Judging the Western Pleasure Horse - University of Nevada ...

Judging the Western
Pleasure Horse
Al Cirelli, Jr., State Horse Specialist
Brenda Cloud, Extension Assistant, Southern Area
Fact Sheet: 96-10
Class Specifications:
Introduction:
The western pleasure horse class is judged on the
performance, conformation, and condition of the horse.
A maximum of 80 percent is placed on performance.
Conformation and condition are each scored a minimum
10 percent.
Western pleasure horses should move freely with a stride length that is appropriate to its
conformation and structure. Movements of the horse should appear smooth and without
effort. The horse should have a balanced, free-flowing motion. The head and neck
should be in a normal and relaxed position. The poll should be level with or slightly
above the level of the withers. The face should not be carried behind the vertical,
indicating possible intimidation, nor should it be excessively nosed out, as that gives the
appearance of resistance. The head should be level, nose slightly ahead of the vertical,
with a pleasant expression and alert ears. The horse should work on a reasonably loose
rein, with light and consistent contact. The horse should be willing and relaxed with a
pleasant attitude and it should respond readily to all the riders cues. Transitions and
extension or collection of the gaits should be smooth and the horse should move at an
even pace. Stops and turns should be smooth, balanced and collected. Maximum credit
should be given to the free moving, balanced, willing horse in good condition that
appears to be pleasant to ride.

The following terms are used to describe the gaits in a western pleasure class.
• Walk - A natural, flat-footed, lateral four beat, ground-covering gait. The walk
should be energetic and alert. The stride should be of adequate length and is
influenced by conformation and size of the horse. Movement at the walk should be
free-flowing, straight, and true.
• Jog - A two-beat diagonal gait with the horse working from one pair of diagonals to
the other. The jog should be a ground-covering gait that is smooth, balanced, and
straight. Knee action should not be high or over-flexed. Horses walking behind and
jogging in front are not performing the true gait. When extended the jog should be
free and easy.
• Lope - A free moving, natural three-beat gait that should appear smooth and
relaxed. When going to the left, the horse should be on the left lead; when going to
the right it should be on the right lead. Horses moving in a four beat gait are not
considered to be traveling in a correct lope. Speed should be at a natural rate for
the lope.
Note: "Beat" refers to the rhythmical progression or movement of the feet.
Class Routine:
• Walk, Jog, Lope - Horses are shown at a three gaits on a reasonably loose rein,
consistent contact, free of excessive restraint. They must work in both directions of
the arena.
• Reversing - Horses may only be reversed at the walk or jog. They can not be
asked to reverse at the lope. Horses are to be reversed to the inside (away from
the rail).
• Backing - Backing may only be for finalists at the discretion of the judge.
The judge may ask for additional work, such as extension or collection of a gait, of the
same nature from any horse.
Guidelines for Judging:
Characteristic Good Minor Fault Major Fault Elimination
Walk
covers ground
slow
nervous
not working
flat-footed
no interest
jogging
forward impulsion
dull
Jog
smooth
too slow/fast
not two-beat
breaks gait
consistent
rough, quick, choppy
Lope
smooth
too slow/fast
wrong lead
not under control
natural
gaping

consistent
pulling
four-beat
rough
Extended Jog
easy riding
not consistent
breaks gait
not extended
consistent
pulls
forward impulsion
rough
Backing
straight
hesitant
throws head
not backing/rears
responsive
gaps
General
smooth
over flexed
throws head
constantly breaks gaits
easy on rider
under flexion
gapping
kicking
sour ears
bumps bit
lameness
tail switching
bad mouth
cueing in front of cinch
not balanced
stumbling
fall of rider or horse
touching horse or
saddle with free hand
ears below withers
head carried too low
two hands on reins
(except hackamore or
snaffle)
more than 1 finger
between reins
excessive nosing out
illegal equipment
References:
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) - Formerly: American Horse Show Association
American Paint Horse Association
American Quarter Horse Association.
AQHA Official Handbook, 44th ed., 1996.
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