Western competition tack

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wowpolo

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I want to 'go western' and hopefully compete in trail classes, maybe reining...but I'm a treeless bitless rider. I'm totally happy this way and loathe the idea of bitting my horses as we just don't need it!

Are you allowed to compete bitless and treeless? If not, can anyone recommend a really, REALLY kind western style bit that would be acceptable?

I also ride stirrupless :o I'm guessing that isn't allowed...or is it? I would really rather not get into stirrups again - although I haven't ridden western with stirrups, maybe I'd be OK with it?

Many thanks!
 
wowpolo said:
I want to 'go western' and hopefully compete in trail classes, maybe reining...but I'm a treeless bitless rider. I'm totally happy this way and loathe the idea of bitting my horses as we just don't need it!

Are you allowed to compete bitless and treeless? If not, can anyone recommend a really, REALLY kind western style bit that would be acceptable?

I also ride stirrupless :o I'm guessing that isn't allowed...or is it? I would really rather not get into stirrups again - although I haven't ridden western with stirrups, maybe I'd be OK with it?

Many thanks!
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I think you could use a bosal, rawhide not horsehair type, or a snaffle
bit with split reins, when your horse is going well in it you can go for a curb leaverage type bit to refine headset and go one handed. no martingale or noseband is allowed ,treeless saddle would be ok but would need to be a western type and yes I think you would need to use stirrups best to go to a few shows/clinics and have a look you could also look up western equestian soc for dates and your nearest area rep , judge or trainer who will help to guide you in the right direction, its fun and people are friendly but the horsemanship is taken seriously, you wont be welcome if you hoon round with an out of control pony with its nose in the air:D good luck ...
 
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Technically, for trail and reining (since neither are equitation events), I think you might be able to get away without stirrups, as the equipment and attire rules for both Western Equestrian Society and NRHA both just stipulate use of a Western stock saddle (ie stock saddle with saddle horn). A judge's view here would be interesting, particularly on interpretation of what constitutes 'failure to use appropriate attire', but the NRHA rules, at least, state little more than 'It is mandatory for all riders to use appropriate western tack and western attire while showing; this would include a long sleeve shirt, western hat or safety helmet, boots, western saddle, and western bridle. (Freestyle reining being exempt based on conditions.) Failure to use appropriate attire will result in a score of 0.'

The bit rules are clear; if you were to compete under Western Equestrian Society rules in either trail or reining, you would be able to compete in a bosal as a Novice rider or intermediate amateur on any age of horse; to compete at a level higher than that, you would be restricted to riding one handed in a leverage bit unless riding a junior horse (5 years or younger). If having a go at affiliated reining under British Reining or NRHA, there is an Open snaffle bit/hackamore class or a Green as Grass class where bosals may be used; otherwise all classes require horses to be in curb bits and ridden one-handed.
 
If you end up going to a leverage bit, have a look at Billy Allen bits (plenty of pictures on Google). No port or pinch, I show my mare in one of these, more often than not.
 
Ah yes, I've seen those and aspire to one but my budget will not stretch right now! I'm thinking a barefoot nevada unless I suddenly come into money....are there any other UK available ones under £800?
 
In the mean time you should get a bling show bosal!!

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Pah - call that bling? This is more like it - although I know it's not a bosal.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10151061112935271.780877.807665270&type=3

WES is fairly open to most styles of riding etc, worth having a chat with a local instructor or area rep www.wes-uk.com
You may also be able to do some unaffiliated classes or take part in activities with the various western riding clubs - Fallowbrook in Kent/Sussex, Oakridge in Nottinghamshire - in whatever tack you choose.
But remember - standard western tack (bosal or snaffle for young horses; curb for 'finished' (trained) horse has been developed and is accepted for a very good reason - it is functional and safe in all weathers and over all types of terrain. It's also quite expensive - not just because it comes from the USA, but because it is made of leathers that are intended to last with minimal maintenance (YAY!)
Treeless is absolutely not a problem - the winner of the intermediate amateur trail at the National Championships was riding in a treeless saddle.
 
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