American Western riders of note

[raingodz]

I have just had my 7th western lesson and I am really enjoying it, but being in the UK it might not be the same as what goes on in the USA, where this style comes from.

So can anyone recoment any top Western riders (Western reining) in the USA that I should look out to see as a good example of how things should be done.

Thanks :)

[Keket]

Hm, are you looking for good examples of Western equitation or Western reining? Because although I consider reining horses to be the best trained horses in the world and reining riders to be excellent horsemen and horsewomen, they're not the best riders in terms of position. As my RI says, "In reining, as long as the horse is doing what it's supposed to, you can ride backwards for all anyone cares!" :)

[ImaLittleBoston]

Reining is definitly a good example, When theres local shows, I usually go, My mom used to show in them, so when we had decker, I was doing roll backs, quick turns on the haunches, and starting to do sliding stops. Its really amazing what reiners can do. although.. im in Canada, so I cant really reccomed anything in the U.S.A.. Although, Canadian reiner Don Adams is quite good. and Jim Durling. they are local around were I live.. soo.. :p :p

[levi1739]

The best reiner in the NRHA right now has to be Shawn Flarida. Craig Schmersal, Andrea Fappani, Todd Bergon, Bill Ford, Todd Crawford, Duane Latimer, Dell Hendricks, are also consistant winners in the open divisions of Reining. Do a search on any of those names and I suspect you will find a lot of information and pics. The National Reining Horse Assoc. (NRHA) also has a homepage and their should be some links there as well.

"In reining, as long as the horse is doing what it's supposed to, you can ride backwards for all anyone cares!"

True enough, but it's actually, "as long as the horse is doing what it's supposed to, you can ride it backwards and the horse won't care" ;)

Yep, they are "broke" horses.


Have fun, be safe

Jack

[cvb]

Lynn Palm for an all around horsewoman :)
http://www.lynnpalm.com/

[Keket]

True enough, but it's actually, "as long as the horse is doing what it's supposed to, you can ride it backwards and the horse won't care" ;)

The horse was included in "anyone". ;)

[ImaLittleBoston]

Shawna sapergia is pretty good. I got to thinking reiners names hehe. I've seen her in horse and rider a few times.

[raingodz]

Thanks everyone :)

I think I will be spending lunchtime on google looking up about these people :)

[Jessey]

Hey if you are really getting into it, you can subscribe to american magazines over here, American cowboy, Western Horseman and Horse and Rider are a few I can think of right now :D they also have some great articles and pictures for when you are first getting started.

[raingodz]

Thanks Jessey, I'll take a look at them too (inpreperation for the Xmas list! )

[Shadowlark]

Go the "Horse and Rider" route - more useful articles then the other 2!


Can't think of any names that havn't been mentioned already.. sorry :D

[cvb]

If you look at subscribing to Horse & Rider, watch out for deals... my current subscription is cheaper than the UK magazines !

[Roheryn]

raingodz--
Check out this video clip:

http://www.bredahldressage.com/windfall/videolinks.html

Go to "Night of the Horse" (first in the list) and click on one of the two links. It's a great (but short) video of a dressage rider and a reiner doing a "pax de deux." I watched it before I started riding western and absolutely fell in love with this little guy (the reining horse!). I don't know any of the top riders but I do love this horse-and-rider reining pair in this clip.

I was learning some VERY basic reining at our last barn and was told it's different from neck-reining. (Was I told right, anyone?)

[smaggi]

Check out Stacy Westfall who won the Road to the Horse last year. This year she won the Freestyle Reining at the Quarter Horse Congress and the Tulsa Reining Classic with no bridle or saddle.

http://www.westfallhorsemanship.com/

My favorite for cow work and ranch horse work is al Dunning.

http://www.aldunning.com/

I also like Julie Goodnight for all around horsemanship.

http://www.juliegoodnight.com/articles/index.html

[levi1739]

I believe Clinton Anderson spent a year apprenticing with Al Dunning when he first came to the states. Person might learn a little bit there eh. ;)

The NRHA futurities are over. Here's a link to the show results. Be sure to check the "owners" as well as the riders. I recognize some of the names. :D

http://www.nrha.com/futurity.php

I must have jinxed Shawn Flarida, tied for 9th in the Open. Stacey didn't compete in the "freestyle" which is disappointing. Sure would like to see the "freestyle" at Congress this year Smaggi. Maybe now's the time to find some tickets. :)

Have fun, be safe

Jack

[Cochise]

Our season's just starting and it's one of my dearest wishes to learn it! Pleasure and horsemanship just make me yawn!
http://www.reining.co.nz/index.html

[Shadowlark]

Al Dunning has litteraly written the book on it.. it's helpful insightful and well put together.. even for a total beginer
Go for it! you will LOVE it it's SOO thrilling

[smaggi]

Sure would like to see the "freestyle" at Congress this year Smaggi. Maybe now's the time to find some tickets. :)

I would love to see it too, especially since it's almost in our own backyard. :rolleyes: I know that they sell out fast every year.

[levi1739]

Smaggi, in another thread you mentioned that Ray Hunt will be in Athens next spring. Do you and OH (other half?) want to participate as riders? That would sure be an experience to remember. I suspect we will try and make it as "spectators". He has sure influenced a lot of very good horseman.

We were all set to attend the "open" reining classes at Congress this year but that was the morning that one of the mares chose to injure her leg. So instead of watching the best reiners in the world, we stayed home and treated the hurt horse. It was the first time in a few years that we missed attending Congress. :mad: I will be there in 07. ;)

Anyway, Ray Hunt and the late Tom Dorrance are a couple of "reinsmen" that everybody can learn from. Be sure and add those to your list of names to search. :)


Have fun, be safe

Jack

[ImaLittleBoston]

I have a western training book somewere around here, I think its done by al dunning

[smaggi]

Smaggi, in another thread you mentioned that Ray Hunt will be in Athens next spring. Do you and OH (other half?) want to participate as riders? That would sure be an experience to remember. I suspect we will try and make it as "spectators". He has sure influenced a lot of very good horseman.

My OH is definitely going to sign up to be a rider. He is a huge fan and a better rider than I am. I will try to ride too, depending on the cost. At the very least I will be there as a spectator.

The clinic is May 12, 13, 14 at Willow Run. If you go make sure you say Hi to me. :p

[SupaTania]

yes theres a dfference between western equitation and reining. But in all its a great sport, and although i'm not a fan of western pleasure (way to slow for me!), I do enjoy seeing a well trained horse move off the slightest cues.

I'd look into Cleve Well, Duane Latimer, and Tami Nelson.

[Miriam]

I have just had my 7th western lesson and I am really enjoying it, but being in the UK it might not be the same as what goes on in the USA, where this style comes from.



Thanks :)



Once tried then your hooked as I found out after having lessons when visiting Katie-85