What is the difference between western riding style and English riding style in horses?
Western riders usually have a lighter contact on the reins. Many times, the reins are held in one hand and the horse is neck reined. The disciplines are different. English consists of jumping, dressage, equitation, and hunter, while western can include barrel racing, pole bending, roping, trail riding, and reining.
What is Western style horseback riding?
Western riding is considered a style of horse riding which has evolved from the ranching and welfare traditions which were brought to the Americans by the Spanish Conquistadors, as well as both equipment and riding style which evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West.
Is western riding better for the horse?
English riding involves a bit more balance and coordination of the reins and legs, so riders may not feel immediately secure in the saddle. The larger Western saddle makes it easier for the beginner to sit comfortably and feel more secure.
Is Western riding bad for horses?
No. Just no. Anyone in any style can ride an ill-fitting saddle, or ride badly, and harm a horse. But there is nothing about western riding that makes it harder on a horse than English.
Do you post when riding western?
Many western disciplines, especially speed games, don’t require a sitting jog (or a jog at all, for that matter) and you might see riders posting the trot at all times. But the posting trot is one of the most beneficial gaits for the western horse to encourage true, balanced collection.
Is Western harder than English?
I’d have to say western is easier than english. For one thing, the larger saddle provides a more secure seat for the novice rider. English riding, even for the beginner, involves the coordination of multiple factors, such as legs, reins and balance to maintain control of the horse.
Are English saddles better than western?
One big difference is the saddles used in each discipline and why they are used. Western saddles are designed for comfort and utility because they are a working saddle. English saddles are much lighter and have fewer bells and whistles than their western counter-parts.
