What kind of horseback riding is most common in Texas?

Question

Well it looks like my family is moving to Texas in the next year (I'm happy because I'm sick of the cold and snow) and we show western pleasure horses. Are there a lot of western pleasure show horses in Texas? I know that there are lot of good trainers up in northern Texas, but what about boarding barns? Are the AQHA and APHA shows large or rather small? Are western pleasure/all around horses the majority or is the state mainly hunter/jumper?

Answer 1

its mostly western in in texas!! i live in san antonio and im a all around cowgirl! mostly team roping!!

and i was in abaline for the O.T.R.A finals for like 8 days.

they have a lot of arenas! and the stables are really nice!!! abaline is very into horses!!! alot of trainers stables! its really nice!! and yes there are AQHA and APHA shows down here!!

and they are pretty big!!!!  the APHA world show is held in ft. worth!!

Answer 2

I was born and raised in Texas.  It's VERY western in it's riding although English is starting to show up in big cities.  The favorite types of riding are western pleasure, roping, cutting, barrel racing and any other "cowboy" event.

Answer 3

Are you kidding, it's TEXAS!!!  Definitely "cowboy" country and lots of western horses.  But there is also reining, team penning, cutting, barrel racing, etc...  Go and have fun!  I hear ya about the cold and snow!

Answer 4

Yes, there are a lot of western pleasure shows in Texas.  I believe that the AQHA and APHA shows are quite large although I do not attend them. Hunter/jumpers and other English disciplines are in the minority. When you say northern Texas, do you mean D/FW? There should be plenty of boarding barns for you to choose from.

I also recently found out that Dallas is building a Texas Horse Park (modeled on Kentucky Horse Park) to be built along the Trinity River.

Answer 5

EVERYBODY does western down here, it seems.  At least 4 out of 5 stables do western style lessons and events, so ya'll should fit in just fine!  Also, boarding stables are all over the place too. I live just outside of Houston, and even though it is a big city with not much country, I can list three stables that are less than 15 minutes away from me!  

I haven't gone to any of the local horse shows, but Quarter Horses do take up most of the population.  Paint horses aren't quite as common.

Answer 6

Welcome to Texas.  I show AQHA, so will tell you about those in my area.  We have our share of the big QH circuits with the Texas Classic in the end of May and also the Texas Amateur Championships at the end of April.  We also have smaller weekend shows throughout the state. APHA World show is in Fort Worth.  The western classes tend to be bigger than the english classes.  You can easily find boarding in most any area.  Where are you planning on moving and I could probably help you more.  You should feel right at home as there are plenty of western pleasure and all around exhibitors thoughout the state.  We are quite a big state, so knowing the area you are moving to would help.  Good luck and again, welcome to Texas.

That area is definitely horse oriented.  There are a ton of AQHA shows in that area.  The Texas Classic is in Fort Worth, and the 14-18 classes were around 20 entries this year, the Texas Amateur is in Waco and had about the same for 14-18 entries.  There are several shows throughout the year in Abilene that are smaller but still have decent numbers in the youth classes.  There are shows in San Angelo which is close and are decent sized.  There is also the Redbud Spectacular in Oklahoma City that has about 40-60 in the 14-18 classes which is in June.  You should definitely not run out of shows to go to.

There are also good trainers throughout the state and you should not have any trouble finding one who fits your needs and goals if that is the route you want to take.  Definitely plenty of boarding facilities available.

Answer 7

The AQHA and your local organization the Texas Quarter Horse association will be able to answer all of your questions.  The head office of the AQHA is located in Amarillo, Texas....really nice people there...really helpful.

Enjoy your move to Texas!!!!!!

http://www.tqha.com/

www.aqha.com

Texas celebrates the western lifestyle......

http://www.newhorse.com/page/horseboardi...