SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Video: AQHA Western Pleasure Judging

Learn what western pleasure judges are looking for and see some of the common faults of gait that you should avoid with your western pleasure horse.



 



Watch more horse videos >>

For more information
Western Perception
American Quarter Horse Association

 

Abigail Boatwright

Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.

View Comments

  • This video was very easy to understand, follow, and grasp exactly what the judges were saying. i mysef wish to one day be a accomplished judge, and this video gave mme some helpfu insight to judging in the future. Thankyou

  • Excuse me. Do these judges even read? NATURAL GAITS Check out the descriptions contained in the rules for WP and you will find that these presentations violate the rules. Such violations inflict pain and distress upon the horses.

  • Thank you for posting this video! I now better understand how I should be riding. With all of the not so pleasant stuff in the past of WP, I was a little confused about what they wanted to see now. Thanks!

  • OMG, you're still making your horses move like cripples. They're TRANSPORTATION, not DECORATION. Learn from the TWHA and fix your obscene judging before someone fixes it for you!!!

  • Well this is some peoples talent just like your talent and don't think they just hopped on these horses and did this. At this level it probably took years to train these horses. These horses are amazing and they don't take that for granted.

  • Those horses look like they are limping when they perform those 'gaits'. Extremely unattractive way to present a horse. They all look beaten down with no light in their eyes. But maybe that's how those cowboys/girls like their horses?

Recent Posts

A Recap of Road to the Horse 2025

Road to the Horse is an exciting, unique colt-starting event, dedicated to changing people’s ideas and creating a better world…

13 hours ago

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: An Impressive List of Entries

Lexington, Ky. — Six of the world’s top 12 eventing riders, including World #1 Tom McEwen (GBR) and World #2…

18 hours ago

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

Stay up to date on the action from the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find information about the event, including…

19 hours ago

Ryan Rose: Creating Strong Partnerships Between Horses and the People Who Love Them

Ryan Rose got bit by the cowboy bug early in life. "My love of horses started when I was a…

22 hours ago

Breed Profile: European Brabant

While draft horses come in many shapes and sizes, from the gigantic Shire to the smaller Haflinger, most have something…

2 days ago

The Working Mules of our Public Lands

Flopping ears bounce with every step down the trail as a string of six mules begin the trek from the…

5 days ago