Jacqui Reed

Shamrock Farms Llc

Do you prefer to ride bosal horses or bridle horses? Why?

Being a part of the growth that happens with bosal horses is very rewarding. They change so much from the beginning of their 3-year-old year to the end of their 5-year-old year. It’s fun when they begin to understand what their job is and want to do it right.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a class?

It’s truly dependent on each horse and rider combo. For me, I don’t like a very long warm up. I prefer to have my trainer get my horse going well, then I’ll get on and briefly do each gait both ways, then I like to go in. I hate standing around in the middle waiting. I also appreciate positive coaching from my trainer as I am going into the arena.

Do you have a particular tack or clothing obsession?

Both. For tack, saddle pads are such a fun way to have a personal expression of style. I have way too many saddle pads stacked up in my house from when I showed Ranch Riding. There’s just a never-ending choice of color combos you need! For clothing, the obsession with boots is a real problem.

Tell us about your favorite pair of boots.

I can’t choose a favorite pair, but I do love the brand Tin Haul. The different designs they create for the soles are so fun! I have several pair, and while they may not be the most comfortable boots I have, they do allow me to express my personality and are often conversation starters.

How important do you feel the AWPA class is for breeding?

The AWPA has been an incredible organization to be a part of. We work hard to promote the stallions enrolled each year, and make sure the classes are must-see events at the shows. This promotion has really encouraged breeders of all sizes to choose participating stallions and nominate their in-utero mares. Over 300 mare nominations have been submitted for the past five years. With people breeding specifically to produce winning western horses, the quality of ALL the entries is very high.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the western pleasure discipline?

I always enjoyed watching Monaco Jullyen V show. You could tell he enjoyed his job and he made it look so incredibly easy. Monaco, Joe and Leslie all made it look like it was a true pleasure out in the arena.