English/Western Schooling Show

May 16th & July 18th

This schooling show provides flat classes for both English and Western disciplines.  This is your opportunity to apply all those hours of lessons to the show ring in a relaxed and supportive environment.  Are you just starting to show?  Have you thought about it but have been intimidated?  Then this show is for you!  Classes are described below.  Take a look at the Class List and Register Today.

Our Judge for these shows is Sherri Spoltman.  Ribbons awarded to 5th place, Division winners based on high point horse/rider pair.  Division winners will receive a prize.  Stalls are available to rent and we recommend pre-registering to secure a stall.

Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this new LWSC show.

Volunteers are needed for this  show.  Volunteering is typically in half-day shifts and counts toward year end award eligibility.  To volunteer, email the English/Western Show Manager at; ewmanager@lakewashingtonsaddleclub.org

English Classes

English Showmanship
Open to all riders. Horses will be asked to lead at the walk and trot in a straight line. Competitors will be judged on how well they exhibit the horse to the best of its advantage, with additional scoring for grooming and presentation of both horse and handler. The horse’s soundness, muscling, and balance are noted as well as the ability of the handler to control the horse’s body and mind.

English Pleasure
In English Pleasure the horse is judged more than the rider. Horses and ponies are judged on manners, way of going, performance and soundness at the walk, trot, canter in both directions. and if they seem to be or look like they would be a pleasurable ride. They also may be asked to halt and/or backup. The horse should be calm and quiet with his head low and ridden on a longer rein.

English Equitation
In English Equitation the rider is judged on riding style, ability to control the horse, and their hands, seat and leg. The riders will show only on the flat. Figure 8 work will be performed individually.  Elements of the English Equitation class include; halt (4 to 6 seconds) or halt and back; Figure eight at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals; Figure eight at canter on correct lead, demonstrating simple change of lead; and canter on counter lead.

Western Classes

Saddle Seat
Halter
Led in hand horses are to walk and trot in a straight line, usually walking toward the judge and trotting away from the judge, and then they are judged individually from a standstill.  Horses are to stand perfectly square on all four feet. The head is usually held at a natural angle that is flattering to the individual horse, not too high or too low.  In the Halter class, horses should be meticulously groomed and presented in a flat leather halter, usually ornamented with silver. Most competitor wear Western style attire, usually including a jacket and a cowboy hat.

Western Showmanship
In Western Showmanship riders are judged on presentation, how well the pattern is completed, and how subtle their cues are. Basic maneuvers include backing, walking, jogging, stopping, setting up the horse's feet in a square, and pivoting 90-, 180-, 270-, and 360-degrees. Competitors in a showmanship class should have the correct attire and equipment.  In all western classes horses are to be shown in a western saddle and appropriate bridle, snaffle bit or hackamore for the duration of the class.

Western Pleasure
In Western Pleasure contestants compete simultaneously, traveling the perimeter of the arena.  At the discretion of the judge, horses are asked to travel on a loose rein at the walk, jog and lope both ways of the ring without undue restraint. Horses should also back easily and stand quietly. Horses are evaluated on quality of movement while staying quiet and calm. Horses should be clean, well-groomed, and properly clipped, and riders must wear appropriate western attire.

Western Equitation
In Western Equitation (which is also called Western Horsemanship) the skill of the rider is tested as well as the degree to which the horse has been trained and how well the two work together. The rider's seat, position, posture, position and action of hands and legs are being judged, as well as his or her ability to effectively cue the horse with as the most subtle cues possible. This class includes both pattern work and rail work.  The judge will design a pattern which the participants perform. Performance is half of the evaluation, and the other half is based on the appearance of horse and rider, including the rider’s posture, the horse's condition, the equipment, and the rider's attire.
Saddle Seat is a style of riding that is designed to show off the high action of certain horse breeds.  The goal of the saddle seat riding style is to show off the horse's extravagant gaits, particularly the trot. 

Pleasure Classes
In these classes good manners and smooth performance are more important than brilliant action.  Pleasure classes require horses to show at a walk, trot and canter, often calling for extended gaits.

​Equitation Classes
In these classes the rider is judged on riding style, ability to control the horse, and use of their hands, seat and leg.