keeping with his conformation. He should cover a reasonable amount of

ground with little effort. Ideally, he should have a balanced, flowing motion,

while exhibiting correct gaits that are of the proper cadence. The quality of the

movement and the consistency of the gaits is a major consideration. He should

carry his head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with his poll level with

or slightly above the level of the withers. He should not carry his head behind

the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out,

giving a resistant appearance. His head should be level with his nose slightly in

front of the vertical, having a bright expression with his ears alert. He should

be shown on a reasonably loose rein, but with light contact and control. He

should be responsive, yet smooth, in transitions when called for. When asked

to extend, he should move out with the same flowing motion. Maximum

credit should be given to the flowing, balanced and willing horse which gives

the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride.

shall be the following:

hackamore or snaffle bit.

or snaffle. This class will not be approved prior to July 1 of the

year for which approval is requested.

be the following:

hackamore or snaffle bit.

in either bit, hackamore or snaffle bit.

and two-year-old western pleasure at the same show.

both hands on reins. If riding with two hands reins must be crossed

with the tails of the reins on the opposite side of the neck. The rider’s

hands should be carried near the pommel and not further than four

inches (10 cm) out on either side of the saddle horn. Rider’s hands

must be steady with very limited movement.

conformation of the horse.

their ability with different leads. At the option of the judge, horses may

be asked to extend the walk or lope, one or both ways of the ring. It is mandatory

that a moderate extension of the jog be asked for in at least one direction

with the exception of Novice classes, the youth 11 and under, the youth 13 and

under, Select Western Pleasure and two-year-old Western Pleasure. However,

the moderate extension of the jog remains optional in the above classes. A

moderated extension of the jog is a definite two beat lengthening of stride and

covering more ground. Cadenced and balanced with smoothness is more

essential than speed. Riders should sit at the moderated extension of the jog.

Lope with forward motion will become the only gait recognized as a lope.

However, never more than the top 12 horses may be asked to extend at the

lope. Horses are required to back easily and stand quietly. Passing is permissible

and should not be penalized as long as the horse maintains a proper and

even cadence and rhythm.

They may be required to reverse at the walk or jog at the discretion

of the judge, but shall not be asked to reverse at the lope.

any horse. He/she is not to ask for work other than that listed above.

the judge wishes to check equipment.

loose rein or light contact without undue restraint.

(Resulting in an animated and/or artificial gait at the lope.)

(During transitions, excessive delay will be penalized.)

nose is carried behind the vertical

drawn or overly tired

not maintained.

foot is further to the inside of the arena than the inside front foot.)

novice amateur or novice youth classes which shall be faults, scored

according to severity:

nose is carried behind the vertical consistently