About the Western Equestrian Society
The home of western riding in Great Britain. We are a members' society: member-led, volunteer-run and proudly all-breed. Whether you are sitting in a western saddle for the first time or chasing a championship, there is a place here for you and your horse, whatever its breed.
- 542Members
- 13Areas across Great Britain
- 21WES Professionals
- 41Years of western riding
Something for every rider
Shows and schemes, learning and friendship, all through the year.
Shows
Our areas run shows through the year, and we list around 50 WES events of every kind each year. The highlight is the WES National Show: in 2026, three days and 105 classes, from Little Britches to British Reining.
See what is onJudges and Professionals
We approve judges to officiate at WES shows, and assess WES Professionals, the instructors, trainers and coaches who teach our members. More than 20 are approved today.
Find a WES ProYoung riders
Half-price youth membership, free Little Britches membership for under 10s, and the Youth Badge Scheme.
For young ridersBeyond the Arena
Our year-round programme that celebrates members away from competition, including Moments That Matter, a photo competition with free memberships and a newsletter cover to win.
Beyond the Arena
We also work with other western organisations, including AQHA UK and the UK Paint Horse Association, and share a western events calendar with them.
Admired for your ability to ride and train your horse to the highest standards.
Where we came from
WES was founded in 1985 by Bob Mayhew, Roger Wells and Mick Carder, joined shortly afterwards by Barbara Carder and a band of fellow enthusiasts. Their aim was to reach the standards of American competition, in the training of the horse and the turnout of the rider.
- 1985
About fifty people come to an inaugural meeting at the Plough and Harrow in Guarlford, near Malvern, and the Western Equestrian Society is born.
- 1989
After meeting WES, the British Horse Society accepts western riding as a discipline, and BHS approved riding centres can teach it under the auspices of WES.
- 1991
The first National Show, then called the Championship Show, is held at Arena UK near Grantham, with 27 horse and rider combinations.
- 1994
The first issue of WES News appears.
- 1996 and 2000
The National Show grows into a two-day show of 29 classes at Solihull Riding Club, then moves to Moreton Morrell College.
- 2024
WES Approved Venues are launched to recognise great places to ride western.
- 2025
Our 40th anniversary year. The founders sponsor a new WES Founders Award, first presented to Gill Parker.
- 2026
Members approve an updated Constitution, Beyond the Arena launches, and the National Show runs over three days at Oakridge Arena near Newark.
How WES is run
WES belongs to its members. Full members vote at the Annual General Meeting, where they elect the Council and decide changes to our Constitution. We are a not-for-profit society, and every penny of members' money goes back into our objectives.
The Council
Runs the Society for the benefit of its members. Elected from the voting membership, it brings together the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer with officers for membership, areas, events, PR, welfare and youth. Our Chair is Dan Gwalter.
Meet the CouncilThe Constitution
Sets out what we are for and how we work. In March 2026 members approved nine updates, including four values that describe how we treat our horses and each other.
Read the Constitution13 areas
Cover Great Britain, each with up to two elected area representatives. Your area rep is your first port of call, and you are welcome at events in any area.
Find your areaVolunteers
Make everything happen, from the Council and area reps to the members who organise shows and clinics and welcome newcomers.
Our mission and vision
Our mission is to promote high standards of Western Equitation and stimulate the growth of these riding disciplines.
Our vision is to raise the standard of western riding across Great Britain by making it known, open to everyone, and supported by a community where every rider and horse can keep getting better.
How we do it matters as much as what we do
Respect the Ride, Respect Each Other, Respect the Horse
Welfare comes first.
Celebrate Every Step Forward
Every milestone counts.
Share Knowledge, Build Confidence
We grow together.
Many Voices, Common Objectives
Every rider, discipline and breed belongs.
Come and ride with us
We would love to support you and your horse on your Western journey
WES has more than 500 members, and more than 190 new riders joined us in the last year alone. Find your area and say hello to your reps, come to a clinic, a show or a trail ride, or find a WES Professional for lessons near you. And if you have a skill or a few hours to give, tell your area rep: we always welcome volunteers.