About English Pleasure
The Federation is excited about the addition of the English Pleasure division
(effective 12/1/09) in order to encourage and reward yet another venue of equestrian
sport. The English Pleasure division is open to mares and geldings only, stallions
are prohibited. English Pleasure horses may be of any breed or combination of
breeds and are not required to have breed registration papers. If a horse does have
breed registration papers, the exhibitor may continue to use their breed registration
number in lieu of an official USEF Horse ID. Horses without breed registration papers
must have a valid USEF Horse ID. In order to earn points for the USEF Horse of the
Year Program, horses must pay the annual or life recording fee, as well.
The English Pleasure division offers three sections: Saddle Seat, Hunter Seat,
and Driving. Exhibitors now have the opportunity to earn points and be nationally
recognized through the USEF Horse of the Year Program. Initially, there will be
three national award categories: English Pleasure Saddle Seat, English Pleasure
Hunter Seat, and English Pleasure Driving.
Manners and suitability as a pleasure mount are paramount in English Pleasure horses.
Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless. Horses must be
obedient with prompt transitions. Special emphasis is placed on a true, flat walk
with special consideration being given to those entries that represent a true
recreational type, general riding mount. Entries should not exhibit extreme motion,
speed, or resistance of any type. Horses must stand quietly and back readily in the
line-up.
English Pleasure Saddle Seat horses are judged at a flat walk, trot, extended trot,
and canter both ways of the ring.
English Pleasure Hunter Seat horses are judged at a flat walk, trot, and canter both
ways of the ring. Entries "may" be asked to hand gallop one or more directions of the
ring at the discretion of the judge.
English Pleasure Driving horses are judged at a flat walk, trot, and extended trot
both ways of the ring.
