Western Riding Western riding is the discipline of horse showing in which horses are shown in a western saddle, Figure 10-24. Western riding disciplines are designed so that the horse can be shown with the reins in one hand. Traditionally, this allowed the rider’s free hand to be used for handling ropes and other tools while working. Most of the western riding events are based on skills required by stockhorses used to move cattle. Western riding horse showing includes events like: „ Trail riding „ Western pleasure „ Western riding FFA Connection Do you think you would be a great horse show judge? Would you like to learn more about the specifics of conformation, equitation, and judged horse show events? The Horse Evaluation CDE through the National FFA Organization allows you the chance to judge both conformation and riding classes. This CDE is a great way to examine breed ideals and test your knowledge of the proper way to evaluate horses at halter and under saddle. You have the opportunity to place classes and then defend your placings through oral reasons. Horse Evaluation CDE EP photo/Shutterstock.com Mikhail Kondrashov/iStock/Thinkstock Figure 10-23. Both dressage and stadium jumping are considered English horse showing events. These events both demand careful communication between horse and rider to complete the required tasks. Margo Harrison/iStock/Thinkstock Chapter 10 Large-Animal Production 543 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.