Digression: Western competition for children

Western riding has many faces. If your child feels comfortable in a western saddle and would like to take their first steps into the world of competitions, it’s time to take a look at the various programmes on offer.

In Western riding, there are several breeding associations for certain Western horse breeds that organise their own shows in addition to ensuring the breeding regulations.

Leadline classes for the Western Minis

For children there are leadline classes which are carried out in the company of a handler. Leadline classes are ridden exclusively at a walk and trot. The main assessment criteria are the rider’s seat and attention as well as the first independent aids for manoeuvres such as stopping or backing up.

In terms of equipment, a children’s riding hat should be worn in accordance with the current standard. It must also be ensured that the child’s feet have a good grip in the stirrups. Tapaderos and other safety stirrups may be useful in leadline classes.

The outfit should correspond to a classic western show outfit. Jeans, shirt or blouse and western boots should be worn by both the rider and the leading person. The handler may also wear a western hat.

Depending on the respective organiser, the horse may be ridden with a snaffle bit or bosal. If a western bridle is used with a western snaffle bit, the lead rope must be hooked into the bit ring. This must be fitted with a snap hook. When riding with a bosal, the integrated lead rope is used to lead the horse.

The next step: the Walk Trot classes

The Walk Trot classes are tests in various disciplines (Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Trail Horse and Ranch Riding), which are tested exclusively at the walk and trot. The rider should be able to master the specified patterns in these two gaits with his horse. Walk Trot tests are offered for different age groups and are organised as individual tests or in groups.

As with all children’s competitions, it is advisable to wear a riding hat in accordance with the current standard. Feet must also be secure in the stirrups. The requirements for the competition outfit depend on the chosen discipline. We provide helpful tips in our guide to western competition outfits.

The checklist for your child’s first competition outfit

In the higher western classes, the official and unofficial requirements for show dress can vary greatly depending on the discipline. For example, a reining outfit can look very simple and classic, while showmanship competitions are all glitz and glamour. One thing is clear: if your child is taking part in a test for the first time, a classic basic children’s western outfit is usually perfectly adequate.

This usually consists of the following items:

• Riding hat (in the leadline and walk trot classes, as well as in the youth classes)
• Long-sleeved shirt or long-sleeved blouse
• Long trousers that go over the boots
• Western boots or ankle boots that go over the ankle

If you need more information on equipment for western horses and western riders, just take a look at our western guide!