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What are your thoughts on Western Pleasure2007-11-24 21:21:17

So, I've been doing H/J's my whole life, Or since I was about 8. (13 now.) And I haven't really seen a change in my training level, I knowI could easily jump about 3ft, that's what one the trainers at the barn says. But I'm still only jumping 2ft. So, I've decided to change hats nad move into Western. Now,Western pleasure has always caught my interest, what are your thoughts and opnions on it? Thanks for the help.

Answers:

I think it is a better way of communicating. Dressage, cruel. Jumping, depends. No offense, but English saddles are just plain uncomfortable, and you have to maintain contact with their mouths. Take this from someone who's ridden both ways, a horse will appreciate you depending on 1. your bond and 2. which bit you use.

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It can be a lot of fun, it requires a lot of attention to detail, and more work than most people think. It looks a lot easier than it really is to get a horse going correctly western. Western horsemanship is a lot of fun too, the paterns can be very difficult to do, and can be really complicated, but that is what makes it interesting and fun. Deffinitly go for it, and try western to see how you like it. Find a good AQHA, APHA, or even Arab trainer, and take lessons from them. Keep in mind with all of these breeds you can show in western pleasure as well as hunt seat, showmanship, etc. So you wont have to give up huntseat if you dont want to. Western pleasure at most breed shows is just as competitive as hunter/jumpers, so you also wont have to give up being competitive.

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It is fun. If you like doing shows then you can do barrel racing, poles, and walk, trot, canter class. It is quite demanding thougth, but quite comfortable because of the saddle. I think both are fun! But you can always try new things!

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i would look more into u have to like learn how to ride all over agin.

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I know exactly how you feel...I started out in the Hunter/Jumper world & after many injuries (due to neglectful & unknowledgeable trainers)..I got the opprotunity to move into the AQHA & western pleasure world.BEST decision I ever made. Don't get me wrong..I LOVE watching jumpers & admire them greatly & still like to jump the occassional fence once in a while but I have found that the pleasure world is the best fit for me. My advice to you is find a good AQHA, APHA, or ApHC trainer & go train with them for awhile..see what the real western pleasure world is all about. I'm not going to lie, its extremely difficult to actually train a western pleasure horse correctly. So many trainers "band-aide" everthing or just put a simple fix on something to get the horse to go around in a circle with its head down..these are the trainers you want to avoid. You want to go somewhere that you can learn the principles of a western pleasure horse which are much the same as a dressage horse..its all about..suppleness, fluidity, straightness, impulsion, collection, & rhythm. It's an amazing feeling when you sit on a GOOD western pleasure horse..they are amazing light, cadenced & smooth...its one of the best rides you will ever have! The pleasure world is alot of fun..theres alot of great people in the industry that make the circuits a blast! I think that you'll really enjoy your time in the pleasure industry & if not, at least you got out & expierenced something new. Really look for a good trainer in your area or if you are willing to travel, look around everywhere...the knowledge that you will gain from them is incredible! If you let me know where you are located, I can try to get you in contact with someone. www.equimax.com is also a great place to look for opprotunities. Good luck & enjoy yourself!...maybe we will cross paths someday on the circuits!

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I love the West, I used to ride up to the mountains to be there when the sun was rising and ride my iron horse through the canyons of Arizona. With the beautiful sun rise and the sounds of my Harley with drag pipes roaring , and working the gear shifter like Spanish tap dancer, it was exhilarating way to meet the day. The west is awesome in the spring with the saguaro cactus in full bloom. (they blossom at night)

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i like watching western pleasure. dont know a whole lot about it.. it is kinda too slow for me but it is nice to watch. =] have fun and good luck!!

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Go for it. it's one of those things that looks so simple and relaxed, but you can take a lifetime learning to do it well. It's a challenge of a different sort, but great fun.