I plan to show my long yearling in Western Pleasure when he's old enough.  However, I know very little about the show, except that the horse is judged on his responsiveness, willingness, and how smooth he rides, which fits my colt perfectly (he is very responsive and willing on the ground, and his lope looks like it would be SO much fun to ride).  I would like to know if there are any sites I can go to in order to learn more about Western Pleasure.  I would also like to know if a Western Pleasure horse should have supplements, and which supplements (do they need joint supplements?).  Also, should I get boots for him?

Thanks!

 A western pleasure horse is no different than any other horse.  he needs to receive the proper vitamins, supplements, and nutrients based on the amount of excersize he is getting and his body type.  As your yearling is just that... a yearling, he probably doesn't need any joint supplements for now.  I would put him on a good multi-vitamin supplement with all the basics... like select II, 707 daily essentials, etc.  You also don't want to load him up with grain at such a young age as it isn't healthy and having too much weight on a young horse can cause problems with their joints, legs, and feet.  

I personally boot up all of my horses when I ride.  If I am just doing some light riding or ground work (or if the weather is really crummy, or I am riding in an area with lots of stickers) I use a pair of Davis Splint Boots and bell boots.  If I am doing more strenuous work or heavy lunging then i use either Professionals Choice SMB III's, Elites, Classic Equine Legacy Boots, or polo wraps (get a lesson in applying polo wraps if you never have before- you can hurt a horse using them incorrectly). 

Mostly I would reccomend having him started as a 2 or 3 year old (depending on both physical and mental maturity) by a professional western pleasure trainer and then continuing taking lessons with him so you are both educated in the same manner.  It will make both of you more successful in the long run.

madel_equestrian:

Mostly I would reccomend having him started as a 2 or 3 year old (depending on both physical and mental maturity) by a professional western pleasure trainer and then continuing taking lessons with him so you are both educated in the same manner.  It will make both of you more successful in the long run.

Agreed! Except I would prefer to lean more towards 3.  That doesn't mean he can't know tons of groundwork before then!! I will be training my 8month old myself (not in western pleasure but that isn't the point) and he will know all the groundwork I can thing of before i get on him, but I won't get on him until he is 3.  it is a long way away, but sooo much healthier for the horse in the long run!

I know this isn't the answer you requested, but it terrifies me to hear of a horse getting ridden as a baby (I hate racing)

 Agreed!  If you do start your horse as a 2 year old it should be done carefully!  I started my Stud as a 2 year old because I wanted to get him going a little bit and teach him his job before the testosterone kicked in :)  Also keep in mind that I am 110lbs  and I started him english (not much weight)  wrapped his legs every time, and did nothing but very light walking, jogging, and big loopy circles for months (15-20 minute sessions 1-2x a week).  We didn't start strenuous training like spins, slide stops, etc. for another year at which point he was physically mature, legged up (in shape), and ready for it.  Many people start their horses too hard too young and sure they win races and futurities, but most don't end up riding sound past 5 or 6.

madel_equestrian:

up riding sound past 5 or 6.

Exactly! Grrr, it makes me soooooooo mad to see people screwing up young horses.  Ta'c, my colt, was born at a place that told me about the only other foal that they had and that he was 18 months when they started him, and they said it like that was late!!! They would probably have their grandkids on him now if he was still there(he is 8 months)...they are nice people, they just don't know any better.  I got him when he was 4 months old, and that was after I pushed it off for a month.  She wanted him gone by 2 1/2...the only reason I took him when I did was bc I had the option of getting him on a trailer (quickly, she was coming up with a whip! I wanted to let him take his time on his first ride but nooo) one day or a cowboy 'break 'em young' type would get him.

Anyway, let me get back off of my soap box.....good luck to the OP, how is it going?