06/18/2025
๐ We asked "Whatโs the difference between Country English Pleasure & English Pleasure? โข Insights from 3 Industry Experts โข WLAH thanks Carmelle Rooker, Brian Murch & Vicki Humphrey for sharing their life-long wisdom and thoughts with us. They are each well-respected horsemen in the Saddle Seat divisions, with a long history of producing champions in these classes specifically.
To the casual observer, Country English Pleasure and English Pleasure might look like two sides of a similar saddle seat coinโboth elegant, animated, and distinctly Arabian. But to trainers, judges, and seasoned exhibitors, the differences between the two classes are clear, meaningful, and essential to understand.
๐ค ๐ค ๐ค We invited three well-respected and experienced horse professionals and USEF/AHA judgesโVicki Humphrey, Brian Murch, and Carmelle Rookerโto share their unique perspectives on what sets these two classes apart in the show ring.
๐ Vicki Humphrey โ USEF/AHA National-Level Judge & Respected Trainer
โA Country horse is everything we want. An English horse is more of everything.โ
According to Vicki, the main difference lies in degrees. Both divisions demand brilliance, cadence, balance, and obedience. But English Pleasure calls for a higher degree of power, motion, and animationโespecially from behind. Horses in this division are ridden more aggressively, with ambition and drive, all while maintaining frame, cadence, and expression.
Country English Pleasure, on the other hand, emphasizes rideability and a polished, pleasant look. A horse in this division should be mannerly, consistent, and appear easy to ride. โHow they are ridden is a huge part of the picture,โ she explains. A quiet, soft-handed rider asking for moderate impulsion completes the Country picture. The motion may vary, but the attitude and presentation must remain controlled and inviting.
๐ Brian Murch โ USEF/AHA National-Level Judge & Respected Trainer
โThe gray area may existโbut the difference is about energy and suitability.โ
Brian notes that both Country and English Pleasure horses must move in balance, with rhythm and expression. However, Country horses display softer, more fluid motion, with an emphasis on manners and attitude. A country horse that consistently overperforms its motion is likely not ideal entered in the Country division.
In contrast, the English Pleasure horse should demonstrate a more extreme, energized version of a similar frame. โThe hind leg must engage powerfully to elevate the neck and shoulder, creating more elevation in the front leg,โ he says. Brian also highlights rider suitability as a factor in judging: a beginner or timid rider may not be the best match for a high-powered English horse. That mismatch can affect overall presentation and the final class placement.
๐ Carmelle Rooker โ USEF/AHA National-Level Judge & Respected Trainer
โItโs not just about how high a horse goesโbut how they go high.โ
Carmelle emphasizes that both divisions celebrate the beauty and athleticism of the Arabian breedโbut the presentation is different. Country Pleasure horses move with a smoother, more relaxed rhythm, showcasing cadenced gaits and a natural, refined headset. Manners, willingness, and fluidity are key. These horses should look stylish yet effortless.
English Pleasure horses, however, bring more animation, elevation, and impulsion to the ring. They exude brilliance and presence, with a powerful, collected stride and a high level of expression at all gaits. โThe difference isnโt just in height of motion,โ Carmelle explains, โbut in the style and control of that motion.โ English horses must still be obedient and correctโbut the performance should be bold, electric, and controlled.
She also echoes the importance of matching horse and rider: โIf a horse is too hot or strong for its rider, it can change the whole dynamic in the ring.โ
๐ด Final Thoughts
At the core, both of these Saddle Seat divisions showcase the refinement and power of the Arabian horseโbut they each ask for a different version of brilliance:
๐ฟ English Pleasure is about animation, brilliance, presence, and controlled power.
๐ฟ Country English Pleasure is more about refinement, manners, and rideability.
Understanding these distinctions helps judges, trainers, and spectators alike appreciate why horses are placed in one division or the otherโand how the right match of horse and rider makes all the difference.
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NOTE: Images shown are 'national level show horses' illustrating each division.
