Instructions
Start with a well trained horse. Your Arabian must be able to walk, jog and lope on the correct leads. He must halt and back up and be soft on the bit. All of this must be done first. Take as much time as is necessary to get the basics down.
Choose the proper tack. A good Western Saddle, bridle, rommel reins and hobble set are all part of the show gear you need.
Keep in mind that Western Pleasure Classes judge the horse on smooth and slow gaits that are collected and balanced. The overall picture is supposed to be one of effortless grace and beauty. Even though the act itself may be incredibly difficult, the horse and rider must show little to no effort to make it happen. The reins must be held loosely and with a feather light touch at all times.
Keep the walk collected and balanced, with good--but slow--forward motion. The rear hoof needs to overstep the front hoof by 6 inches or more. The jog must be almost unnaturally slow. The canter must be a true canter, yet so slow as to make it seem like the horse is about to break gait at any moment. The gallop must be controlled and only marginally faster than the lope. Collection of the horse at all gaits is paramount.
Keep the neck hinged loosely on the poll at all times, with the face at--but not behind--the vertical. Ears should be pricked forward, and the overall impression of horse and rider should be one of effortless beauty and grace, with complete control. The horse must remain on the bit at all times.
How to Show an Arabian in a Western Pleasure Class
Showing horses is difficult, expensive and frustrating. Yet it is also rewarding and addictive. Years practicing and thousands of dollars are spent for that blue ribbon. Yet many horse owners will tell you there is nothing like showing and winning.