Popular Breeds for Western Riding?

Katherine F · Well Schooled

Popular Breeds for Western Riding?

justice · Grand Prix

Along with the American QH, most breeds can be trained/ridden Western tho rated competition would be limited to and more successful among the traditional breeds. The Appaloosa, Palomino and Paint are very popular among Western riders, seeming to fare equally well with the QHs in competition : )

I frequently see Morgans in Western Pleasure along with Arabians, both lovely to see : ). I do believe that these are the two most versatile breeds and are limited rarely in whatever asked of them. Know and accept that a Morgan moves like a Morgan, and and Arabian moves like an Arabian, not always desired motion when comparing to others but an undeniably comfy ride : )

Paso Fino comes to mind as a less common breed, they have their own discipline for competition as do the Andalusians, Lusitanos and other Baroque types tho all ridden in some semblence of Western gear. The Paso Fino has a specific class that involves the successful carriage of a full wine glass, presenting the Paso's famously fluid and seamless gaits : ) ...and, of course the Spanish Walk!

These larger breeds frequently enough can be seen in dressage (and beautifully presented !) and other various riding elements as well as in styles typical and customary to thier original culture including classes of Native dress and those that require specific garb and appointements.

pintopaso · Yearling

"western" riding is more about tack than discipline anymore... simple trail riding can include any western tree (or treeless) designed saddle, and headgear that can vary from bitless (bosal, hackamore, jaquima etc) or a more typical shank bit.

Now, if you are speaking western disciplines then the tack becomes more refined... there are saddles that are designed for cutting, reining, roping, barrel racing and endurance. Competition and association often dictates the type of equipment that you can use in specific classes and for specific ages of the horse.

As far as Paso Finos go, they are a VERY versatile breed that can easily participate in a number of western style events - we compete in competitive trail, team penning, sorting, reining and western/versatility classes in our association.

Paso Finos do not have a class where the spanish walk is performed and the glass of wine ride is something that is normally performed in parades and demonstrations.. we do not require it in any of our classes.

The Paso Fino is a gaited horse, we prefer they do not trot under saddle, although a cue can be given if a trot is called for. Paso Finos canter, lope and gallop as well as flat walk like all other breeds.

of course if the you feel like it - you can teach your Paso Fino the spanish walk biggrin
spanish walk paso fino

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Pintopaso, your horse is GORGEOUS!

pintopaso · Yearling

Thank you - this was my beloved Designer.. sadly we lost him way too young.
this is one of my favorite photos of Desi and I.. I was very fortunate to have him in my life.

-- Edited by pintopaso on Wednesday 8th of December 2010 08:35:57 PM

justice · Grand Prix

My apologies for not being more specific. The classes involving glasses that I was recalling vaguely and such are local for me and my limitesd exposure and strictly for the joy : )

Your horse IS absolutely gorgeous! So very sad to lose them at any age but the young break our hearts in their own way, special to them. My sympathies, PintoPaso.

pintopaso · Yearling

thanks for the kind words.. it is hard to believe that one horse can make such an impression on you when you have so many - but each of mine are so near and dear to my heart..

so this is one of my other babies - a 4 year old colt that is just starting under saddle and in hand (showing).. His name is Tucson