Pleasure riding
A relaxed western style competition
The horse is a pleasure to ride
Western Pleasure is a western style competition at horse shows that evaluates horses on manners and suitability of the horse for a relaxed but collected gait cadence and relatively slow speed of gait, along with calm and responsive disposition. The horse is to appear to be a "pleasure" to ride and very comfortable, while being very smooth. Most light horse breeds in the United States and Canada may compete in western pleasure classes, either in open competition or at shows limited to a single breed. However, horse conformation and temperament play a role in this event, and hence animals that are calm, quiet, have collected, soft gaits and the strong muscling required to sustain slow, controlled movement are the most competitive.
Working terrain
Sand
Rest place/daily stay
Box
Horse characteristics
The pleasure horse must be a relaxed horse, that performs its tasks under tournament conditions in a completely relaxed way without tension.
Horses behaviour
In accordance with their breed and character, pleasure horses are very calm when shoeing and very uncomplicated to handle.
Shoeing location
Usual shoeing places.
Advice
Pure Western pleasure horses should be provided with light shoes on the front legs. Because this sport form does not make any great demands on materials and the hooves, these horses can - depending on the nature of the hoof - perform without any shoes on the hind legs.