How are we coming along? Pleasure horse (VIDEOS)?

Question

Here is my 5 y.o Appaloosa gelding. He is being trained in western pleasure, english pleasure, english jumping, and some gaming.

He doesn't really like to get his lead to the left but hes coming along.

Walking-

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=Walking.flv

Trotting-

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=trottingpt2.flv

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=trotting.flv

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=trottingpt3.flv

Cantering-

--Right

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=canteringrightlead.flv

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=canteringpt2.flv

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=canteringpt3.flv

--Left

http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/Ericacz/pleasure/?action=view&current=canteringleft.flv

Answer 1

First of all, let me tell you how incredibly great it is to see a Western rider with a helmet on.  Good for you, you are quite smart.

You look good, and I like your seat.  I am no Western rider but I do like the way this horse looks, for only being 5.  Have you trained him yourself?  If so, good job.  He's very cute and just where he ought to be for being a youngster.

EDIT;  Oh, no no no - NO draw reins or running martingale, please.  He doesn't need them - horses rarely do.  Honestly, you two are a pretty picture and I'd hate to see an artifical aid ruining that.  Please, please, do not use either one of those things on your baby.  No offense intended but even very experienced riders usually are not skilled enough to use draw reins properly, myself and yourself (from what I can see) included.  

As for the running martingale, I don't know WHY you'd want one.  If his head isn't where you want it, then consider it normal - he's jsut a kid and is only learning how to balance himself and his rider correctly, while developing muscle at the same time.  Give him a chance.

Answer 2

I think you two look pretty good. His trot seems a bit too collected though.

Answer 3

Well, he's cute and you look like you have a pretty good seat.  They're super short clips - so it's hard to diagnose much.

He could use more HQ engagement and his nose tucked in more and his topline level to be a top western pleasure horse.

He has nice cadence to his lope and jog.  Work on getting him to get flatter and work from behind by using draw reins or a martingale if you're serious abotu doing WP - otherwise, to gaming or english jumping he looks like he's coming along nicely.

Nice horse - nice quiet rider - you guys definately have some potential - keep working!

Answer 4

I think he looks really good, he reminds me of my quarter horse.

Answer 5

you will want to put your heels down and slow his canter down that will make the judges look but otherwise u got urslef a great partner!! HAVE FUN!!! -GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

i could not get it up could u email it 2 me plez

Answer 7

Please don't start using any artificial aids on this horse.  He is well started.  It will take hours and correct work to finish him.  There is nothing at all wrong with what he is doing..he just isn't finished to show in pleasure...and you'll ruin him if you don't do it the right way.  In answer to your question, you are doing fine.  Don't let yourself get into a hurry and ruin what you already have here. I don't believe that even one of the posters ahead of me ever trained a pleasure horse.

Answer 8

Just sum advice. If ur gonna show pleasure u need to not let the arm that ur not holding the reins with just flop on the other side. place it on ur leg, it makse ur position look alot better. Also ur gonna need to slow his canter down alot for western pleasure.

good luck