What Do I Need to Know About Western Horse Training?

These events can take place at rodeos, county fairs and shows sponsored by equestrian associations, which publish the rules governing each sport, and they require horse and rider to be able to work together. In many parts of the country these events are extremely popular and draw huge crowds. Many rodeo competitors have turned professional and the winning prizes can be quite substantial. Others compete for trophies and ribbons.

Horse & Rider

Each sport has its own unique combination of interaction of horse with rider. In barrel racing three, 55 gallon drums are placed in a triangle. Horse and rider have to maneuver around them in a cloverleaf pattern. The horse needs to be athletic and trained to make tight turns at high speed around the barrels. Runs are timed electronically; the fastest time wins. The rider needs to learn to use the outside rein to help the horse keeps his balance and to keep him focused approaching the barrel.

In cutting, horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a single cow from the herd and the horse, without guidance from the rider, must keep the cow from returning to the herd for two and a half minutes. This requires instinct as well as agility, and cutting horses are usually bred just for this sport. The rider needs to use a cutting saddle, which is lighter than a normal Western saddle and has shorter stirrups, so he can't slip from side to side, which would result in the horse losing his balance.

Pole bending events feature seven poles that are arranged in a line spaced 21 feet apart. Poles are made of white PVC plastic, six feet in height, with a 14 inch base. From a starting line, horse and rider have to zig zag through the poles to the finish line, with the fast time winning. Points are deducted if any poles are knocked down. The horse needs to be trained to be responsive and able to turn quickly.

Western Dressage

Reining, which many consider a Western form of dressage, features the rider and horse performing a series of circles, spins and stops. Judges look for precision of movement, speed and responsiveness of the horse to the rider. Circles are done at a lope (slower speed) and a gallop or faster speed. A flying change means the horse will change his leading front and hind legs in mid-stride. In a rundown the horse will gallop at full speed the length of the arena, then come to a sliding stop, planting both hind legs in the dirt (and creating quite a cloud of dust). The horse must also walk backwards for at least 10 feet in a straight line and spin in a 360 degree circle around his fixed inside rear leg as fast as he can.