Western Pleasure- Just a lil update

enelson · 08-20-2008, 03:29 PM

I'm not sure if this goes here, or possibly in training, but feel free to move it.

Alright, we purchased Lady a couple months ago now, and she has been shown in WP before, however it has been a few years and it shows. When we bought her she had barely been rode in the last five years, but she is over that now. Now my question, at 18 do you think she is to old to be shown at the local level? I would like to show her in WP for sure, but possibly Halter if she would do any good at it. We aren't professionals and I don't want to push her to hard, but this old girl still has a lot of go/life to her. We would NEVER do anything to jeopardize her health/safety.

Where would I start at getting her going? What kind of excersing or practice do you recommend? Any kind of ideas would help, just tell me what you do with your horses. This is all for FUN, if it ever gets to be not FUN or stressful for us or the horse, it will be done with.

Do you think she could enter some open shows in Halter and WP? At 18 would she do any good?

A few pics of the Lady in question. Please be honest, this is just an idea we are kicking around, if we go forward we may consult a trainer to get some ideas. I'm going to an AQHA Novice show this weekend to get a few ideas.

texagal7 · 08-20-2008, 03:41 PM

well you have quite a nice looking girl there, I don't see why she wouldn't be able to do WP she looks like she has a really nice build.

enelson · 08-20-2008, 03:49 PM

She does need conditioned, right now she is chubby and needs some more muscle toning done. I am going to start working her on the longe line and doing more "schooling" work on the days she isn't being trail ridden.

Instead of just being ridden on weekends (I hate having to work!) Gary is going to start riding a couple times a week as well.

tuffsmom · 08-20-2008, 03:50 PM

No she is not to old to show. There are many horses out showing in their teens. We showed Pizazz up until we retired him at 22.

jkponies · 08-20-2008, 03:54 PM

I think she'd do all right in Western Pleasure. At her age, she probably wouldn't want to do too many classes, because just standing around waiting to go in the arena can get pretty tiring, too. When my oldest gelding got around 20, he sort of lost his energy for walk-jog-lope classes, but he did well in walk-jog. He just wasn't able to maintain a pretty lope for more than a lap or two. But that just depends on the horse--he has other issues besides just age.
As to exercises, a lot of bending will help. Older horses tend to get more stiff, but it is really helpful when you are showing to be able to bend her around your inside leg but keep going straight. It's a good way to help them stay on the rail, plus it can help you ride deeper into the corners if you need to let someone get a little ahead of you to give yourself more space.
Good luck with her!

enelson · 08-20-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffsmom

No she is not to old to show. There are many horses out showing in their teens. We showed Pizazz up until we retired him at 22.

Do you think she would do any good though? I know its hard to say without seeing her, but is she built for WP or Halter? I want to try getting some shots of her in motion too, but that will have to wait till the weekend.

Appylover · 08-20-2008, 07:48 PM

She sure is purdy!

Sorry I dont have any advice.

Amy · 08-20-2008, 11:33 PM

I mean, it would depend on the horse. Theres another thread somehwere about that 37 year old 1/2 arabian that came in second on an endurance race... On of the horses I rde in lessons is 20, and she was just taken to a local show and barrel raced... and I can say from riding her, she seems fine... I don't know anything about shows, never even been to one, but my first cantering lesson on her was scary, because she's super fast... so it would all depend on your horse, I would think. She's very nice looking, certainly doesn't look old to me.

GottaRide · 08-21-2008, 08:29 AM

I think she is a really nice horse. She should do well in both halter and pleasure at local shows. The work that it takes to get her into show shape will certainly not hurt her. In fact, it will help her! Older horses who have a job - and are used for that job - usually last much longer than horses who are left to sit in a pasture without work.

I would focus on getting her back in shape for western pleasure. That sort of exercise will tone & condition her muscles enough to make her stand out in the halter class. She already has good body structure.

Get a bit like this. I'm not a fan of the tom thumb, and I know it won't do the job to help re-train her for WP. Circles work magic! Work in circles 95% of the time. Concentrate on getting her to give laterally, making her "follow her nose" when doing circles, and bringing her chin into her shoulder. This is all two-handed work. When you are doing your circles, you should be watching for her to drop her head and neck. She should be dropping from the withers rather than at her poll. You should see that she is more able to carry herself in the proper frame after awhile, and then you can go back to one-handed riding.

