Western

Western Riding is an individual performance class in which both the rider and the horse are evaluated. The class combines elements of reining and Western pleasure, aiming to assess the horse’s obedience, quality of gaits, and the overall harmony between horse and rider. 

The pattern includes, but is not limited to: Pole crossings, serpentine maneuvers, flying lead changes and backing sequences.

The horse is judged based on the following:

• Quality of gaits

• Responsiveness to cues

• Manners and disposition

• Precision and correctness of lead changes

The horse must maintain a suitable tempo throughout the performance, demonstrating lightness, relaxation, sensitivity to aids, and good behavior.

Reining is considered the Western riding equivalent of dressage. The class is performed entirely in canter and consists a pattern that includes a variety of maneuvers such as: 

• Large, fast and small, slow circles

• Flying lead changes

• Sliding stops

• Spins (a rapid turn around the inside hind leg)

• Rollbacks (quick 180-degree turns following a stop)

• Backing

The primary objective is to demonstrate complete control of the horse at every stride using minimal visible cues. The horse must be guided with a loose rein, ridden one-handed, and should respond willingly and precisely to subtle rider aids. 

Working cowhorse combines the precision of reining with the horse’s ability to handle cattle. It’s designed to showcase skills that are useful in real ranch work.

The competition has two parts:

• Reined work: The rider performs a set pattern with maneuvers like circles, stops, spins, and rollbacks.

• Cow work: A single cow is released into the arena. The horse must control the cow at one end of the arena, make at least one turn each way along the fence, and then circle the cow in both directions.

Judges look for:

• Good manners and smooth execution

• The horse’s instinct and responsiveness to the cow

• Effortless control and communication between horse and rider

Barrel racing is a timed speed event where the goal is to complete a cloverleaf-shaped pattern around three barrels as fast as possible—without knocking any of them over. Riders compete in two runs, and the fastest combined time determines the final ranking.

Success in barrel racing requires:

• Explosive acceleration and tight turns

• Precise control at high speed

• A horse that’s agile, responsive, and confident in the arena

It’s a thrilling event that showcases the athleticism of both horse and rider, often drawing loud cheers from the crowd as seconds—and even hundredths of a second—can make all the difference.

Dummy roping is a test of discipline, focus, and finesse. It's a foundational skill in Western riding, where competitors hone their roping technique using a lifelike steer dummy. Designed to simulate real conditions, the dummy allows riders to perfect their timing, accuracy, and rope handling without the unpredictability of live cattle. In World Championships, the dummy used is designed specifically for calf roping. 

Dummy roping showcases:

• Speed and precision under pressure

• Control, coordination, and consistency