Western horse gaming

It epitomises everything people generally expect from western riding. Fast action, nimble footwork and confident horsemanship. Of course, it ignores the other qualities we admire. But, if you want to see a properly versatile western horse, watch him cover a barrel racing course and then perform quietly around a Western Riding pattern. More than Barrel Racing it requires intense concentration. Many people choose to enjoy their horses in competitive events. These activities can be either individual or team events.

Some are judged by a set of written rules and specifications, and other competitive activities are timed events. In equitation and horsemanship classes the rider is being judged, but a well-trained, smooth-gaited and responsive horse contributes greatly to a winning presentation.

The horse should appear to be a pleasure to ride, both in gait quality and manners. In most shows, the horse is required to walk, jog western trot , and lope western canter both directions of the arena, as well as back quietly.

Reining horses perform a set pattern which emphasizes their responsiveness to and control by the rider. For more information, visit the National Reining Horse Association. In cutting competitions the horse separates a cow from the herd and keeps it form returning to the herd by anticipating and outmaneuvering its attempts to join the herd.

For more information, check out the National Cutting Horse Association website. There are several different roping events, for both teams and individuals. In trail classes in horse shows, the horse is shown over a series of obstacles mimicking those commonly encountered on the trail which test the horse's ability to safely, calmly and willingly negotiate these obstacles. Obstacles may include opening and closing a gate, walking over a bridge, opening a mailbox, backing through poles or weaving cones.

Speed events are tests of the horse's agility and speed. Horses compete against the clock and the fastest time wins. Barrel racing is racing the horse around barrels set in a cloverleaf pattern. Pole bending is weaving the horse in and out of six tightly spaced poles. A stake race is running the horse in a figure 8 pattern around two poles. There are many other speed events for horses.

Team penning is a timed contest in which a team of riders must separate specific cattle from a herd, move them into a pen and hold them in the pen. Team penning is especially popular in the Western United States, but is becoming more popular around the country. Rodeo is an event containing a set of competitive activities that are based in the skills that cowboys needed to perform their jobs on the range. Common rodeo events are bareback and saddle bronc riding, where the rider tries to stay on an untrained horse for eight seconds, and bull riding, where the cowboy tries to stay on a bull for eight seconds.

There are other timed events such as calf roping and team roping, which shows skills cowboys needed to catch animals in order to treat them or brand them for identification. Barrel racing is a popular event that shows the speed and quickness of the horse. Basic training in English riding can enhance your western performance. English riding offers a lot to both beginning riders and more-experienced riders who have primarily ridden western.

First-time reining event contestants are eager to compete and eager to learn how to perform better. Reining competitions can be stressful, however, for even the seasoned competitor. Here are tips to better prepare newcomers as they get ready for their first reining competitions. Opportunities for newbies and returnees abound, and the Internet is making it easier than ever for like-minded folks to compare notes and help one another take that first big step.

Riders of all ages and skill levels are enjoying the camaraderie, excitement, and improved horsemanship that come with participating in an equestrian drill team. In this article, Al gives the lowdown on what it really takes to be cutter, and how to do it without breaking the bank cutting can be an expensive sport.

He also provides detailed info about the cattle used for cutting, and what kind of horse it takes to get the job done. English apparel is not as flashy as the rhinestones you might see in western pleasure or showmanship classes. The look is elegant and refined, but it doesn? Whether you and your horse are show ring rookies or seasoned pros, show time jitters can send you both on an emotional roller coaster. Here's a timeline to help make your show day a success.

The National Reining Horse Association recently approved revolutionary show and class formats to welcome riders of all levels to the reining arena. If you ride with Western romal reins in Quarter Horse shows, you'll need to hold them "by the book.

Polish your presentation with these tips. Horse Breeds. Horse Health Care. Alternative Therapies. Horse Deworming. Senior Horse Care. Seasonal Care. Hoof Care. Hoof Problems. Horse Industry Controversies.