How To Explain English Pleasure & western Pleasure Classes (Open Shows) to husband?

[Just_Not_Native]

Long story short. I was at a jumper barn for 10 years. Owner/ trainer was very charming and had us all believing he was the best trainer, the best rider and provided the best care. Took us to shows but no one ever really placed well. About 6 months ago the board increased to a point that I could no longer afford it (THANK GOD!) and I had to move my horse. Of course after being brainwashed for so long, I thought that my horse would die if I moved her.

I found a nice small farm very close to my home. The board was half the cost - without an indoor. I was OK with that.
My horse is doing well, being fed high quality feed etc. very attentive barn owner, very successful at local open shows and she shows with her daughter, (also in the business) in AQHA shows. Upon my new trainers advice we are starting small, at open shows.

I respect her wishes as I know I did not get proper instruction at my previous barn and never placed at shows, so it is time to wipe the slate clean so to speak.

How do I explain this to my husband. In the past when I watched open shows, english pleasure & western pleasure I didn’t know what to look for and didn’t understand what was happening. Now I’m just learning, and learning that it is very hard to ride a horse quietly and well!

I guess he thinks I am dumbing myself down by showing in these classes. I don’t think it’s the case.

[Arelle]

Good for you! It will make you a more well rounded rider!

I don’t know if this is EXACTLY what you’re looking for, but I loved this series APHA did last year.

Western Pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Tt2c-r4Tc
Hunter Under Saddle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui-Q1DwKzXo

[Luseride]

Pleasure should look like it is a pleasure to ride. Simple really.

It is a lot harder than it looks but of course when anything is done well it is harder than it looks.

[CHT]

Open shows can be tricky, as you never know the quality of judge. Sometimes the more western horses win the English pleasure, over the better English movers, or sometimes it is all about head set. Or the judge might favour a certain breed.

I agree though, that the judges want to the horse to look easy, pleasant and consistent.

There is also an Open Show association that awards cool year end prizes. Might be worth looking into!

[CHT]

Open shows can be tricky, as you never know the quality of judge. Sometimes the more western horses win the English pleasure, over the better English movers, or sometimes it is all about head set. Or the judge might favour a certain breed.

I agree though, that the judges want to the horse to look easy, pleasant and consistent.

There is also an Open Show association that awards cool year end prizes. Might be worth looking into!