English and western riding can you do both?

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starandgarfy51

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Hi everyone

I'm sorry if this question has been covered before but really need some helpful advice.
I've been riding English style for over twenty years. I don't compete at the moment, or have any great desire to go to the Olympics lol.
I've become interested in learning how to ride western style but i don't want to give up riding English style. Is it possible to combine the two or is it too confusing for the horse.
The other question is would i need to go and have western lessons or could me and my girlie learn together. She is only four at the moment so my plan is to ride her lightly over this winter and then pick things up again in spring next year. I Wouldn't be thinking about western until next year but it would give me time to learn if i needed too else where.
Does anyone ride western or do you do both? Any help would be gratefully received.
 
I think it's totally possible to do both! Just have a look at dressage riders taking tips from western reining types and cowboys - and vice versa.

Riding Western really helped me get my head round seat / weight aids for English riding.
 
I agree with arizonahoney, it is totally possible to do both. My mum has a morgan horse who rides western, english and drives and he enjoys all of it (or at least seems too!) :)
 
I ditto this question so interested to hear from our Western peeps on here what their thoughts are?

I have ridden English for over 40 years (good grief!) been heavily into Dressage but after my young dressage prospect had an accident that effectively meant he would not be up to high level dressage I decided to have him re-started Western Horse style to give us somethign we can both compete in eventually.

Horse is doing brilliantly I however am really struggling as I keep wanting to over ride all the time.

I am seriously thinking of when I am in the UK on holiday in August of booking at intro Western riding course somewhere as I feel like I am beating a dead horse (sorry!) attempting to have lessons on my youngster and that I am totally confusing him.

Arrgh Sorry for hijacking Star and Garfy 51
 
Definitely possible to do both. I taught western riding a few years back at an American summer camp, having had only one lesson in that style myself (previously always rode English). It was really easy to teach the kids, too, as you didn't have to keep on at them about maintaining correct contact (something kids find really hard!)

I'm thinking about retraining my horse to western for hacking out, as you have full control of the horse even with reins like washing lines - much safer if something zooms past and you've been lolling along on a longish rein (not that I ever do, obviously :o)
 
Its great to hear that your horses are so multi talented. I think my brain gets stuck with the idea that you can only do one thing at once when actually that's not true.
Was just wandering if there is such a thing as a western lesson or an instructor who could come to you, just like say an English style instructor would.
Thanks so much for advice
 
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