This presentation discusses the positive attributes of the western pleasure horse and how evaluation of these horses occurs during a horse show. Download full version with embedded video: http://tinyurl.com/WPJudgesSchool2009

1. Judging WESTERN PLEASURE Ashley Griffin, Kentucky APHA, PTHA, and PHBA Approved

2. WESTERN PLEASURE Flowing Balanced and Willing Horse that gives the appearance of being Fit and a Pleasure to Ride.

3. Proper Attire: Western Hat Long Sleeve Collared Shirt Long pants Boots Chaps and Spurs optional WESTERN PLEASURE

4. Proper Equipment: Western Bridle and Saddle Snaffle Bits: O-ring, egg-butt or D-ring – max. 4“ Round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal. May be inlaid but smooth or latex wrapped. 5/16” bars 1” inward from cheek Optional curb below the reins WESTERN PLEASURE

5. Proper Equipment: Curb Bits: Solid or broken mouthpiece Round, oval or egg-shaped, smooth and unwrapped metal. May be inlaid but smooth or latex wrapped. 5/16” to 3/4” bars 1” inward from cheek No prongs protruding above or below the mouthpiece Ports no higher then 3 1/2” Shanks no longer then 8 1/2” Curb straps must lay flat and be 1” or more in width Inspect for blood on horse’s belly, nose and mouth WESTERN PLEASURE

6. Factors to be Considered: WESTERN PLEASURE Consistency Correctness of Gait Flat-footed 4 beat Walk - May ask to Extend the Walk Smooth, ground-covering 2 beat Jog - Moderate Extension at the Jog Easy, rhythmical 3 beat Lope Back Cadence Collection Engaged Hocks Level neck and nose slightly in front of vertical

7. Lameness: Check for Lameness from the moment horses enter the arena Obvious Lameness is: Consistently observable at a trot at all times Marked nodding, hitching or short striding Minimal weight-bearing in motion and/or at rest inability to move Judge may excuse horses that are deemed unsound WESTERN PLEASURE

8. Pleasure & Saddle Types Pleasure Type: Rounded, medium strides Flexed neck and poll higher than withers Display forward reach and flexion with the knees and hocks Saddle Type: Move with more energy Higher head carriage Marked flexion with the knees and hocks May not be asked to Back WESTERN PLEASURE

9. The Walk WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

10. The Walk WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

11. The Jog WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

12. The Jog WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

13. The Jog WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

14. The Jog WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

15. The Lope WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

16. The Lope WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

17. The Lope WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

18. The Lope WESTERN PLEASURE Selecting And Showing Western Pleasure Horses, AQHA, quaraterhorseoutfitters.com

19. Faults: WESTERN PLEASURE Canted when Loping Circling unnecessarily Not performing the gait specified Standing on the rail Stopping periodically Wrong lead Lack of stride lengthening when called Excessive use of reins & Out of control Two handing, excessive cueing, grabbing saddle horn, equipment failure, fall of horse & rider

20. Judges Responsibility WESTERN PLEASURE Allow adequate time for each gait In mixed breed classes, judge against the ideal Lameness should be excused from the arena discretely with assistance from ring steward If you check one bit you must check them all Bits vsBosals Judge each horse each time they show Prospect for tomorrow is not your winner today

21. Positive Factors: Consistency Correctness of Gait Cadence Collection WESTERN PLEASURE Pleasure to Ride

22. Reese Ann & Price Ballard TOD & ASHLEY GRIFFIN