We went to the Grand Canyon State of Arizona to see a whole lot of something about horses. Because we want to figure out what to do with Betsy. See, Betsy is being ridden for Western Pleasure.
One of the most popular AQHA show events is westernpleasure. Contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena, and at the discretion of the judge, are asked to walk, jog, lope and reverse the direction of the horse. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm, traveling on a loose rein
–American Quarter Horse Association
"It's too slow..." Quinn opined of the boring nature of this discipline of riding. For she likes to go fast. She's always asking the instructor if she could lope.
So we thought to let her see what Boxing was all about.
Ranch Cow Work – When it comes to the ranch cow work class, riders have the choice between ranch cow work or limited ranch cow work for youth and amateur exhibitors, where riders are allotted one minute and thirty seconds to complete the work. There are four parts to the limited ranch cow work: boxing the cow; setting up the cow and driving it down the fence to the opposite end of the arena; boxing it at the opposite end of the arena; and drive the cow back down the fence past the middle marker. For ranch cow work, there are three parts to the class: boxing, fence work and roping or circling. The horse and rider must accomplish all three parts in three minutes.
–American Quarter Horse Association
Click HERE to see it in action.
Then we saw Showmanship.
Showmanship at Halter – A class for youth and amateur exhibitors only, it is designed to judge the showmanship skills of the exhibitors. Judges evaluate the grooming and fitting of the horse, and expertise of the exhibitor in presenting the horse. Each exhibitor is required to perform a pattern designed by the judge with emphasis on preciseness of pattern and degree of confidence exhibited by the showman.
–American Quarter Horse Association
We met a rodeo royalty while watching the competition. She was 25 year old Darcy who had been showing horses her whole life!
And as if a light bulb turn on, she decided she would like to try her hand at showmanship.
Click HERE to see it in action.
But I wonder if Q wants to do this discipline because of the bling outfits!!!
I ain't buyin' you an eight hundred dollar suit+matching saddle pad, girl! And remember, showmanship ain't a leisurely walk in the arena, like these competitors make it look. It's serious enough business where the horse trainer steps in to smack a reminder into the horse if he/she ain't putting his/her feet where they should be!
Click HERE to see it in action.
Finally, we watched her fellow students compete in Trail.
Western Trail – The trail class tests the maneuverability of an American Quarter Horse through an obstacle course. Mandatory obstacles include one in which the rider will open, pass through and close a gate. Scoring is based on the horse’s willingness, ease and grace in negotiating the course. The other two mandatory obstacles are riding over at least four logs or poles and one backing obstacle.
– American Quarter Horse Association
Click HERE to watch it in action.
"Man!" she exclaimed. That's haaaard!!! I want to ride western pleasure!!!
I really think she just likes the bling!
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