# Western Pleasure

## 📘 **Overview**

Western Pleasure is a judged flat class that evaluates a horse’s manners, movement, and suitability as a relaxed, enjoyable ride. Unlike high-speed rodeo events, Pleasure classes are about how effortless and _pleasant_ the horse looks under saddle — hence the name.

In EquinoxMC, Western Pleasure is a perfect entry-level class and a beautiful display of rider finesse and a horse’s training. Horses must walk, jog, and lope both directions of the ring and may be asked to perform extra maneuvers like backing up or halting on command.

This class rewards **softness, frame, consistency, and smooth gaits** over flashy movement or speed.

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## 🐎 **Breed Regulations & Stats**

Western Pleasure is open to all breeds, but calm, fluid-moving horses with low headset and smooth transitions are preferred.

* **Speed**: 20–30 mph
* **Jump**: 0.00–6.99 ft
* **Division Eligibility**: D6 to D5

**Ideal Breeds:**

* American Quarter Horse
* Paint Horse
* Appaloosa
* Missouri Fox Trotter
* Rocky Mountain Horse
* Morgan
* Stock-type or gaited crossbreeds

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## 🧑‍⚖️ **Judging**

Judging in Western Pleasure is subjective and based on the overall appearance and attitude of both horse and rider. The horse should appear calm, obedient, and well-trained — with steady pace and a level headset.

**Gaits Judged:**

* Walk
* Jog (Western Trot)
* Lope (Western Canter)
* Back-up (optional)
* Reverse (change of direction)

🎯 **Key Judging Criteria:**

* Consistency in gait
* Headset and frame
* Obedience and willingness
* Smooth, balanced transitions
* Ring awareness and spacing
* Rider posture and control

### ❌ **Disqualifications**

* Breaking gait for prolonged time
* Unruly or dangerous behavior
* Failure to complete class pattern
* Inappropriate attire or tack

### ⚠️ **Penalties**

* Rough or rushed transitions
* Head tossing or resistance
* Uneven pace or incorrect leads
* Excessive cues or visible corrections
* Poor spacing or crowding other riders

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## 📊 **Scoring**

Western Pleasure classes are judged on a **100-point scale** or through **placement cards**, depending on the host.

**Sample Score Breakdown:**

| Category                 | Points |
| ------------------------ | ------ |
| Gait Consistency         | 25     |
| Frame & Headset          | 20     |
| Transitions              | 15     |
| Rider Position & Control | 15     |
| Manners & Obedience      | 15     |
| Overall Impression       | 10     |

Highest scoring riders place accordingly. Some hosts may judge using placing order only (e.g., judge ranks riders 1st–6th).

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## 👗 **Attire**

Western Pleasure follows traditional western show standards with a clean, polished look.

**Horse:**

* Western saddle and pad
* Western bridle (no tie-downs or martingales)
* Mane should be banded, natural, or neatly styled
* Optional: silver accents or themed tack

**Rider:**

* Helmet or cowboy hat (helmet required for youth)
* Western shirt or show blouse (tucked in)
* Western slacks or jeans
* Western boots
* Optional: chaps, gloves, or show belt

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## 🧱 **Course Building**

Western Pleasure is a flat class held in an open arena — no obstacles, jumps, or patterns by default.

**Arena Size:**

* 20x40 or 30x60 blocks
* Clearly marked corners and entry/exit
* Fence lines or visual guides to aid spacing
* Judges positioned centre ring or at arena rail

**Optional Add-ons:**

* Markers for gait transitions (e.g., cones or signs)
* Decorative rail for realism and immersion

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## 🎁 **Prize Pot & Entry Fees**

| Tier           | Entry Fee (Min) | Prize Pot (Min) | Placement Payouts |
| -------------- | --------------- | --------------- | ----------------- |
| Local Pleasure | $10             | $500            | Top 3             |
| Regional Show  | $50             | $2,500          | Top 5             |
| Championship   | $100            | $7,500          | Top 8             |

{% hint style="danger" %}
🚫 Real-world money is **not permitted**. All fees and rewards must be handled through in-game currency or items.
{% endhint %}

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## 📢 **Hosting Guidelines**

To host a successful Western Pleasure class, make sure to:

* Publish gait order and any special instructions ahead of time
* Ensure all riders are evenly spaced during the class
* Use a neutral, experienced judge familiar with pleasure scoring
* Keep background distractions low (no chat spam, loud mobs, etc.)
* Score fairly and offer feedback when possible

Western Pleasure is a community favourite for showcasing elegance, discipline, and a strong bond between horse and rider. It’s a calm, rewarding class that blends beauty with skill.
