The English pleasure horse community consists of horse lovers across the United States who show their horse under English tack with an emphasis placed on manners and ride- ability. In many horse show classes, the horse with bigger, more impressive movement will place over a horse with less quality but excellent training. English pleasure allows riders with well-trained and mannered horses to earn ribbons.

Associations and Communities

The English pleasure horse community is active in several breed associations, including American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker and the Arabian Horse Association, which offer classes in English pleasure at their shows. In a traditional English pleasure class, the rider asks their horse to walk, trot and canter. In a class that includes gaited horses, the horses perform their breed’s particular gait, such as a running walk, instead of a trot. There are also English pleasure classes for five gaited horses.

Judging

The English pleasure community is generally very welcoming. The emphasis of English pleasure horse judging is on the attitude of the horse as well as its perceived comfort and manners while under saddle. The judge considers movement and conformation only in relationship with how they would affect the comfort level of the rider. English pleasure horses are supposed to be comfortable and calm enough to carry a rider for hours. A horse that jigs, pulls or kicks at other horses will not perform well in an English pleasure class.

Non-sanctioned shows

In many small towns that put on local, non-sanctioned shows, the English pleasure community will include a mix of saddlebred, hunt seat and gaited horses. The announcer in these classes typically requests that the entries walk, canter and, rather than asking for a trot—when many of these horses may trot and others may be gaited—a “favorite gait.” This may include a trot, pace, running walk, single-foot or any other medium speed gait the rider wishes to use. It is up to the judge to compare the horse’s performance against the standard rather than choosing the horse with the characteristics that are most familiar to him.

Showing English Pleasure Horses

If you are interested in showing English pleasure horses, there are a variety of ways to join the community. Most local shows offer English pleasure. As your riding improves and you are ready to advance, you may want to attend bigger shows. Larger English pleasure classes are offered through breed associations. Look online at your horse’s breed association site to find a calendar of events for activities in your area. The level of competition at breed shows is typically higher than at local shows. It makes sense to go to a breed show as an observer for the first time so that you know what to expect when you attend with your horse.