Enjoy the Novice show! Don't be afraid to talk to people and ask questions. Find out who the trainers are and watch them ride....maybe ask for their business card & start talking with them about lessons.

enelson · 08-21-2008, 09:31 AM

GottaRide - Thank you, that's some great information. I like the looks of that bit and will have to find one. Is that one show legal? I use a tom thumb on both right now, but am looking to change it up. Neither one need a harsh bit, just a little something to aid in the "Woah". Would my other horse (not a show horse) be okay with something like that too?

As for wanting to work, she loves to get out of the field and get saddled. Both of our girls practically beg for it, but of course they know food comes afterward too. When we saddle her up and head out for a ride, she is always ready and willing to go.

I guess I will start on the whole give to pressure and following her nose this weekend (if the rain stops). Any other info/suggestions are appreciated. Not sure if I will be the one on her in the show ring, or one of the girls but I think we have decided that we want to give it a try.

Tobiesmom · 08-21-2008, 09:49 AM

I think she is perfect to go back into the ring with. She's in great shape ... being a little chubby isn't too bad a problem when you're 18 (and a horse!). She's quality enough for AQHA novice, but also look for regional Saddle Clubs and IBHA (Bucksking/Dun horse association). They also provide some wonderful opportunities to ride and show halter. Good luck!!

GottaRide · 08-21-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enelson

GottaRide - Thank you, that's some great information. I like the looks of that bit and will have to find one. Is that one show legal? I use a tom thumb on both right now, but am looking to change it up. Neither one need a harsh bit, just a little something to aid in the "Woah". Would my other horse (not a show horse) be okay with something like that too?

Yes, this is a very comfortable bit for the horses. The port provides relief for their tongue, and it's not high enough to put pressure on the top of their mouth. Some trainers even start their 2 year olds in this bit. It is show legal.

Remember, "Whoa" doesn't come from your bit. When trained properly, the horse will stop with just a change in the rider's position in the saddle. If you don't have a good stop right now, make sure that you back your horse up at least 5 steps each & every time you ask for a stop. The cues should be in this sequence....remove any leg pressure, sit back & deep in your saddle, say Whoa, apply backwards rein pressure, continue with the rein pressure and apply leg pressure to get the horse's legs to move backwards, release all pressure - rein & leg - to get the final stop.

enelson · 08-21-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GottaRide

Yes, this is a very comfortable bit for the horses. The port provides relief for their tongue, and it's not high enough to put pressure on the top of their mouth. Some trainers even start their 2 year olds in this bit. It is show legal.

Remember, "Whoa" doesn't come from your bit. When trained properly, the horse will stop with just a change in the rider's position in the saddle. If you don't have a good stop right now, make sure that you back your horse up at least 5 steps each & every time you ask for a stop. The cues should be in this sequence....remove any leg pressure, sit back & deep in your saddle, say Whoa, apply backwards rein pressure, continue with the rein pressure and apply leg pressure to get the horse's legs to move backwards, release all pressure - rein & leg - to get the final stop.

Thanks, I will keept that in mind and work on that. Candy has never been very good at just backing, but she is good at stopping...just kinda rough. Lady backs really well and with applied leg pressure, she really moves it back. I guess it's really going to depend on us working with her and reminding her. I'm so excited to start working with her...who knows what this could lead to. I'm 26 and never dreamed of showing until here recently...I have a lot to learn.

A J · 08-21-2008, 12:43 PM

Nothing wrong with showing her at 18 as long as she is sound and happy! I've seen horses older than that still going out and showing, and some of the older seniors start toting the kids around in walk/trot once they aren't really up to performing in the regular classes anymore.

Lots of bending and gymnastics with her, and if you don't have her on one, I'd suggest starting her on a good joint supplement - even if you are just trail riding it's a good idea, but definitely to help protect her if you're getting her into show shape.

She's a very nice mare, and she should do fine to get your feet wet in the show ring - a good attitude and a horse you enjoy riding are most important for you to get started.

enelson · 08-21-2008, 01:09 PM

When we brought them home we started both girls on supplements. Both are on a Senior Supplement and Glucosamine. As well as their feed through fly control and a couple sugar cubes each. They get one scoop of feed a day, just so we can put all their goodies in it.

