Join WES
Membership of the Western Equestrian Society brings a great deal for a very reasonable cost: shows, clinics, training, trail rides and socials, nationally, in your area and online, for every level, any age and any breed.
- 542Members
- 13Areas
- 41Years of WES
Western riding, with friends
The Western Equestrian Society was formed in 1985 to promote western riding in Great Britain to the standard practised in the United States. We promote the sport for enthusiasts at every level, from grassroots riders to seasoned competitors, of any age and with any breed, and we try to involve every member.
Nationally, locally or online
We are a national society covering the whole of Great Britain, divided into 13 areas: clinics, shows, training, trail rides, social events and the trail ride award scheme. And if you would rather not take part in anything in particular, that is fine too.
Find your areaWelcome at every event
As a member you are welcome at any area or national event, wherever you live.
See what is onThe Trail Awards
The team who run the trail award scheme would love to have you on board.
The Trail AwardsA community online
An active Facebook community, from the national group to the 13 area groups: a great way to see what members across Great Britain get up to with their horses.
Everyone can be a winner
Not everyone will win a trophy, but everyone can be a winner with a positive mindset: "I can do this!"
Whatever is holding you back
I am too old.
You are not: we have members of all ages.
I am not ready.
The first step to being ready is to try.
I need to lose weight.
Western riding is great exercise.
I don't ride well enough.
We all start somewhere, and we cater for every level of experience.
I only have a youngster.
Perfect: start them young and bring them on in western.
I don't have a trailer.
Being part of our community is enough, and we also offer virtual events you can take part in from home.
Pick the membership that fits
What each membership costs, and how long it runs. Youth membership is for riders under 19 on 1 January, and Little Britches for under 10s.
- Little BritchesFreeA year from the day you join
- Youth£17.50A year from the day you join
- Full Amateur£35A year from the day you join
- Full Open£35A year from the day you join
- WES Professional£50A year from the day you join
- Family£60A year from the day you join
- Life£280For life
A WES Pro counts as a professional, so takes Open membership. Anyone else who earns from horses takes Open too.
Four steps to the saddle
Choose your membership
Adult memberships are for riders aged 19 or over on 1 January of the current year; Youth is for riders under 19 on that day, and Little Britches classes are for youth riders aged 10 and under on that day; Family covers up to two adults and children under 19, all living at the same address.
Join online
Join through our membership platform with the Join WES button on this page. If you prefer, download the membership application form below.
Arrange your insurance
Membership does not include insurance for you or your horse. Arrange your own, particularly public liability or third party cover, to take part in any WES riding event.
Say hello
Find your area and say hello to your area reps. You are welcome at events in every area, not just your own.
Join on paper
If you prefer, download the membership application form:
Day membership for shows
Since 2023 we have offered day membership for shows again. The terms:
- Day membership is only for shows. Apply before or at the show, complete the application form and send it promptly to the membership secretary with the fee (£20).
- It is only for Novice riders, not for Open riders.
- Day tickets are not available for the National Show.
- The cost of the ticket can be taken off the full membership fee if you then join in full. Full membership then runs from the first day of the month the first ticket was issued.
- Day members do not earn points, but they do count as a placing when points are given to full members. (If a day member is placed second in a class, the full members get the 1st and 3rd place points, based on all the competitors in that class.)
- There is a limit of two day tickets a year.
To apply, download and complete this form, then send it to the membership secretary:
Welcome in
We're really glad you are thinking of joining, and we can't wait to see you at an event.