Often seen as the most flamboyant of the equestrian disciplines. The principles of western riding can be traced back to nearly 400 years BC where Xenophon, the ancient Greek soldier and historian widely accepted as being the founder of modern horsemanship, wrote that balance, weight control and transfer, gentleness and patience are the keys to a well trained and supple horse. His philosophies have been maintained and evolved through the practicalities of use and when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the Americas in the early 1500's they brought with them cattle-working and warfare practices that form the basis of western riding today.
American cowboys were required to work long hours in the saddle and their riding style and equipment needed to accommodate the need to rope and steer herds of cattle whilst often riding at speed over rough terrain. In order for them to lasso a cow with the lariat in one hand the horse needed to be controlled with the other hand and hence the horses were taught to neck rein. This skill of getting the horse to change direction simply by means of the light pressure of the rein on the horse's neck is indicative of the way western riding follows the philosophies of Xenophon. Western riding in essence is a way to ride horses with control, precision and responsiveness by means of light pressure and weight transfer. It is a style of riding that is very easy to learn the basics but which requires tremendous skill and dedication to master at its highest level.
Because of the almost nomadic lifestyle of the cowboy it was essential that they minimised the risks of falling and injuring themselves several days journey from medical help. With this in mind the equipment used was as important as the horse itself and thus the western saddle needed a high cantle and deep seat with a substantial tree to provide support whilst roping cattle and a prominent pommel to allow the snubbing of lasso. Covers for the front of the stirrups called Tapaderos (taps) were often used which prevented brush from becoming caught in the stirrups. The boots had pointed toes and pronounced heels that stopped the rider's foot slipping through the stirrup in the event of a fall and avoid the risk of being dragged along. As with almost everything associated with the sport, the equipment and tack used has come about by necessity.
A definitive of western tack are the reins. Firstly there are the long split reins traditionally from Texas which are completely separated. In addition there are "Romal" closed ended reins associated with California, which have a long single attachment for use as a quirt. Both use a bridle that has evolved to allow the rider to communicate with the horse using a loose rein. The bit used offers one of the biggest differences between English and Western riding where Western riders aim to use a curb bit with a single pair or reins having longer and looser shanks than the curb of an English Weymouth bridle or Pelham bit.
Western and English riding are not as dissimilar as first appearances might suggest, both styles require the rider to have a solid seat with the body well balanced over the feet and hands working independently of the seat. There are of course obvious aesthetic differences with both the tack and the clothing. Western riders tend to wear practical, comfortable clothing, traditionally jeans, boots, long sleeved shirt and a Stetson. Invariably chaps are also worn which help the rider stick to the saddle and also protects the legs whilst riding through brush.
Western tack and clothing can often be quite flamboyant with saddles, bits and bridles using intricately engraved leather and plenty of silver. Clothing is sometimes very colourful and usually accented with ornamental accessories such as carved silver belt buckles and stirrups.
Because the daily work of rounding, sorting, branding and caring for cattle usually had to happen on open plains cowboys needed a quick, nimble and intelligent horse that could reach top speed quickly, stop on a dime and change direction in an instant. The horse needed to be controlled mostly by legs and weight, ridden with only one hand and a light touch on the reins, so that the cowboy's attention could also be on tasks that could include handling a lariat (to rope cattle), opening a gate, or simply waving a hand, hat or rope to move along a reluctant herd animal. Informal demonstrations of these ideal characteristics amongst ranch cowboys and vaqueros evolved into the sport of reining, as well as the related events of cutting and working cow horse as well as several other horse show classes. Other nations with traditions of herding livestock on vast acreages, such as Australia and Argentina, developed similar traditions that have blended into the sport as it has expanded worldwide.
The different disciplines of Western Riding:
Reining - The sport of reining was first recognised by the AQHA in 1949 but was managed by the NRHA from 1966 to 2000 at which time it became an officially recognised FEI discipline and is now an international sport at the World Equestrian Games. It is widely considered that reining is the Western equivalent of dressage riding, albeit at a generally faster pace. Reining requires horse and rider to perform a precise pattern consisting of circles at a lope and gallop with flying lead change, spins, rollbacks and the spectacular slide stop. In competition riders must follow a set pattern usually of 8-12 movements selected in advance by the judges. Each contestant will individually perform the required pattern that will contain a combination of spins, stops, rollbacks, circles, flying changes and a backup. In reining it is vital to control the horse's every movement as well as to guide it through the correct pattern. Should a horse appear to make any movements on its own then points will be deducted as this is considered a lack of control. In addition, any deviations from the exact written pattern must also be considered a lack of control and therefore faulted according to the severity of deviation. Conversely credit will be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness, and authority in performing the various manoeuvres while using controlled speed.