ToveroMom · 08-24-2008, 08:34 AM

Sorry but have to very much disagree that the correction bit is a mild bit and actually if a trainer starts a colt in that bit-he needs a spanking.
JMO
ANY curb can be used in WP for senior horses-there are many kinder bits.

Drafty · 08-24-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enelson

When we brought them home we started both girls on supplements. Both are on a Senior Supplement and Glucosamine. As well as their feed through fly control and a couple sugar cubes each. They get one scoop of feed a day, just so we can put all their goodies in it.

We didn't start our goodiesbutoldies on senior feeds and supplements until they were in their 20s.

IMHO 18 is not old at all!!! We have a retired jumper boarded here who is in his late 30s and he only just stopped showing at the local level THIS YEAR. MY 32 year old Thoroughbred (x-eventer) was riding sound into her mid 20s, so it really depends on the horse.

SunnyKS · 08-24-2008, 09:26 AM

Bits are one of those things that can be argued forever, but I'm also not a big fan of the correction bit. Here is more info for you to consider: http://horses.about.com/od/bitsexpla...rectionbit.htm The bit pictured has much shorter shanks and longer shanks add more power. Something to keep in mind when matching a bit with a horse AND rider.

18 is not old. As long as she is sound and in good physical shape she should do well at the local level. She's a nice mare, but its hard to say how she would place. Some local shows can be full of very tough horses and some very low level horses. So much depends on your area.

I wouldn't be ashamed to lead her into a class though!

hopeless addict · 08-24-2008, 09:54 AM

I'd take her to a show any day - she's gorgeous

. Where she's already been trained and shown in WP in the past you probably won't have to, or even want to, work her too much on that part of it - don't want her to get bored/cranky. A few short rides a week in the ring/round pen to keep her brushed up on her headset and going slower than she would on trail rides would probably be fine - I'm guessing from what you've said that she already knows the drill, she just needs to get back into shape. Good luck and have fun - I bet she's going to do VERY well.

JoesLove · 08-24-2008, 11:46 AM

She is not too old! and IMO 18 is not that old for a horse. My friends 23 yr old paint has more energy than my 8 yr old paint. She looks to have a nice build for anything western. I did 10 classes my first show on the lesson horse I leased...come to find out she is 20- something. maybe 23-25, Im not sure. I always thought she was about 15, but then I had asked and they told me different. I felt bad for riding her that much..but I didnt know..and she seemed fine. Our last class of the day, our only w/t/c class, we got a second! And i got a lot of ribbons that day, and reserve champion..so thats just showing that age can just be a number!! :] Good luck.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Western Pleasure	Amoreena	Shows	25	04-20-2008 06:33 PM
Does He Look Western Pleasure or Not???	horses-n-greyhoundz	Shows	25	11-14-2006 07:53 PM
Western Pleasure	JuJuBear	Shows	59	07-29-2006 09:19 PM
Western Pleasure...for who?	reba4	Shows	19	04-14-2006 11:40 PM

08-20-2008, 03:29 PM
enelson Coming two Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,650	Western Pleasure- Just a lil update I'm not sure if this goes here, or possibly in training, but feel free to move it. Alright, we purchased Lady a couple months ago now, and she has been shown in WP before, however it has been a few years and it shows. When we bought her she had barely been rode in the last five years, but she is over that now. Now my question, at 18 do you think she is to old to be shown at the local level? I would like to show her in WP for sure, but possibly Halter if she would do any good at it. We aren't professionals and I don't want to push her to hard, but this old girl still has a lot of go/life to her. We would NEVER do anything to jeopardize her health/safety. Where would I start at getting her going? What kind of excersing or practice do you recommend? Any kind of ideas would help, just tell me what you do with your horses. This is all for FUN, if it ever gets to be not FUN or stressful for us or the horse, it will be done with. Do you think she could enter some open shows in Halter and WP? At 18 would she do any good? A few pics of the Lady in question. Please be honest, this is just an idea we are kicking around, if we go forward we may consult a trainer to get some ideas. I'm going to an AQHA Novice show this weekend to get a few ideas. __________________ Candy - 17 year old Palomino QH Mare Shez Easin On (Lady) - 18 year old Buckskin QH Mare Last edited by enelson : 08-25-2008 at 09:59 AM.

