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What is Western Riding?
The principles of Western Riding can be traced back to nearly 400 years
BC where Xenophon, the ancient Greek soldier and historian widely
accepted as being the founder of modern horsemanship, wrote that
balance, weight control and transfer, gentleness and patience are the
keys to a well trained and supple horse.
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American cowboys were required to work long hours in the saddle and
their riding style and equipment needed to accommodate the need to rope
and steer herds of cattle whilst often riding for long periods.
A comfortable riding position was essential for them and we can
offer that same comfort to all our riders.
Western Riding in essence is a way to ride horses with control, precision and responsiveness. It is a style of riding that is very easy to learn the basics for the inexperienced but which requires skill and some experience to enjoy at its highest level. Equally, experienced riders can find a challenge. |
| here are some basic differences in equipment that sets the experience aside from other forms of riding. Firstly there are the long split reins traditionally from Texas. In addition there are closed ended reins associated with California, which have a long single attachment for use as a quirt. Both use a bridle that has evolved to allow the rider to communicate with the horse using a loose rein. Secondly the ‘western saddle’ with it’s obvious differences, allows a far more relaxed ride. Riding longer in the leg and more comfortable in the seat, it has often been said that the English saddle is likened to sitting on a stool whereas it’s western counterpart is like sitting in an armchair!! |
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Western and English riding are not as dissimilar as first appearances
might suggest, both styles require the rider to have a solid seat with
the body well balanced over the feet and hands working independently of
the seat. There are of
course obvious aesthetic differences with both the tack and the
clothing. Western riders
tend to wear practical, comfortable clothing, traditionally jeans,
boots, long sleeved shirt and a Stetson.
Invariably chaps are also worn which help the rider stick to the
saddle and also protects the legs whilst riding through brush. |
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Please call or email Lynn on 07939 333573 or 07960 445913 or Amelia
07939 074226 for a price, informal chat, friendly
no obligation quote or to customise an experience just for you.
E-mail:
lhems@talktalk.net