Western Pleasure is a western style competition at horse shows that evaluates horses on manners and suitability of the horse for a relaxed but collected gait cadence and relatively slow speed of gait, along with calm and responsive disposition. The horse is to appear to be a "pleasure" to ride and very comfortable, while being very smooth. Most light horse breeds in the United States and Canada may compete in western pleasure classes, either in open competition or at shows limited to a single breed. However, horse conformation and temperament play a role in this event, and hence animals that are calm, quiet, have collected, soft gaits and the strong muscling required to sustain slow, controlled movement are the most competitive.
Read more about Western Pleasure: Breeds, Equipment, Show Grooming, Class Procedure and Requirements, Controversies
Famous quotes containing the words western and/or pleasure:
“Sir Walter Raleigh might well be studied, if only for the excellence of his style, for he is remarkable in the midst of so many masters. There is a natural emphasis in his style, like a mans tread, and a breathing space between the sentences, which the best of modern writing does not furnish. His chapters are like English parks, or say rather like a Western forest, where the larger growth keeps down the underwood, and one may ride on horseback through the openings.”
—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)
“Orsino. Theres for thy pains.
Feste. No pains, sir, I take pleasure in singing, sir.
Orsino. Ill pay thy pleasure then.
Feste. Truly, sir, and pleasure will be paid, one time or another.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)