walk/trot western pleasure.

Question
QUESTION: Hi.Im only 15 yrs old, but ive been working with  horses my whole life. and well ive never done any rideing classes yet. So my mom brought up the subject of walk/trot western pleasure. ive never done it before and i was wondering what are the rules/guidlines of it? and would a regular saddle with no silver and stuff like that do?
and i would really appreciate some tips on training my horse and what else would be important to do in the show ring. thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Ta-Sheena :)
Walk/trot classes are simple and fun. If the judge says to walk you walk, the same as trotting. When you are lined up make sure your horse is squared up (meaning your horses legs are straight and lined up). A saddle with no silver is fine and you wont lose any points. I suggest buying a saddle pad that matches your show shirt. It will make you look neat and spiffy as well as bring out your horses color. If you have questions on picking the right color for your horse dont hesitate to ask me :) As for tips, always smile, always look forward. If your horse gets beside another horse you can circle around so you get back on the rail. If the judge asks you questions while you are lined up always respond with "mam" or "sir". Overall just have fun. Its a learning experience that you will always look back on and smile :)

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QUESTION: ok.thanks. i need a saddle pad though and my horse is an appalosa and is light brown with white spots and blanket on his rear. would a black or a dark color work?

Answer
Hi again :)
Black is a universal color and would look really good on your horse. Before you make a decision, here is the link to the color wheel http://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/07_dress_for_success/winning_colors/index.shtml
This wheel will help you determine an awesome color for you and your horse. My appaloosa has dark and light spots and I have found that his colors are dark and light purple. From the way you described your horse I would have to say that a light purple would be very pretty on him. Have fun with the wheel :)

Kelsey