08-20-2008, 03:41 PM
texagal7 Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 342	well you have quite a nice looking girl there, I don't see why she wouldn't be able to do WP she looks like she has a really nice build.

08-20-2008, 03:49 PM
enelson Coming two Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,650	She does need conditioned, right now she is chubby and needs some more muscle toning done. I am going to start working her on the longe line and doing more "schooling" work on the days she isn't being trail ridden. Instead of just being ridden on weekends (I hate having to work!) Gary is going to start riding a couple times a week as well. __________________ Candy - 17 year old Palomino QH Mare Shez Easin On (Lady) - 18 year old Buckskin QH Mare

08-20-2008, 03:50 PM
tuffsmom Seasoned Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 4,075	No she is not to old to show. There are many horses out showing in their teens. We showed Pizazz up until we retired him at 22. __________________

08-20-2008, 03:54 PM
jkponies Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bardstown KY Posts: 413	I think she'd do all right in Western Pleasure. At her age, she probably wouldn't want to do too many classes, because just standing around waiting to go in the arena can get pretty tiring, too. When my oldest gelding got around 20, he sort of lost his energy for walk-jog-lope classes, but he did well in walk-jog. He just wasn't able to maintain a pretty lope for more than a lap or two. But that just depends on the horse--he has other issues besides just age. As to exercises, a lot of bending will help. Older horses tend to get more stiff, but it is really helpful when you are showing to be able to bend her around your inside leg but keep going straight. It's a good way to help them stay on the rail, plus it can help you ride deeper into the corners if you need to let someone get a little ahead of you to give yourself more space. Good luck with her! __________________ Cowboy codes: A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy. Last edited by jkponies : 08-20-2008 at 03:57 PM. Reason: typo

08-20-2008, 07:48 PM
Appylover Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,203	She sure is purdy! Sorry I dont have any advice. __________________ Does my horse really LOVE me or is she ONLY using me for food?!

08-20-2008, 11:33 PM
Amy Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chino Valley, AZ Posts: 271	I mean, it would depend on the horse. Theres another thread somehwere about that 37 year old 1/2 arabian that came in second on an endurance race... On of the horses I rde in lessons is 20, and she was just taken to a local show and barrel raced... and I can say from riding her, she seems fine... I don't know anything about shows, never even been to one, but my first cantering lesson on her was scary, because she's super fast... so it would all depend on your horse, I would think. She's very nice looking, certainly doesn't look old to me.

08-21-2008, 08:29 AM
GottaRide Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: WI Posts: 231	I think she is a really nice horse. She should do well in both halter and pleasure at local shows. The work that it takes to get her into show shape will certainly not hurt her. In fact, it will help her! Older horses who have a job - and are used for that job - usually last much longer than horses who are left to sit in a pasture without work. I would focus on getting her back in shape for western pleasure. That sort of exercise will tone & condition her muscles enough to make her stand out in the halter class. She already has good body structure. Get a bit like this. I'm not a fan of the tom thumb, and I know it won't do the job to help re-train her for WP. Circles work magic! Work in circles 95% of the time. Concentrate on getting her to give laterally, making her "follow her nose" when doing circles, and bringing her chin into her shoulder. This is all two-handed work. When you are doing your circles, you should be watching for her to drop her head and neck. She should be dropping from the withers rather than at her poll. You should see that she is more able to carry herself in the proper frame after awhile, and then you can go back to one-handed riding. Enjoy the Novice show! Don't be afraid to talk to people and ask questions. Find out who the trainers are and watch them ride....maybe ask for their business card & start talking with them about lessons. __________________ www.cedarviewpainthorses.blogspot.com Home of ~ Perfect Jin N Scotch - 2004 APHA Palomino Overo Gelding Hanks Rainy Sky - 1998 Black & White Tobiano Gelding

