{"id":602,"date":"2020-12-23T13:28:02","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T13:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horseycounsel.com\/?p=602"},"modified":"2020-12-23T13:28:02","modified_gmt":"2020-12-23T13:28:02","slug":"english-riding-vs-western-riding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horseycounsel.com\/english-riding-vs-western-riding\/","title":{"rendered":"English Riding vs Western Riding – What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Another interesting question I get asked often refers to the main differences between English riding and Western riding. Obviously, for someone who’s just starting out, figuring out these differences is very important, as each riding style comes with its own set of particularities, challenges, and advantages.<\/p>\n
When it comes to riding style, the main difference between English riding and Western riding comes down to the way we give aids (direction) to the horse. In English riding, the rider makes heavy use of the reins and always has direct contact with the horse’s mouth through them. In Western riding, the rider relies on neck-reining for the most part, but he will also use the seat and his own body weight to give aids to the horse.<\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes to the choice of tack<\/strong>, English riding and Western riding are nothing alike. For English riding, the saddle is small and light, and it’s generally designed to provide improved contact with the horse’s back. One might say that the English riding saddle allows the rider to be more in tune with the horse’s natural movements. Furthermore, a lighter saddle will not impede the horse’s movement as much as a heavier one would.<\/p>\n On the other hand, a Western riding saddle will be larger and heavier, but it will spread its weight and that of the rider on a larger surface on the horse’s back. This makes it more comfortable in the long run for both rider and horse. To sum up: English riding is better suited for short trips, while Western is more comfortable for longer journeys.<\/p>\n As far as positioning<\/strong> is concerned, the main difference between the two riding styles is linked to the way the rider holds the reins. In English riding, the rider will hold each reign in one hand. Western riding takes on a more laid-back approach, as the rider will hold both reins in one hand while the other hand will glide casually on the side or rest on the thigh. Alternatively, the rider can use the free hand to rope in cattle.<\/p>\n When it comes to riding style, these two actually have quite a bit in common. For instance, the rider is always expected to sit upright and tall on the horse, and to keep his or her legs hanging naturally along the horse’s sides. One should never flap his elbows while riding, not to mention slumping or leaning about unnecessarily, which could cause problems for the horse’s gait and back.<\/p>\n Proper posture is key in both English and Western styles. In terms of looks, both riding styles are elegant and dignified in their own ways, although depending on where you live, opinions might differ.<\/p>\n It’s important to note that in both riding styles, the rider and the horse work in unison and give each other directions and cues. While it’s always advisable to know how to control your horse, it can also be incredibly rewarding to respond to your horse’s cues while riding. This will create harmony between you two, and a mutual understanding that makes riding enjoyable for both.<\/p>\n Asserting difficulty can be tricky when it comes to these two riding styles. After all, they represent different approaches to the same activity. For a complete beginner, however, I’d say that Western riding will be easier to cope with, mainly because it seems to be more secure.<\/p>\nDifferences between English and Western riding.<\/h3>\n
English and Western riding styles and common practices.<\/h3>\n
Is it easier to ride English or Western?<\/h3>\n