What exactly are judges looking for in english pleasure?

Question

ive shown in english pleasure on a paint horse that has a successful show career in western pleasure. the first show i did, which was an A show, we won reserve. the next show, we didn't do so good. in a couple weeks a i have another show, in which im showing a new horse ive been given to work with that has never been shown. but he moves with his head down and with a big stride. is this what theyre looking for, or is there more?

*i've always done either hunter or equitation

Answer 1

yea that is what they are looking for, the horse should be moving forward comfortably, looking relaxed not stiff.  I would say stay away from a tight frame, let the horse's head draw out, he should look happy like you are having a good time.   I imagine the free walk in a dressage test, like that if you know what that looks like.  I find it helps if you smile a little, not a big fake one but if the judge looks at you and you look miserable like you are working really hard that isnt good, you want to look content. oh and you should have an active gait but not racing.  Calm and lesiurley, but that doesnt mean slow.

that said, the problem with english pleasure is that they are ususlly at hunter/jumper shows.  The judge wont change and will thus often be biased towards judging as he/she would in a eq or hunter class.  so make sure your position is still on par, and your horse is calm.  if possible it is always helpful to track the kinds of horses a judge is pinning, whether she prefers faster paced or slow ones, how much she seems to care about a frame or rider position etc.

Answer 2

a hunter under saddle horse should hang his head low and move freely he doesnt have to look comfortable his just cant me spooky the rider should look content and have VERY quiet hands

Answer 3

Judges look for control and balance between you and your horse. You must work as one, as if you think the same. Your posture is the MOST important one and then comes your horses figure and gaits. Make sure your horse is calm and has his head down. Your leads are the most important thing of all though! Make sure you got it down and your beat is right in your trot. Your back must be strait too, chin up and work together. You do all of that and then you will get a 1st.

Answer 4

Ideally speaking, for English Pleasure at an open show, I would think they are looking for a big, sweepy/scopey stride (especially at the trot), and really flat....for the canter, you want consistency with rhythm, and big stride again.  You want the horse to move out, but that doesn't necessarily mean "fast".  In my area, the judges like the horse to ride with their necks parallel to the ground.

Don't get discouraged about your last show....maybe the judge just was partial to something else (used to judging a different breed, etc), but if your horse carries his head nice and level like a western pleasure horse, but has a big sweepy stride, you would kick butt in my area!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Yeah. They are looking for how you and your horse look together and quiet hands...if your horse is comfertable I think that you are good to go!! good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 6

The judges are looking at conformation of your horse, how you look together as a combination, ground covering strides and working in a nice frame.

So sounds like you could be in for a nice time at the show. Very best of luck.

And to do well (Champ/reserve) they are also looking for a pair that are well turned out and look as though they deserve the placing. ie. dress both you and your horse to win.