Definitions

SOME DEFINITIONS OF COMMON WESTERN TERMS

Walk - must be the correct four beat gait whilst the horse remains relaxed and attentive.

Jog - the horse maintains a distinct two beat gait with little knee action, moving in a steady, comfortable rhythm. This pace should be comfortable for both horse and rider (who remains sitting) over long periods.

Lope - an extremely comfortable gait with the horse moving in three time. The horse should show a degree of collection whilst staying as relaxed and calm as in the walk and jog.

All the paces should be ridden with minimal rein contact whilst the horse maintains a natural head carriage.

Transitions , up and down, should be soft and smooth with invisible cues from the rider.

Neck reining - the equine equivalent to 'power steering'. The rider holds the reins in one hand and the horse turns from the feel of the outside rein lightly pressing on the neck.

Back up - trained horses will happily go backwards through any obstacles safely and carefully.

Split reins - two separate reins, each usually at least 7ft long. They are bridged over the horse's neck.

Bosal - a hackamore usually made of braided rawhide and used with a mecate (pronounced McCarty) rein. The mecate is approx 22ft long and traditionally made of horse hair but soft nylon rope is a good substitute. The bosal is a useful tool while training the young horse.

Pleasure class - a popular showing class in which the horses are judged on turnout, conformation and correct gaits. The winning horse should indeed be a 'pleasure to ride'.

Showmanship - an in-hand class where the handler and horse are judged on turnout and the ability to negotiate a set of manoeuvres such as backing up and turn on the haunches. The winning combination will have displayed a true partnership with the horse performing to the lightest cues from the handler.

Reining - a test of the horse/riders ability to ride accurately a series of circles at a lope, stops, spins, rollbacks and lead changes.

Curb bits - a shanked bit with leverage action. Only once a horse is fully trained using a snaffle and/or bosal a curb is used to add refinement.