The who is who of the Danish Western world is meeting at the Danish Quarter Horse Championship at Kumlegaard this year. Me and my camera were right inbetween.


Maybe you already know I am coming from a whole other end of the equestrian world. My field is the Academic Art of Riding. But this does not protect me from the kind of magic that comes with the Western world. Action-loaded reining classes, beautiful show outfits, and shiny horses. I have fallen for it. How lucky am I that this was already the third time I got booked as the official show photographer for a Western Championship? I had a very inspiring and interesting time, standing in the ring and observing the event. While doing that, I was learning a lot about a world, I didn't know the first thing before. Let me share my newly learned knowledge with you, and introduce you to the world of showing with pictures from the Danish Quarter Horse Championship 2023.

Close-up portrait of a chestnut horse wearing leather tack while being ridden.

The disciplines


Western Riding is divided into different disciplines. Some are ridden, some are in hand, and even a discipline on the longe is included. Within those disciplines, the exhibitor can start in different levels, divided into breed, age, gender, and many more.

Reining


Reining is a Western riding discipline where riders guide their horses through a precise pattern of fast spins, sliding stops, and smooth lead changes. It showcases the horse's agility, responsiveness, and ability to perform intricate maneuvers with precision. Also it looks like lots of fun!

Western rider performs a reining stop on a chestnut horse kicking up dust in an indoor arena.
Horse and rider execute a western riding pattern in an indoor arena with sand footing.
Horse and rider practicing western riding techniques in an indoor arena with wooden walls.
Rider in western attire performs on a paint horse during an indoor competition.

Western Pleasure


Western Pleasure is a relaxed and elegant riding discipline where horses move at a slow, smooth gait, demonstrating their calm demeanor and obedience. The goal is to display a horse's comfortable and enjoyable ride for both horse and rider. You will maybe not get anywhere fast, but for sure very very comfortable.

Rider demonstrates western horsemanship on a chestnut horse in an indoor arena.
Close-up of decorative western saddle with silver details and patterned blanket on gray horse.
Horse and rider perform a western riding pattern against an indoor arena wall.
Rider guides chestnut horse through western riding pattern near wooden bleachers.

Ranch Riding:


Ranch Riding is a Western discipline that simulates the practical skills needed on a working ranch. Riders guide their horses through a series of maneuvers that display the horse's versatility, including walking, trotting, loping, and backing, while maintaining a working ranch-style appearance. Who needs a quad anyways?

Horse and rider execute western riding movements on dark horse with flowing tail.
A rider in an orange cap and floral shirt rides a dappled palomino horse in a western saddle.
Rider performs on chestnut and white horse during indoor western riding competition.
A rider guides their horse over ground poles in an indoor equestrian arena.

Showmanship


Showmanship is a Western horse show class that assesses a handler's ability to present a horse in its best possible way. Handlers are judged on their horse's grooming, presentation, and responsiveness to cues as they lead their horse through a pattern that highlights the horse's conformation and manners. It is truly all about the details!

A chestnut horse being led in a sandy indoor arena during a training session.
Close-up profile of a chestnut horse's face showing its eye and decorative white bridle.
Close-up of hands braiding a horse's mane with precision and care.
Two people discussing and evaluating a chestnut horse in an indoor arena.

Halter


Halter classes in Western horse shows focus on evaluating a horse's conformation and overall physical attributes. Horses are led and posed by handlers to showcase their build, musculature, and balance, without any riding involved.

A dark bay horse stands for inspection in a western showmanship pose.
A chestnut horse being led through an indoor arena during training.
A chestnut horse being presented in a western show arena.
Three handlers working with chestnut horses in an indoor arena setting.

Trail


Trail is a Western riding discipline that tests a horse's ability to navigate through a course filled with various obstacles and challenges, such as bridges, gates, poles, and logs. Riders aim to guide their horses through these obstacles smoothly and with precision. Photographers hint: The bridge is a great photo-spot!


Western rider guiding a chestnut quarter horse through pole obstacles in an indoor arena.
Equestrian practicing pole work with a bay horse in a covered riding arena.
Horse and rider navigating around orange cones during an indoor training session.
Western-style training session with a paint horse in an indoor arena.

Horsemanship


Western Horsemanship is a riding discipline that assesses a rider's skill in controlling and communicating with their horse. Riders are judged on their ability to perform specific maneuvers, such as turns, stops, and lead changes, with poise, balance, and finesse. It truly shows a great communication between horse and rider.

Western horseback riding instruction in an indoor arena with training cones.
Western rider on a chestnut quarter horse practicing dressage movements indoors.
Chestnut horse and rider executing precise movements in a western riding class.
Equestrian navigating orange training cones in an indoor arena setting.

A whole new world


Let me be honest. I will not become a Western show rider. I couldnt even remember a pattern. But, and that is for sure, this was not my last western show as a photographer! Actually, the next one is in just a few weeks.

You want to read more about my way into the show world? Check out my article about the Danish Paint Horse Championship 2022.

Horse and companion share a moment in warm autumn lighting among tall wildflowers.

Hej, I'm Anna

The horse-girl behind the camera

Welcome to my world of equine fine art photography! This is me - Anna, a German living in Denmark, loving horses, dogs and Lakridskugler. Always ready to try creative ideas, explore beautiful locations, or finding the beauty in your daily life. Read more about my work.

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