Horse Show Question?

Question

Okay, I have been riding English for 6 years (I'm 13) and I am going to be buying a horse soon. I am most likely going to be buying a Western Pleasure Horse. I have taken some Western lessons before, so it's not like I don't have any clue. When I have my horse, I would like to enter some competitions (nothing big like barrel racing or reining, just a pleasure class) but I don't have that much Western experience and I doubt my position would be that good. So is there any shows I can enter without Western experience?

Also, any tips for riding Western and what I should look for in a good Pleasure horse?

Anything appreciated, Thanks

Answer 1

If you want a western pleasure horse get a quarter horse, which can do english too.  Quarter horses are good at english and western so if western doesn't work out, you can always go back to english.  

I suggest, like others said, that you take some more western lessons before going to any western show or buying a western horse!

Check your local barns for simple schooling shows.  

good luck!

Answer 2

Get your trainer to help you look for a horse that's a good match for you.

Answer 3

Well i just started in western also! I was riding in english for around 6 years too.Well one thing to remember is to keep your bottem in the saddle and move with the horse.

Answer 4

you should take some more western lessons.. and get some lessons before u go to a show on ur own horse as well.. once u feel comfortable look around there are several local non rated schooling shows that u may be looking for... usualy barns or local clubs put the shows on

Answer 5

I would start off with some local open shows, they are alot cheaper so you dont waste you money until you can gain enough experience to be competitive at the bigger shows. When you ride western pleasure, its alot about your looks: how you look on your horse and your over all appearance and how you present your horse. Stay away from show shirts that have alot of fringe on them-they show every little movement you make... same goes for ponytails, wear your hair in a tight bun. Also, you want your legs to look "long" and relaxed... a great exercise for is is leg swings..where while riding your horse you swing your legs, slowly, up and back (ex. right leg forward while the left is back, etc) you want to get your legs as far forward and back as you can to strech out your leg... just be careful the first time you do this on your horse til you know how he'll react to your legs swinging around on him haha. Also, if you ride your horse one handed, then keep your free hand up, but slightly below your hand holding your reins (in a fist, almost like both hands ar holding the reins), rather then letting your free arm hand down (that looks sloppy).

As far as what to look for in a horse... something that carries himself like a western pleasure horse, with his head and neck relaxed and "low". Also you'll want to make sure he can actually jog (you'll have a hard time keeping your seat in the saddle if he just has a bouncy trot) and that he can actually Lope (for the same reasons, plus you want that nice 3 beat lope, not to look like he is running around the arena compared to the other horses)

Continue to take lessons!

Best of Luck and have fun!!

Answer 6

Whoa! Slow down! I was the same, I took lessons for years! and then I got my first horse and its a whole different Ball game! After I got my first horse, I wasn't ready for 2 yrs before I showed. Take your time, there is no rush...

Answer 7

There are some local shows by where I live that you only have weave things by walking, trotting, or cantering.  

Answer 8

Why are you wanting to get a western horse and ride western if you have been doing english so long?

If you just want to try something new then try taking some lessons in western pleasure. If you have been riding english for 6 years, then you know the importance of proper training for any disipline.