The tradition of Western Riding in the Snowy Mountains proudly goes back generations.

"Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home,
Where the river runs those giant hills between;
I have seen full many horsemen since I first commenced to roam,
But nowhere yet such horsemen have I seen."

The words of Banjo Paterson echo in the mountains of the high country. Times may have changed and horses have changed, but the basic fundamentals of western horsemanship haven't.

Western riding style was formed out of necessary methods we use to farm and raise cattle. Cutting, reining, trail,western pleasure and western riding are all disciplines borne out of necessity.

Riding one-handed was to leave a free hand for a whip, rope or gun. The ability to cut a single bull out of a herd for branding gave rise to CUTTING. The manoevers necessary during cutting gave rise to REINING. Negotiation of obstacles on the frontier like gates, logs and bridges gave rise to TRAIL. The display of the correct conformation for breeding stock led to HALTER.

The different cadences and gaits necessary to read and move a herd of cattle without spooking them, as well as the ability to maintain composure and concentration while chasing an escaping cow encompasses the manoevers of barrel racing, western pleasure, western riding and all other western disciplines.

When you ride western, ride with purpose and HISTORY. Ride for life!