Western Riding

All things western, whether you’re on the trail or in the show pen, running barrels or chasing cows.
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Using Horsemanship Skills in Barrel Racing
While it’s certainly a perk, going fast isn’t the only thing barrel racing is all about 🤠 To round the three barrels in a barrel racing pattern with precision as well as a fast time, classical horsemanship skills apply. Here, ​​barrel racing coach and competitor Kelly Kennedy-Joseph shares how three classical horsemanship skills apply to her sport 👇️ #horseillustrated #barrelracing #barrelracer
The Difference in Reining and Cow Horse Stops
Whoa! 🛑 If you compete in reining or cow horse events, you know how crucial the stop is. But the stop differs between the two events. With guidance from trainer Aaron Ralston, learn more 👇️ #horseillustrated #reining #cowhorse #reinedcowhorse #workingcowhorse
Ace Your Western Lead Change
Does it get much better than a beautiful, smooth lead change? 😍 Honestly, it really doesn’t. But achieving a fluid lead change may be easier said than done if you’re not positioning your body correctly. We’re here to help you ace your lead changes! #horseillustrated #horsetraining #equestrian #leadchanges #leadchange #horsetips
Master the Long Trot for Ranch Riding
The extended trot, or the long trot, is the signature move of ranch riding 🤠 Typically, no other western show event requires your horse to stay in a long trot instead of a lope. That’s why it’s important to master it. Learn how to do just that with tips from trainer Aaron Ralston 👇️
Master Riding Over Logs
Will your horse ride over logs easily and with interest? In popular ranch riding classes, log obstacles are part of every pattern. Most often, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) patterns call for walking or trotting over logs. A few patterns also call for lope-overs or a sidepass over logs that are wider and taller than those found in traditional trail classes.
Using Romal Reins to Improve Communication with your Horse
A staple piece of tack for many West Coast western riders, romal reins can be a bit of a mystery if you learned how to ride in the eastern United States. While this rein started as a reined cow horse mainstay, its use has spread across the country, particularly in cattle classes, ranch classes, reining and trail. Interested in trying this style of rein? American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Professional Horseman Cathy Woosley Luse of Whitesboro, Texas, shares how to get started.
Western Lesson: Introduce Your Horse to a Baby Pool
Baby pool water obstacles are common in trail classes. Plus, splashing in a baby pool is a great way to introduce your horse to water crossings if you’re surrounded by dry land. (Plastic pools should only be used with barefoot horses. If your horse wears shoes, opt for a low wooden box with an industrial-grade canvas tarp liner. Also, always put water in the pool so it doesn’t shift.) Here, trainer Jessica Dabkowski of Pony Peak Stangmanship offers tips on how to train your horse to a baby pool.
Mastering Split Reins
Looking to compete in western performance classes but struggling to master split reins? 🤠 Don’t sweat — with the help of trainer Bud Lyon, we’ve walked you through how to use split reins 👇️
Reining and Cow Horse Turns
Calling all reiners and cow horse competitors 📢 If you’re competing in reining or working cow horse competitions, your horse will need to turn quickly in response to your cues. Mastering this maneuver is a key to success. Here, trainer Aaron Ralston defines the difference of the turn between the two events, and how you can perfect it 👇️ #horseillustrated #westerntraining #reining #cowhorse #workingcowhorse #reinedcowhorse
Ace Your Western Riding Pattern
Looking to ace your western riding pattern? Trainer Bruce Vickery has all the tips you need to improve your performance in this tricky class.
To Bit or Not to Bit?
The idea of riding horses without bits isn’t new, but the idea gains momentum as many horses are ridden for pleasure rather than high-performance shows. The bitless topic almost always provokes debate. Here, we’ve gathered perspectives from industry experts—including Dr. Robert Cook, Karen Rohlf, Luke Gingerich, and Linda Tellington-Jones. Read on to find out if bit or bitless riding fits best with your riding plans. QUESTION: Have you ridden bitless? Did you like it?
Getting the Most Out of Attending a Horse Clinic
Anyone can benefit from going to a horse clinic. One of the advantages is the quantity of information you will be exposed to; you’ll be bursting with new riding or training techniques and want to rush home to put them to use with your horse. Follow these tips to get more bang for your buck while attending these one-stop training shops. Do you have any plans for attending an upcoming clinic? Or do you have a favorite clinic you've been to?
Dress to Impress in Your Next Western Show Class
You’ve been practicing your maneuvers and getting your horse ready to show off his moves in western classes. But now you need the best western show outfit. You want your clothes to be appropriate for each class without distracting from your performance. Your choice of clothing will vary, depending on if you’re showing at a local open show or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) World Championship show.
Shades of the Southwest with Turquoise Jewelry
When it comes to turquoise, it’s not all created equal. Prices for this valuable stone vary due to the demand, mining process and hours the artist puts into each piece. Whether you want to splurge or save, you can find just the right turquoise jewelry accessory to fit your style.