Discipline - Western

Introduction to Western

Many people attribute the roots of Western riding to the Spanish Conquistadors. In fact, they go much deeper; Western riding, like it's close cousin dressage, stems from the principles of Xenophon, the ancient Greek soldier and historian widely accepted as being the founder of modern horsemanship. He wrote that balance, weight control, gentleness and patience are the keys to a well-trained and supple horse nearly 2,500 years ago.

When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the Americas in the early 1500's, their riding showed Xenophon's influence. They built upon his principles of control, precision and responsiveness by means of light pressure and weight transfer. These elements evolved through warfare practices and cattle work to become the basis of Western Riding.

The early cowboys' needs differed greatly from their English counterparts and consequently their tack and riding styles had to adapt to suit those needs. They needed to be able to cover long distances, work with half-wild cattle at high speeds in very rough, brushy terrain. This meant the cowboy was constantly in danger of becoming unseated, so his saddle needed a high cantle (back) and deep seat to minimize the risks of falling and injuring himself far from medical help. The western saddle also features a prominent pommel (front) topped by a horn to allow the snubbing of lasso. Depending on the local geography, tapaderos ("taps") cover the front of the stirrups to prevent brush from catching in the stirrups.

Because of the necessity to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other, western horses were trained to neck rein. That is, to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. Horses were also trained to exercise a certain degree of independence in using their natural instincts to follow the movements of a cow. Thus a riding style developed that emphasized a deep, secure seat, and very light rein contact.

Not much has changed from this early Western style. Today's Western riders still use a deep saddle with long stirrups, control their horse by shifting their weight and neck rein them to guide them. Western riders typically fall into one of two camps - casual riders or competitive riders who participate in a variety of classes at horse shows. Casual riders who enjoy taking their horse out on the trail with friends usually prefer the comfort of the Western saddle that made it so popular with the early cowboys. Western riding is also the most common type for equestrian trips since often times vacationers aren't experienced riders and like the security that a Western saddle offers.

Western horse shows consist of a remarkable array of diverse events that make vastly different demands on horse and rider. They include reining, cutting, western pleasure, western equitation, trail, barrel racing and pole bending, to name the most popular ones.

Unlike the English traditions where clothing and tack is quiet and unobtrusive, Western show equipment is intended to draw attention. Saddles, bits and bridles are frequently ornamented with substantial amounts of silver. The rider's shirt is often replaced with a jacket, and women's clothing in particular may feature vivid colors and even, depending on current fads, rhinestones or sequins. Hats and chaps are often color-coordinated, spurs and belt buckles are often silver-plated, and women's scarf pins and, when worn, men's bolo ties are also ornamented with silver or even semi-precious gemstones. The only exception would be for cutting or reining events, where more subdued attired is the norm.

Classes for western riders at horse shows include:

Western pleasure - In these classes, the horse's ability is judged more closely than the riders. Riders are asked to walk, jog (a slow, controlled trot), and lope (a slow, controlled canter). In some breed competitions, a judge may ask for a hand gallop. The horse must demonstrate good gaits on a loose rein, with low head carriage.
Western equitation - Riders, rather than the horses, are judged for their position and effectiveness of their aids. Riders must sit the jog, never post. A rider may be asked to perform a test or pattern on his horse as part of the class.
Reining - Considered by some the "dressage" of the western riding world, with FEI-recognized status as a new international discipline, reining is a demonstration of both the rider's control of the horse and the horse's suitability as a cow horse as it circles runs, stops and turns.
Cutting - This event highlights the "cow sense" prized in stock horses. The horse and rider select and separate a cow (or steer) out of small herd of 10-20 animals. Ideally, the rider leaves it entirely to the horse to keep the cow from returning to the herd. Depending on the level of competition, one to three judges score each ride.
Team penning - This timed event requires a team of 3 riders to select 3 to 5 marked steers out of a herd and drive them into a small pen. The fastest team wins and teams exceeding a given time limit are disqualified.
Trail class - Trail horses are required to work over and through obstacles set up in a ring. Tests may include opening a gate, carrying objects, crossing over a bridge or log, etc. Horses have a limited amount of time to complete each obstacle and can be penalized for refusing an obstacle or exceeding the allotted time.
Halter - also sometimes called "conformation" or "breeding" classes, the conformation of the horse is judged, with emphasis on the both the movement and build of the horse. The horse is shown in a halter by a handler controlling the horse from the ground using a lead rope.
Halter Showmanship - In showmanship classes the competitor is judged on his or her ability to present the halter horse to its best advantage. Cleanliness and grooming of horse, equipment and handler are judged. The handler must set up the horse correctly at a standstill and exhibit full control while at a walk, jog, turning and in more advanced classes, pivoting and backing up.