What are facts about Western Pleasure?

Answer 1

It is fun and enjoyable, practical for getting around farms, herding livestock and competing in western competitions ie barrel racing I personally prefer English riding but both diciplines are fun and most people start out because they love horses and think it would be an exiting skill to learn.

Answer 2

The different breeds have slightly differing views on the perfect western pleasure horse and rider. But the basics are a horse that moves with relaxed head and neck or level topline. A relaxed natural walk, soft, easy to sit jog and a slow three-beat lope, all three gaits ridden with a loose rein. The horse's transitions should be fluid, no noticeable bobbing of the head, or noticeable cues from the rider, whose hands are low and quiet, minimal movement. The horse should be able to stop and back on a loose rein, or change direction on the rail on a loose rein. This is where the good are separated for the mediochre riders and horses. It takes skill and training to work your horse with no reins and very little leg. Excessive speed is penalized, and a four-beat lope is supposed to be penalized but rarely is. There are rules about the low head carriage, but are enforced as much as the four-beat lope. At Quarter Horse and Paint breed shows, these are considered faults but they seem to have made a comeback after the 'peanut rollers' of the 1980's.

The overall picture is of an effortless and comfortable ride, smooth and pleasureable to sit as well as to watch.