Western Horsemanship
$35.00
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December 2025 Show
Classes 80, 83: Western Horsemanship Beginner (Walk)
Classes 81, 84: Western Horsemanship Novice (Walk/jog)
Classes 82, 85: Western Horsemanship Intermediate (Walk/jog/lope)
Filming Sheet or announce yourself verbally to the camera
Beginner Western Horsemanship: Walk Only
This class is the foundational step for new Western riders seeking to master the correct Western Horsemanship position and basic control at the slowest gait. The entire focus is on the rider’s form, balance, and quiet cues.
Judge's Focus: Fundamental Position
The judge is scrutinizing the rider's position while executing simple elements of the pattern at the walk:
Plumb Line Position: Evaluating the rider's secure and balanced seat, ensuring the ear, shoulder, hip, and heel form a correct vertical line.
Quiet Hands and Legs: Hands must remain quiet and centered, with the feet resting properly in the stirrups (ball of the foot). Cues should be subtle and invisible.
Maneuver Accuracy: Performing simple pattern requirements—such as a square halt, a straight walk, and precise turns—with smooth execution.
This class is the ideal setting to gain confidence, establish a strong foundation in Western form, and prepare for the introduction of the jog.
Novice Western Horsemanship: Walk & Jog
The Novice Western Horsemanship class introduces the jog (trot) and a more complex pattern, challenging the rider's ability to maintain a correct, deep seat and effective control while in motion.
Judge's Focus: Rhythm and Transitions
The judge evaluates the rider's overall poise and effectiveness, with a key emphasis on:
Seat at the Jog: Maintaining a quiet, deep, and secure seat while the horse is jogging, absorbing the movement without bouncing or gripping with the knees.
Seamless Transitions: Executing smooth, prompt, and accurate transitions between the walk and the jog. These transitions must occur exactly where specified in the pattern.
Precision in Backing: Accurately performing pattern requirements such as a straight back-up for a specified number of steps or backing around a corner.
This is the perfect proving ground for riders ready to showcase accurate pattern work and balanced riding at both walk and jog.
Intermediate Western Horsemanship: Walk, Jog, & Lope
The Intermediate Western Horsemanship class is for the highly proficient rider. It demands flawless execution of a complex pattern involving all three gaits—walk, jog, and lope (canter)—along with advanced maneuvers.
Judge's Focus: Cadence and Degree of Difficulty
The judge is scrutinizing the rider's finesse, control, and ability to maintain a consistent cadence through all parts of the test:
Control at the Lope: Maintaining the correct lead and a consistent, rhythmic pace at the lope, demonstrating the ability to lengthen and shorten the stride on cue.
Maneuver Execution: Accurately performing advanced pattern elements.
Invisible Aids: The rider must use their hands, legs, and weight (aids) so subtly that their horse appears to be performing the pattern on its own initiative.
This class rewards the rider who demonstrates the mastery, polish, and absolute control required to compete at the highest level of Western Horsemanship.