The Western Horse

Reining, cutting, working cow horse, Western pleasure, ranch sorting, team penning, trail, halter, showmanship… The foundations for these events came to the New World with the Spanish Conquistadores and were refined on the ranches and trail drives of the Old West.  The ideal “Western” horse is the American Quarter Horse, and the history of Western riding is tied firmly to the development of this breed.  The ideal Western mount is obedient, brave, cow-savvy, athletic, and light in the bridle.