Western pleasure

“The Arabian is by far the most beautiful western pleasure horse of any breed.”

—Ali Brady

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Cadence, balance, hind leg engagement, and thoughtful/willing expression all play in to the finished aesthetic of a beautiful Arabian western pleasure horse. They should look smooth to ride, responsive, and attuned to their riders.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA program has not only driven more interest in breeding western pleasure horses, but has helped encourage more diligent, focused form-to-function breeding. We are seeing more quality young horses enter the arena than ever before who are exceptional movers, beautiful, and conformationally correct. It is exciting to see horses that raise the bar each and every year and this program is the motivation for many to breed great prospects.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

There are so many incredible horses that come to mind for me, but the one that was most inspirational for me from a breeding perspective was Onyx A. He is one of the few horses to capture the champion titles at three of our historically most prestigious events: Scottsdale, Canada, and U.S. Nationals. He was and is an exceptional athlete. When I decided to breed a horse for western pleasure specifically, he was the first outside stallion I selected. His Open win at U.S. Nationals will always be one of my favorite presentations in western pleasure.

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

Bosal and bridle horses both have their own unique feel and experiences. I enjoy either and find them both to provide their own form of communication with the horses.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have?

A pleasure horse needs to easily do its job in the arena. Nothing needs to be forced, pushed, or demanded. This comes with the horse’s burning desire to perform and the joy the horse finds when working. Pleasure horses should enjoy the rider while the rider enjoys the pleasure horse.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

I love Woods Western for my show clothes! But for an obsession I would have to say my bit collection that is insane and grows every show!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA gives the junior horses and stallions a spotlight. I feel that any classes that promote correct conformation and suitability is important.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

True jogs, true lopes, the ability to move out and enjoy working the class. Western horses aren’t just slow and meandering, but also fluid and forward when needed.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

I’d probably say, Habanero. LaRae’s style of training him allowed him to show so soft and true. He has a great stride in the lope and her cowgirl gallop was the best! It’s something we should all be striving for.

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

I love a bridle horse. I have a system that rolls the horses up making them beautiful, but at the same time very amateur friendly.

How do you make a pleasure horse look like it’s a pleasure to ride? What traits must they have? Quiet mouth, quiet tail, soft, but not afraid of the bridal. Great balance can all be achieved without forcing.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

A good lunge in a short ride in the show pen and one more lunge before the show if I need it. I don’t like to be on them a long time; their necks get tired.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

I think it’s extremely important. It ups the value of our horses tenfold.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse? The quality and the movement of our horses today is amazing. Let’s keep it how it is.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

DR All Keyed Up. This western horse won many national championships for Frank and Sharon Stathopoulos.

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why? Since most of my riding has been on bridle horses, I am most comfortable on these horses.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

I really prefer little warm up prior to my class. I want to make sure I am prepared prior to the show and then just go in when the gate opens. Too much warm up causes me to think too much or overthink!

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA classes have given breeders an opportunity to showcase their stallions and earn payouts. With the continuing expenses of both showing and breeding, it is good to have the opportunity to offset some of those expenses with these classes.

What is one thing you would like to see changed or improved regarding the western pleasure horse?

I believe we still have too many western horses that look intimidated in the show ring. It all gets back to owners allowing this to happen with their horses.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

It is difficult to pick one horse that exemplifies the western horse, but I love the look of softness that we see in the Versace-bred horses.