What Is the difference between Pleasure and Performance horses?
A – Pleasure horse, also called flat shod horses, do not wear built-up shoes or action devices on their front feet. Pleasure horses are popular in “versatility” events such as trail riding, pole bending, barrel racing, western reining, dressage and much more. Performance horses are horses that are geared toward a more dynamic show ring presence rather than the activities associated with pleasure horses. While both pleasure and performance horses have the same natural gait, their gait is enhanced through the use of built-up shoes and action devices on the front feet of the horse. Whether you are watching a pleasure or performance horse, you will notice that riders are enjoying a smooth ride in the saddle, this is thanks to the natural over stride in the horse back legs. This is what gives us a “walk” rather than a trot, rack, fox-trot or other gaits.
