The Western discipline is as broad in spectrum as the vast plains of the Old West from which it originates. There are a multitude of classes that fall under this umbrella, from Western pleasure to trail to working cow horse, yet all classes share a connection to the working ranch horse of America’s past.
Western classes are available for virtually every breed, including Arabians, Morgans, American Saddlebreds, Andalusians and Lusitanos, and Welsh Ponies and Cobs , They are offered at both open and breed-specific shows across the county. Some of the classes offered include show classes such as Western Pleasure and working trail; working Western classes that include cutting and other cattle-working classes; and Ranch Horse classes that showcase a more traditional working-type horse, tack, and attire. Each of these classes and the many others offered in the Western discipline give the horse and rider a way to demonstrate key aspects of the original ranch horse’s job.