Senior Western Riders Work One-Of-A-Kind Pattern
The Senior Western Riding class at the NSBA World Show offers exhibitors and their horses a one-of-a-kind challenge. Unlike any other pattern they ride throughout the year, this class has become a favorite that competitors look forward to every August.
The class takes place in the Ford Truck Arena at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex in Tulsa. Its layout is uniquely designed to work around the awards stage positioned in the center of the arena, creating a distinctive experience for riders and spectators alike.
“This was my first time doing it,” explained T.W. Grose. “Our Western Riding horses usually get to do the same patterns over and over again, so getting to do one that’s different is pretty cool. You start off on a left lope to the pole and then you have four diagonal lead changes. Since we often use the diagonal to teach lead changes, it’s really nice to be able to show that off. You also do a lot down the line—and this pattern has two down-the-lines, which is really different. The quick break to the jog is also challenging because you have to keep them together.
“There’s so much time between the lead changes, which is great for Senior horses because it adds some programming into what they’re doing. My mare had never done this pattern before, so she was a little confused about where we were going. When you come off that line, the horses don’t know what’s next, so they really have to listen to you instead of anticipating. It’s a great pattern.”
Jesse Jones agreed. “It’s a lot of fun because the horses don’t expect it and we can show them off at a little bit more forward pace,” he said. “I think it also gives the judges something different to evaluate instead of the same Western Riding patterns again and again.”
For Carly Veldman Parks, showing in the Ford Truck Arena adds to the appeal. “I think it’s great for the senior horses,” she said. “It’s wide open, so we can go a little more forward and really showcase their movement. Not only are the diagonal lines longer, but the lines between the cones are longer, too. It makes it exciting to have the horses wait on you and not necessarily know where they’re going. It’s fun to show.”
Open and Limited Champions
KM Flat Out The Best claimed the Senior Western Riding title with trainer Deanna Searles, showing for owner Susan Johns. Deanna reflected on the unique challenge of the pattern. “It’s always fun to show and it’s very spread out, so you can’t get ahead of yourself,” she said. “You just have to keep thinking about where you’re going and be patient. I think the horses enjoy it too, because it’s a change-up for them.”
The win marks a return to the top for the pair, who also won the class two years ago and were reserve champions in 2024. Deanna praised the mare’s natural ability. “She is so flat-legged in front and has a lot of lift, so she continues loping smoothly between the lead changes. Plus, she has beautiful changes,” she noted. “She’s a pretty loper before and after the change. She came from a Western Pleasure foundation and she’s gone on to excel in Trail and Western Riding at the Open, Amateur and Select levels.”
In the Limited division, Hand Made Machine took top honors with Ryan Cottingim. “We’re always excited to show this pattern every year,” Ryan said. “It’s a great arena to show in and NSBA has put a great pattern together for us to showcase these senior horses. It really is enjoyable to show, especially when you have a horse that locks in like Karl did today.
“He had to wait on me to tell him where to go and he stayed balanced and in tune with me. Sometimes senior horses can get ahead of you, but he was right there today.”
This year’s Senior Western Riding class drew an impressive 59 entries in the open and 40 entries in the limited division, highlighting both the popularity of the class and the talent of the horses and riders who make it a showcase event at the NSBA World Show.
About NSBA
Established in 1983, National Snaffle Bit Association has expanded from its roots in the Western Pleasure discipline to recognize various disciplines and eight breed associations in competition. NSBA’s mission is to grow the show horse community through various equine programs and events where every activity benefits horses, breeders, owners and exhibitors alike.
National Snaffle Bit Association has more than 20,000 active members and more than 44,000 registered horses across its eight alliance breed organizations. NSBA members earn more than $13.5 million in monetary awards at NSBA-sanctioned horse shows annually, and the association sanctions nearly 600 horse show events and close to 200,000 horse show entries each year.
To learn more about NSBA, please visit nsba.com.
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