Pressure’s off as more riders embrace laid-back Western style
A change of discipline from traditional dressage sports to reining is finding favour with riders who prefer a more relaxed approach to competing.
TRADITIONAL show horse and dressage sports are quietly losing a good number of their adult competitors to the more relaxed Western events.
They are finding the group to be more welcoming with a strong emphasis on helping people new to the sport.
Nicole Butcher comes from one of the state’s leading show horse families and is now a reining enthusiast.
“For me, the change of discipline to reining from a lifetime in show horses provided me with a relaxed and fun atmosphere surrounded by supportive people who are so encouraging,” she said.
“Reining is performance-based where I’m recognised on performance, not how I look in riding clothes.
“I get to enjoy my horse without fear of judgment or personal agendas and how I may look in the saddle. I wanted to have fun, enjoy my horse and be surrounded by fun and relaxed people and I feel that reining certainly delivers that for me.”
Andriena Whelan is trying Extreme Cowboy sport. “I am tired of being made to feel inadequate by ribbon hunters as an adult on a pony,” she said.
“I want to enjoy my pony and have some fun, and the Western people welcome us with open arms. There’s no need to have a $25,000 QH or Western bred horse, my little Welsh pony and I are as welcome as the big guns. It’s a refreshing change and an awesome adventure.”
Jane Cleland has spent her life supporting her daughters in showjumping and showing and is now also riding Western for her own pleasure.
“I think people are just looking to try something different where they are going to be encouraged by their fellow competitors,” Jane said.
“Once you start looking into Western there’s a really good variety of events to try depending on your interests and how much you want to add to your skill set. You can start out with improver (beginner) classes and work your way up as your skill and interests develop. Even the led Western classes require a new set of skills.”
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