For inexperienced horseback riders, a frequently asked question is, “What distinguishes English riding from Western riding?” Your preference ultimately determines the style you select, but there are several notable distinctions that can assist in making your decision.
Which Riding Style is Right for You?
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The primary difference between English and Western riding lies in the saddle’s design. Western saddles are larger, heavier, and have a deeper seat to provide comfort during long hours of riding and to ensure the rider’s stability. Its size and shape also allow it to carry equipment and secure cattle using the saddle’s horn. Conversely, English saddles are significantly smaller and lighter in comparison to Western saddles. The minimalistic design enables the rider to feel more of the horse’s movements, known as “close-contact” riding. Furthermore, English saddles offer more freedom of movement for activities like jumping and foxhunting while preventing the horse from carrying excess weight during intense workouts.
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There is a difference in how riders control their mounts in English and Western styles. In English riding, riders hold the reins in both hands to control the speed and direction of their horse by directly connecting with the horse’s mouth. This method of control is known as “direct reining.” On the other hand, in Western riding, riders use one hand to loosely hold the reins while the other hand either rests on their thigh or hangs by their side. To control the horse’s movements, riders utilize a combination of neck reining and weight shifting, which is referred to as “indirect reining.”
Disciplines
As you progress in your skill level, you might want to participate in competitions or concentrate your training in a particular field. Although there are some disciplines suitable for both Western and English riding, there are many that are specifically designed for one style. Well-liked disciplines for English-style riding consist of show jumping, hunt seat, dressage, eventing, polo, and saddle seat. Popular Western disciplines include roping, reining, Western pleasure, trail, barrel racing, and various other speed events.
Dress code
The clothes that an equestrian wears can indicate the style of riding they participate in. In English riding, which is quite formal, riders typically wear fitted jackets, collared shirts, jodhpurs or breeches, and tall or paddock boots. During most competitions, a traditional hunt cap or helmet is required, and neutral colors are preferred. Western attire, on the other hand, reflects the working lifestyle of cowboys and ranchers. It can either be casual and practical, consisting of button-down shirts and jeans, or more showy. The most distinguishing feature of Western riding is the traditional cowboy hat, often worn instead of a helmet. Other common pieces of Western attire include cowboy boots and chaps.
No matter which style of riding you choose, there is no right or wrong decision. Neither style is better than the other. It all depends on your preference. So, whether you need splint boots for your jumper or a saddle blanket for your reiner, your local Co-op has the tack and supplies to help your horse perform their best.
English Vs Western
When you make the decision to begin horseback riding, you will be faced with the choice of either English or western riding styles. Choosing between these two styles can be challenging, as they have several distinct differences. Fortunately, you can eventually experiment with both styles to determine your preference. While most riders tend to specialize in a particular discipline, there are no restrictions on becoming a versatile rider.
- The equipment varies greatly in English and western riding. You can expect a smaller, lighter saddle in the English world and a larger saddle when riding western. You’ll also notice one with a saddle horn and the other without. Sometimes, western saddles will have a more plush, comfortable seat.
- English riding tends to have a closer contact feel.
- 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.
- Both can be ridden on a competitive level with trophies, ribbons, and prize money.
- The terminology can vary from walk, trot, and canter to walk, jog, and lope in the western world.
- Western riders also wear different attire compared to English equestrians. You can expect a cowgirl hat, boots, spurs, and casual shirt/ jeans, instead of tall boots and breeches.
- Even the horses can vary. While many horses can successfully ride and compete in both, there are some breeds that dominate specific disciplines. Warmbloods are popular in the dressage and jumping show ring. Paints and Quarter Horses do very well in western pleasure and speed events.
Both options offer numerous benefits. Ultimately, the choice of which one will be more suitable for you and your horse is up to you. It is advisable to consult with other horse riders and gather their opinions on their preferred discipline and the reasons behind it. So, are you inclined towards English or western riding?
