August 31st, 2013, Sokolniki ECC. Held by the Western Riding Equestrian Sports Federation.

The contest will feature five categories:
 

• Trail;
• Western pleasure;
• Western horsemanship;
• Western riding;
• Reining.

Referee: Baron Jurgen von Biestram (Germany)

Western riding style is accumulating popularity in Russia. Professional and amateur riders are attracted by the casual nature of this style, by a certain air of romance associated with Hollywood movies about the reckless cowboys of the Wild West, by the picturesque and ultra comfortable gear and attire. The most appealing aspect of Western riding is the riding style itself, which is relaxed, harmonious, and truly delightful. Hence the name for one of the Western riding disciplines – Western pleasure, which values the horse’s schooling and gait. Other categories include: Trail, Western horsemanship, and reining. Trail is an imitation of overcoming the challenges a cowboy would face in his daily ranch activities: opening and closing the fence gates, maneuvering the poles that mark a narrow passage, rein-back within the passage, turnarounds within limited space, side movements, crossing a bridge, etc. All obstacles are to be passed at a pre-set gait and pattern.
 

Western horsemanship values the rider’s skill in horse control in various gaits on a pattern.
 

Reining is the most spectacular discipline in Western riding, all stunts are done at a gallop, and the whole performance takes no more than three minutes sweeping the audience with a thrill of a drive. In reigning, the fans participate actively in the show cheering up their icons with whistling and shouting, loudly acclaiming every successful stunt.
 

Western riding already has a small chronicle in Russia. In May 2008, the first Russian team from the Western Riding Team Club underwent training in Austria. In August 2008, the WRT Club organized theoretical lectures and practical seminars on Western riding within the framework of Equiros 2008 hosted by Valeria Emms and Franz Vorraber.
 

In October 2009, the Western Riding Equestrian Sports Federation, a non-profit partnership (WRESF) was officially registered to promote equestrian sports in general and western riding disciplines in particular as well as to reinforce Russia’s positions and prestige at the international level raising public awareness thereof, expanding the network of children’s sport schools, molding top-level professionals.
 

In August 2009, within the framework of Equiros WRESF held the first FEI refereed All Around contests.
 

Every year WRESF western riding contests at Equiros draw a lot of participants and spectators.
 

Our sportsmen have participated in foreign competitions, bringing first prizes in various disciplines and even becoming All Around champions.
 

At present, WRESF holds seminars and master-classes for professionals and amateurs on a regular basis inviting foreign coaches, provides abroad training courses for Russian sportsmen, and facilitates licensing for official FEI Europe contests.
 

Our sportsmen drilled and licensed in Austria drill beginners to make good riders of them.
 

For more information on WRESF activities visit our official website at: www.fkswd.ru.
 

Western Riding Russia’s Cup at Equiros 2013, the 15th International Equestrian Exhibition

Last update: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 6:04:25 PM