Thinking about competing in Western riding? Interested but the dicipline feels unfamiliar? Fear not, for in this post we’ll provide some practical tips regarding the class.
So what are Western riding classes all about? Participants are to ride through a pre-announced pattern, which you can find on the website. The pattern is relatively short and centered around course markers that are present in the ring. Judging criteria include soft gaits, and correctly timed and accurately performed lead changes. The rider and their horse’s posture is also included in evaluation; the horse should be carried so that it’s head is on the vertical, and the rider should stand up straight.
Allowed gear include western-style headstalls with a western-style shank-bit, regular snaffle or bosal hackamore. With a bitted bridle a curb chain/strap is required, as well as split reins. When competing with a bosal hackamore a mecate-rein is required. Improper equipment will lead to the rider being disqualified.
Holding the reins:
When riding with a shank-bit the rider must hold the reins in one hand (see image). The other hand carries the horse. The rein hand doesn’t change during the run. The reins come into the rider’s hand one over and the other under the index finger. The hand is then closed so that the free ends of the reins fall from the bottom of the fist.
With a snaffle bit the rider must bridge the reins (see image). The reins go through both hands in a way that a singular rein goes up from the bit, between the pinky and the ring finger of one hand and out the top. The rein then goes into the other hand from under the thumb and the free end falls from the bottom of the fist. This way the two reins cross in between the rider’s hands.
With a bosal bridle the reins are held in the same manner as when riding in an english-style. The lead portion of the mecate rein can be tied to the horse’s stick for the duration of the run.
For further details about the rules of hobbyhorse-western, visit the description of the class on here. In addition we are more than happy to provide an answer to any hobbyhorse-western related questions!
Visual implementation: Saija Leed, Original sketches: Ronja Pulkkinen
