Western Riding

Western riding evolved from the working needs of cowboys in the American West, particularly the need to round up cattle, and to have one hand free for roping cattle. For this reason, western horses are trained to work on a long rein, and the reins are used less for control and direction than the legs. Since cowboys spend long hours in the saddle and cover rough terrain, horses are encouraged to have an independent nature and follow natural instrincts. Look at the way English riders 'post' in a trot, that is, move up out of the seat in a rhythm as the horse moves. This is not so common in western - a cowboy could not 'post' for a whole day without doing himself damage, and learns to stay connected to the horse, sitting! He would instead sit further back in the saddle.

That said, there are many similarities between western and English riding, especially now that western and natural horsemanship are becomming more known about and influential in the equestrian world.

Both styles emphasise working with, rather than against the horse, taking into account how horses behave naturally. Both are concerned that the rider is balanced, moves with the horse, rather than getting in the way of the horse and becomming a hidrance. Experts in both fields emphasise the point that it is never the horse that is to blame, but the rider who has made mistakes and got things wrong.

Western riders have a very different look from classical riders as there are fundemental differences in the tack and clothes. Western saddles are built more like armchairs, for comfort and distance, with a high cantle and deep seat. Western reins are often rope rather than leather. But despite the obvious difference in look, there are in fact many similarities between classical and western riding. Because of the gear and tack that go with western riding, it has a very laid back, casual style, while English riding tends to look stiff and buttoned up. But beneath this exterior, there is a common goal of working with the horse, maintaining balance and flow.

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