Cowhorses for sale on ehorses

The working cow horse category is one of the most interesting of the Western riding disciplines, since it tests both the practical skills of horse and rider, as well as their ability to ride a show performance of a high standard. This is also known as the reined cow horse class, and competitors can be judged in three areas: The performance of a precise reining pattern, herd work, and individual cow work. The competition originated in the traditions of Californian cattle management, which was greatly influenced by Spanish (Vaquero) equestrian culture. Working cow horse events are a showcase for genuine cowboy heritage. They prove that properly performed, Western riding and cattle work require grace, intelligence and skill, and the horses are elite performers.

Characteristics of the Working Cow Horse

It takes time and commitment to produce a working cow horse. The original Spanish tradition was a horsemanship programme that took years to complete. During the training, the young horse advanced from working in the bitless bridle, known as a bosal, to responding to the lightest of touches on the reins while wearing a spade bit. The horses the vaqueros worked with were bred for the job, often over many generations, meaning they developed the innate “cow sense” that is still vital for competition work today. They were compact and intelligent horses, capable of turning on a coin and shifting between the different gaits instantly and effortlessly. Short strong cannon bones, pasterns that were not too long, and muscular but not too heavy quarters were – and still are – required in working cow horses.

Working Cow Horses: The Best Breeds for this Discipline

Cow sense and agility count more than breed in the working cow horse competition, but certain breeds are far more likely to succeed, as they have been developed for this work. These include the American Quarter Horse , the Appaloosa , and the American Paint Horse . Spanish, Portuguese and other Baroque breeds are highly successful, too. The Iberian breeds, such as the PRE , the Andalusian and the Lusitano , have been working cow horses for centuries, and although breeds such as the Italian Murgese are less well-known, they are also part of European “cowboy” traditions. South American breeds, such as the Criollo , are also specialist cow horses. Working cow horses participate in popular events at some Arabian horse shows.