Diving into Disciplines: Western

These next disciplines are timeless and deeply rooted in American culture, despite the fact that this style of riding was brought over by Spanish Conquistadors. Western disciplines have been built upon the various jobs cowboys did, such as working the land, herding cattle, and working on ranches. While many cowboys and cowgirls still work on active ranches, those who can’t still replicate those jobs through various western disciplines at their own barns or in competitions. 

With energetic and loud crowds, Reining is a thrilling sport to watch. This fast-paced event tests the horse’s responsiveness, agility, and how sturdy and quick they are. Horse and rider pairs demonstrate a series of movements that include circles of varying speeds, flying changes, 360-degree spins, and the well-known "sliding stop," which has become the hallmark of the reining horse. These movements all mimic the daily duties of a working ranch horse - just within the walls of an arena. Each pair starts with a score of 70 and judges either add or subtract up to 1.5 points based on the execution of specific movements. The highest score wins the competition. Reining has gained popularity over the years and huge shows throughout the United States draw in hundreds of spectators each year.

Cutting competitions involve a horse and rider pair working together to sort cattle. Each pair gets a 2.5-minute run to pick a cow from a herd, and the objective is to not allow it to return until time is up. Working the cattle in competition like this stems from ranchers needing to pull a certain cow out from the open range herd to give it care. Cutting horses possess the innate ability to read the cow’s movements. The rider gives the horse its head and uses leg cues to help guide the horse to stop the cow from rejoining the herd. These horses can stop and turn instantaneously and move with the cow.

Barrel Racing is a fast-paced event where a horse and rider pair must complete a cloverleaf pattern around a set of barrels in the fastest time. These competitions test the horse’s athletic ability along with the horsemanship skills of the rider, who must guide their horse successfully and safely around the barrels. This event was originally created for women, but now includes all genders. Spectators at these events are encouraged to hoot and holler to encourage their favorite pairs to be speedy around the barrels.

Western Pleasure competitions judge horse and rider combinations as they execute three gaits (walk, jog, and lope) on the rail of an arena in both directions. Some classes include a halt and rein back, or ask competitors to show extended gaits. Horses are judged on manners, suitability, and responsiveness. The horse should appear to be a "pleasure" to ride, hence the name of the discipline. Winners are pinned on the quality of movement, behavior, form in motion, and the rider’s ability to execute cues in a seamless manner.

Showmanship classes involve a horse being led by a person on the ground through a series of maneuvers. The horse is led in-hand in either a halter or bridle. Maneuvers must be memorized by the handler, and the pairs are judged on their execution of each. Handlers are not allowed to touch the horse, and the horse must be in tune with their handler ready to stop or turn when necessary. Showmanship’s roots started as a component of 4-H competitions, but now have expanded to many other shows. You can not only find stock horses showing in Showmanship at western shows, but a variety of breeds showing in this discipline at many other competitions.

Trail classes judge horse and rider pairs as they navigate a series of obstacles in an arena. These obstacles can include a gate to pass through, ground bridge, and/or rails. Exhibitors mayalso be asked to walk, trot, or lope through any of these obstacles, side pass, or turn on the hindquarters or forehand. Trail classes mimic situations a horse and rider might encounter on a trail in a natural setting and demonstrate the horse’s agility and manners. There are also "Mountain Trail" classes which incorporate natural obstacles such as logs, water, and boulders. These classes will mostly take place outside, but a few indoor facilities are starting to open for riders. 

Breyer has created many western horses over the years, from barrel racers to western pleasure horses. One versatile Western horse Breyer immortalized was Silky Keno, whose portrait model was created on our Lady Phase mold (#40), sculpted by Chris Hess. This beautiful black splash overo Paint Horse went on to win numerous high point awards in barrel racing, pole bending, reining, trail, and more!

Who is your favorite western horse that Breyer has created in the last 75 years?  Post in the comments below!