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Horsemanship Information and Videos
Western Horsemanship is an event where the horse and rider are judged on style, appearance, control of the horse with barely visible cues, and proper riding position. The rider's attire should be color coordinated, trendy, and fashionable. Competition consists of both pattern and rail work. Below you will find a video competition of this type of riding.
Both Western Halter and Halter Showmanship are competitions where the horse is not ridden. The horse is led by a lead rope and show halter before the judge. In Halter, judging is based on the horse's conformation, conditioning, movement, and overall performance of the horse. In Halter Showmanship, judging is based on the handler and how they present their horse. The handler takes their horse through a pattern of walking, turning, backing up, and stopping in correct position. Below you will find video demonstrations of this type of riding in competition in both Halter and Halter Showmanship.
Western Trail is a timed event where horse and rider must maneuver over and through different obstacles. Obstacles include, but not limited to; opening, going through, and closing a gate, bridge, ground poles, turning around in a square box. The horse must present the ability and a willing attitude to properly complete the course. Below is a video demonstration of this type of Western competition.
Freestyle riding competitions are one of my favorites because it allows the rider to show their horse to a chosen piece of music. Riders are required to perform several moves within the routine, but are allowed to ride bareback, bridleless, or both. My favorite is Stacy Westfall's reining performance on Baby Doll, 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress Championship-done bareback and bridleless shown below!