08-21-2008, 09:31 AM
enelson Coming two Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,650	GottaRide - Thank you, that's some great information. I like the looks of that bit and will have to find one. Is that one show legal? I use a tom thumb on both right now, but am looking to change it up. Neither one need a harsh bit, just a little something to aid in the "Woah". Would my other horse (not a show horse) be okay with something like that too? As for wanting to work, she loves to get out of the field and get saddled. Both of our girls practically beg for it, but of course they know food comes afterward too. When we saddle her up and head out for a ride, she is always ready and willing to go. I guess I will start on the whole give to pressure and following her nose this weekend (if the rain stops). Any other info/suggestions are appreciated. Not sure if I will be the one on her in the show ring, or one of the girls but I think we have decided that we want to give it a try. __________________ Candy - 17 year old Palomino QH Mare Shez Easin On (Lady) - 18 year old Buckskin QH Mare

08-21-2008, 09:49 AM
Tobiesmom Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 444	I think she is perfect to go back into the ring with. She's in great shape ... being a little chubby isn't too bad a problem when you're 18 (and a horse!). She's quality enough for AQHA novice, but also look for regional Saddle Clubs and IBHA (Bucksking/Dun horse association). They also provide some wonderful opportunities to ride and show halter. Good luck!!

08-21-2008, 12:43 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,356	Nothing wrong with showing her at 18 as long as she is sound and happy! I've seen horses older than that still going out and showing, and some of the older seniors start toting the kids around in walk/trot once they aren't really up to performing in the regular classes anymore. Lots of bending and gymnastics with her, and if you don't have her on one, I'd suggest starting her on a good joint supplement - even if you are just trail riding it's a good idea, but definitely to help protect her if you're getting her into show shape. She's a very nice mare, and she should do fine to get your feet wet in the show ring - a good attitude and a horse you enjoy riding are most important for you to get started. __________________ Try not, do. Do or do not. There is no try.

08-21-2008, 01:09 PM
enelson Coming two Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,650	When we brought them home we started both girls on supplements. Both are on a Senior Supplement and Glucosamine. As well as their feed through fly control and a couple sugar cubes each. They get one scoop of feed a day, just so we can put all their goodies in it. __________________ Candy - 17 year old Palomino QH Mare Shez Easin On (Lady) - 18 year old Buckskin QH Mare

08-24-2008, 08:34 AM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,300	Sorry but have to very much disagree that the correction bit is a mild bit and actually if a trainer starts a colt in that bit-he needs a spanking. JMO ANY curb can be used in WP for senior horses-there are many kinder bits. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

08-24-2008, 09:26 AM
SunnyKS Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,463	Bits are one of those things that can be argued forever, but I'm also not a big fan of the correction bit. Here is more info for you to consider: http://horses.about.com/od/bitsexpla...rectionbit.htm The bit pictured has much shorter shanks and longer shanks add more power. Something to keep in mind when matching a bit with a horse AND rider. 18 is not old. As long as she is sound and in good physical shape she should do well at the local level. She's a nice mare, but its hard to say how she would place. Some local shows can be full of very tough horses and some very low level horses. So much depends on your area. I wouldn't be ashamed to lead her into a class though! __________________

08-24-2008, 09:54 AM
hopeless addict Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 295	I'd take her to a show any day - she's gorgeous . Where she's already been trained and shown in WP in the past you probably won't have to, or even want to, work her too much on that part of it - don't want her to get bored/cranky. A few short rides a week in the ring/round pen to keep her brushed up on her headset and going slower than she would on trail rides would probably be fine - I'm guessing from what you've said that she already knows the drill, she just needs to get back into shape. Good luck and have fun - I bet she's going to do VERY well. __________________ \"If I had a voice with which to sing, I would sing you the psalm of horses...\" Sheik Ildirim, \"Ben Hur\"

08-24-2008, 11:46 AM
JoesLove Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 357	She is not too old! and IMO 18 is not that old for a horse. My friends 23 yr old paint has more energy than my 8 yr old paint. She looks to have a nice build for anything western. I did 10 classes my first show on the lesson horse I leased...come to find out she is 20- something. maybe 23-25, Im not sure. I always thought she was about 15, but then I had asked and they told me different. I felt bad for riding her that much..but I didnt know..and she seemed fine. Our last class of the day, our only w/t/c class, we got a second! And i got a lot of ribbons that day, and reserve champion..so thats just showing that age can just be a number!! :] Good luck.