Morgan Western Pleasure

MGN 19.0 Morgan Western Pleasure

1. Eligibility: Horses entered in the class must be registered Morgans. Western Pleasure classes may have divisions based on age, gender, or other criteria. Open to professionals, amateurs and Juvenile Exhibitors. Shoeing and toe length including pads cannot exceed 5 inches.

2. Attire: Riders typically wear traditional Western attire, which includes a Western hat, long-sleeved shirt with western necktie or pin. Western-style pants and chaps, and boots. Attire should be neat, clean, and in good condition. Gloves are optional, however preferred in equitation.

3. Tack: The horse should be equipped with suitable Western tack, including a Western saddle, breast harness, bridle, and standard western bit, defined as not exceeding 8 ½ inches with the mouthpiece bar not exceeding 5/16” to ¾” inches in diameter. Jointed bits are allowed with 2-3 joints. Slip, gag, rigid donut, or reigning or polo bits not allowed. Hackamores and snaffles permitted on junior horses 4 years and younger. The saddle should fit the horse properly and be comfortable for both horse and rider. The bridle should be clean, well-fitted, and include a suitable bit for the horse's comfort and control.

4. Conformation and Movement: Judges assess both the conformation and movement of the horse. Morgans competing in Western Pleasure classes should exhibit the breed's characteristic traits, including a well-arched neck, strong hindquarters, and smooth, relaxed movement. The horse should move freely and willingly in a relaxed frame.

5. Manners and Performance: The horse should demonstrate excellent manners, responsiveness to the rider's cues, and an overall pleasurable performance. This includes steady, consistent gaits, smooth transitions, and obedience to the rider's commands. In a Western Pleasure class, horses typically perform at a controlled, relaxed jog and lope. The pace should be suitable for a comfortable ride and allow the horse to demonstrate its movement and style while maintaining a relaxed and collected frame.

6. Presentation: Presentation of both horse and rider is important. This includes grooming, turnout, and overall presentation of the turnout as a polished and harmonious team. The horse should be neatly groomed, with a clean and well-maintained appearance.

7. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects including conformation, movement, manners, suitability as a Western pleasure horse, and the overall impression of the turnout. Emphasis is often placed on the horse's ability to perform comfortably and willingly at the jog and lope gaits. Shown at the walk, jog-trot, and lope. May ask for extension of any gait. Horses are required to back. Judged: 60% manners, performance with proper cadence and balance, quality, presence, and apparent ability to give a good pleasure ride; 40% type and conformation.

● Open, Gentlemen and Youth classes, horses to be judged on manners, performance with proper cadence and balance, quality, presence and apparent ability to give a good pleasure ride 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Junior Horse classes, horses to be judged on manners, quality, performance with proper cadence and balance, presence and apparent ability to give a good pleasure ride 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Juvenile Exhibitor classes, horses to be judged on manners, suitability, performance with proper cadence and balance, quality, presence and apparent ability to give a good pleasure ride 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Ladies classes, horses to be judged on manners, suitability, quality, performance with proper cadence and balance, presence and apparent ability to give a good pleasure ride 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Amateur classes, horses to be judged on manners, performance with proper cadence and balance, suitability, quality, presence and apparent ability to give a good pleasure ride 60%; type and conformation 40%.

● Championships to be judged 50% - 50%; horses to be stripped in Open and Junior Horse Championships.