Pleasure - Presence is one of the keys to this event in which all horses in the class show at the same time in an arena. Classes can be quite large with a maximum of 50 entries in the arena at any one time. The rider must demonstrate control with nearly invisible aids and minimal interference using a loose rein with the horse at a walk, jog and lope. The horse should have a low head carriage and have an effortless flowing stride with the length in proportion with its confirmation. Judging is based on performance, condition and confirmation with credit given where the horse appears balanced, fit and a pleasure to ride. Penalties are incurred for incorrect pace and wrong leads.
Cutting - Making a clear statement about it's heritage this event requires the rider by use of the horse alone to select and separate a cow out of small herd of between 10 and 20 cattle. The rider then loosens the reins and leaves it entirely to the horse to prevent the cow from returning to the herd. The original purpose of this act was to allow an individual cow to be treated, castrated or branded. The Quarter Horse has a natural aptitude for cutting in terms of their agility and instinctive ability to keep the separated cow from returning to its herd. The event usually lasts for 2½ minutes and the rider should cut 2-3 cows for which judges will score the rider and horse on their ability.
Trail - In this event the rider is required to memorise a route and negotiate their way within a time limit through a series of obstacles placed in the arena. Judges then score the horse and rider based on attitude on approaching and dealing with each element of the course. The obstacles used can include gates that need to be opened, passed through and closed whilst remaining on the horse. Horses may be required to pass around or over bridges, poles, cones and logs at various speeds and angles including backwards and sideways. Other obstacles can be four poles forming a square of between 5 and 6ft in which the horse must turn 360 degrees, side-passing over, in front of, or between poles in both directions, and carrying an object from one point to another. The rider may even be required to make flapping movements with their hands whilst performing a manoeuvre.
Team Penning - Rather like sheep dog trials a number of selected cattle must be cut from a herd and rounded into a small pen or corral. The event is timed and performed by team of 3 riders who compete against other teams to complete the event in the fastest possible time.
Halter - This event is non-ridden and a handler controlling the horse by means of a lead rope and halter shows the horse. Judging is based on the conformation and conditioning of the horse with particular emphasis on the movement and build of the horse.
Halter Showmanship - Almost the opposite of the regular halter event the horse's conformation is not important and it is the handler who is judged on their ability to show the horse at its best. Judges look for the horse to be well behaved, it's appearance to be clean and well groomed and most importantly how the handler presents the horse. The handler is usually asked to lead the horse through a set pattern of walking, turning, backing up and setting it correctly at a stop. The handlers are invariably dressed in similar fashion to pleasure riders with the smartest of clothes complemented by ornamental accessories such as silver buckles. Additionally the halters used are carved leather with plenty of silver trim.
Horsemanship - In this event the rider is judged on their style, riding position and ability to control and show the horse. Competitors are asked to perform a set pattern that can vary in complexity from a simple jogged circle to a full reining pattern with all of the elements thereof. Depending on which breed association is affiliated with the show the horse may be required to use a curb bit with the rider only permitted to use one hand or a snaffle bit using both hands usually where the horse is under 5 years old.
Freestyle - As the name would suggest this event allows a rider the freedom to perform a number of required moves to a piece of music of their choosing. Riders are often allowed to perform bareback or even without any tack at all which obviously makes controlling the horse considerably more difficult. Judging is based on the usual attributes of control but also on artistic impression.
Western Riding - A technical event, this could be considered a halfway point between reining and pleasure with rider required to follow a set pattern that will include a number of gaits and lead changes. Judging is based on responsiveness, balance, control, manners, disposition, and intelligence. In addition extra credit shall be given for smoothness, cadence of gaits and the precision of the lead changes. The horse should also have a relaxed head carriage showing response to the rider's hands.
Although still a 'minority' equestrian sport here in the UK it is possible to find a trainer and competitions to attend.