the horse must turn 360 degrees, side-passing over poles or carrying an object from one point to another.

The horse is marked on his attitude and competency dealing with each element.

Horsemanship:

The rider is judged on seat, hands and ability to control and show the horse while riding a set pattern.

Pleasure:

In this class the horse is shown with light contact and control. He should be responsive and smooth in all transitions and gaits.

Credit is given to horses that have flowing strides, are balanced and willing, and give the appearance that they are a pleasure to ride.

Reining:

The judge selects a pattern, containing circles, spins, stops, rollbacks, flying changes and backup, and each competitor individually performs it.

The horse should be easily guided with little or no resistance. Any movement on his own is considered lack of control.

Credit is given for finesse, speed, attitude, smoothness and authority in performing the manoeuvres.

Western Riding:

Competitors ride a set pattern designed to show the calm, easy, correctly balanced paces of the horse.

The horse is judged on the quality of his gaits, changes of lead, response to the rider, manners and disposition.

Credit is given on smoothness, even cadence of gaits and the horse’s ability to change leads precisely at the centre point between markers.

Read more about Western riding:

Must Read: Riding Western

Horse & Hound — Tue, 02 Apr 2002 23:00:00 +0000

Riding Western introduces the concept of western riding to riders of all abilities

Western riding has become increasingly popular in recent years and the Riding Western Threshold picture guide, published by Kenilworth Press, makes interesting and informative reading.

Written by Cherry Hill, a show judge and trail rider who has extensive knowledge of western riding, the book explains the principles behind this style of riding and the skills it requires.

It also looks at the tack and equipment needed and covers the western gaits, thus providing a perfect introduction to western riding for established and new riders alike.

Available in paperback with colour illustrations throughout.

Cost at around £5.

For more information contact Kenilworth Press (tel: 01296 715101), visit www.kenilworthpress.co.uk orclick here to purchase it on Amazon.co.uk.

Read more HHO book reviews:

How to get started in Western riding

Horse & Hound — Tue, 02 Jan 2001 00:00:00 +0000

I doubt that I am the only person with horrendous memories of taking American friends riding, who said they had “ridden all mah life” and watched them disappear into the distance, unable to masterthe quietest hack.

That sort of experience blinds us to the skill and finesse of Western riding.

However, now it is becoming more internationally accepted as a competitive discipline.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has recognised reining, with the first Nations Cup being held in Italy in May 2001.

In Britain, there are 1,600 pure-bred registered Quarter Horses.

The breed rarely stands over 16hh but is rugged, big in the haunches, supple at the wither, broad in theneck and wide across the chest.

There are approximately 50 local shows in this country and nine major annual events offering classes such as:

reining
pleasure horse
showmanship
horsemanship
trail classes with obstacles rather like a handy hunterCompetitions are held under rules of the Western Equestrian Society, the American Quarter Horse Association UK and the British Reining Horse Association.These three have about 1,600 members between them.Understanding reiningIn reining, the skill of the trainer and the natural grace of the horse come together.The Western horse is trained to respond mostly to legs and seat.The philosophy is based on teaching him two-way communication.The basis of every correctional aid is that, whenever pressure is applied, it is released immediately when the horse performs the required movement.During training, a horse is placed in the correct position and left to work things out for itself.Most learn fast: do something wrong and you hit resistance, which stops the second you even try to do things right.The right bitThose bits that look so fierce are not.The young horse’s first bit is a snaffle and when he is approaching collection, he is fitted with a series of curbs with ported mouthpieces.These allow maximum space for the tongue and do not interfere with the palate.Reining is executed at high speed witha loose rein, and, at first sight, sliding stops are mind-blowing.The reiner’s aim is to ride in perfect collection without a noseband, on the weight of a 6mm floating rawhide rein.Each contestant performs the same required pattern, just like in a dressage test.Cutting horse competitions, quarter horse racing and barrel racing are not organised in this country, although there are occasional one-off events.Cutting is not for the faint hearted. Competitive cutting tests the ability of ahorse to go into a herd of wild longhorns, bring out a selection, cut one out and keep it away from the herd.It is like leaving the starting gates on a racehorse and, within 15 yards, stopping, turning and dashing back to do it all over again.All this with a looped rein and one hand free!The cowboy must be balanced, his eyes on the cow, his body with the horse.A horse can jump ahead or aside a cow to stop it turning.Unless the rider is thinking four to five seconds ahead of the horse and in perfect synchronisation, on a fast pivot turn he will fly out of the side door.Top riders can win between $1-3m annually.Horses change hands for many thousands of dollars and top stallions are insured by syndicates, as no one company dares underwrite the risk.How much does it cost to get started?
Up to £40,000 for a Quarter Horse
Between £30, spent at a second-hand store, to £3,000 on custom-made Western apparel for competition use
Hats alone cost upwards of £300
Saddles between £1,250 and £10,000
Gold-tooled spurs and bit are anything up to £18,000But the biggest investment will be learning to ride all over again.Trust me, you can’t ride English and rein on a Quarter Horse.For more information contact the American Quarter Horse Association UK (tel: 01303 814879)