Class Description
A good advanced western pleasure horse has a free-flowing stride of reasonable length in keeping with their conformation. They should cover a reasonable amount of ground with little effort. Ideally, they 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. They should carry their head and neck in a relaxed, natural position, with their poll level with or slightly above the level of the withers. They should not carry their head behind the vertical, giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out, giving a resistant appearance. Their head should be level with their nose slightly in front of the vertical, having a bright expression with their ears alert. They should be shown on a reasonably loose rein, but with light contact and control. They should be responsive, yet smooth, in transitions when called for. When asked to extend, they should move out with the same flowing motion. Maximum credit should be given to the flowing, balanced and willing horse that gives the appearance of being fit and a pleasure to ride throughout the prescribed pattern.
- This class will be judged on the performance, condition and conformation of the horse as well as the horse's willingness to complete the pattern in a willing manner with minimal assistance from the rider.
- No time limit.
- Each horse will work individually, performing all required maneuvers, and scored on the basis of 0 to 100, with 70 denoting an average performance.
- The rider should complete all required maneuvers in the order specified by each pattern.
- Failure to perform a required maneuver will result in a horse placing below all other horses that perform all maneuvers.
- The horse should execute all gaits according to the expectations of the western pleasure class with an emphasis on forward movement, free-flowing, and ground covering for all gaits. Transitions should be performed where designated, with smoothness and responsiveness.
- Patterns are to be chosen from the most recent edition of the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide.