Western Riding
I am Pembrokeshire’s County representative for the Western Equestrian Society. The Western Equestrian Society was formed in 1985 by a small group of enthusiasts who wanted to take Western horsemanship away from the “movie cowboy” image and give it the acknowledgement it deserves as yet another highly skilled and disciplined equestrian sport. Since it’s beginning the Society has grown in membership numbers and also in stature.
The Western Equestrian Society promotes affiliated show classes throughout the United Kingdom with classes for the novice horse or rider up to classes for the more advanced levels. It also provides a list of approved riding instructors and judges that the society feel have reached the necessary standard in order to teach or judge in the Western field. The society also has lists of clinics and shows organised throughout the year in the appropriate areas so that everyone has a chance to compete if they would like. However, unfortunately at the moment the list of clinics and shows in the Wales area are pretty sparse, and this we need to change.
“What do I need to be able to do in order to compete and what are the classes” I hear you say. Well, in Western riding there are a few different disciplines that can be followed, but firstly you need to get your horse performing the correct movements and gaits required:
Movements and Gaits
WALK A four beat gait, which is purposeful yet relaxed.
JOG A two beat diagonal gait equivalent to a slow English sitting trot.
LOPE A three beat gait, again equivalent to a slow English canter.
Western Classes
Showmanship
In this non-riding class the handler is judged on their ability to produce themselves and the horse in a clean and smart manner. The way in which the horse is shown to the Judge is also considered, conformation is not taken into account although grooming and trimming is.
Pleasure
A good pleasure horse has a flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with his conformation. He should be responsive yet smooth, in transitions when called for. Maximum credit is given to the flowing, balanced and willing horse, which gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride.
Western Riding
Competitors are required to ride a pattern as set out in the rulebook in jog and lope. The horse is judged on quality of gaits, lead changes at the lope, response to the rider, manners and disposition. The horse should perform with reasonable speed be sensible and free and easy moving.
Trail
This class requires the horse and rider to negotiate a number of obstacles in a calm and relaxed manner. These obstacles include gates, walking over poles, reversing in a confined area. The horse is judged on his attitude in dealing with each element of the course and how well each item is negotiated.
Reining
Each horse and rider performs a set “Reining Pattern” at the lope, no jogging is allowed. The pattern will include circles, large and small, flying changes, stops, spins, rollbacks and backup. The reining horse should be wilfully guided with little or no resistance and dictated to completely where his every movement is in the rider’s control. 
All deviations from the exact pattern must be considered lack of or temporary loss of control and therefore faulted according to the severity of deviation. Credit will be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority in performing the various manoeuvres while using controlled speed.
Well, that is a brief insight into the particular classes in Western, for more information about the Western Equestrian Society, log on to their website at www.wes-uk.com
It is well worth making the effort to try and get along to some of the western shows. You will learn where you are heading if you decide to compete and even if you don’t want to compete you will be able to pick up a few good tips by watching the experts.
The Society’s Area 6 Representative is Brenda Ditchfield and this area covers Avon, Dyfed, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Powys. She can be contacted on 01905 612644. So if anyone has any ideas for show venues etc please contact either Brenda or me on 01437 541298.
See also Thea Lloyd Western Instructor & Judge UK-based
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