So you wanna show your horse but you have no clue what equitation or pleasure is? Here's some common classes you'll find at horse shows with descriptions of each.

First off, it's helpful to know common abbreviations used on show bills. Here's some you may see:
H/P = horse and ponies are permitted in the class.
M/S/G = Mares, stallions and gelding are permitted in the class.
E/W = You may ride the class English or Western style.
SS = You may ride the class Saddleseat style.
WP or EP = western pleasure or english pleasure.
Eq. = Equitation or Horsemanship.
Green = Horses age 5 and under are only allowed to enter the class.
Open = All ages of riders are permitted to enter the class.
Sr. = Usually used in 4-H shows, riders ages 14-18 may enter the class.
Jr. = Usually used in 4-H shows, riders ages 9-13 may enter the class.

Pleasure
Pleasure can be specified as english, western or saddleseat. Pleasure is based on how the horse performs. How does he meet up to his breed's standards? Judges look at: soundness, quality and trueness of movement/gait, speed (slow or fast) of gait, temperment (does the horse lay his ear back when another horse passes or does he seem lazy?) and headset. These things, of course, differ breed to breed. Even though the class is all about your horse, you should keep good equitation. It will help your horse perform better. Plus, I've been in a pleasure class quite a few times in which the judge thought he was judging an equitation class. Since I also try to keep good equitation--even in pleasure--I've been awarded high-placing ribbons in those scenarios.

Equitation
Equitation can be specified as english, western or saddleseat. Equitation is based on how you sit in the saddle. Are your hands at 45 degree angles? Ankles down? Elbows in? Judges are very picky about equitation. Things judges really close in on are whether or not your legs too far forward, elbows are in and chin is up. You will often be asked to do a pattern along with the normal railwork, but don't worry! Patterns are, most of the time, posted when the show first starts.

Reining
Reining is a western-type class in which one horse and rider go in the ring at a time. They are asked to perform maneuvers like: small, slow canter circles, big, fast canter circles, sliding stops, spins, rollbacks, and backing up submisssively. It's a very difficult class to compete in, and training a horse to be a reiner is even more difficult. In top level reining, good bloodlines are extremely important.

Discipline
More info coming soon!