English - Western riding converts

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jessmaca

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Are there any out there?

I was thinking of giving it a go, just out of interest really.

Has anyone ridden English for however many years (for me it's 10, I started when I was 6) and then tried western and swapped completely? Was it easy to do that?

Thanks :D
 
I'm not a total convert. I still ride english the majority of the time, however i keep hinting for a western saddle and am in the process of teaching Herc to neck rein.

I'd been riding 14 years or so before i rode Western for the first time and fell in love with it. It's deffinately worth ago.
 
I went the other way. I learned to ride Western and eventually switched to English because I fell in love with jumping.

I've always enjoyed riding Western though and would like to get a Western saddle for my mare eventually. Give it a try! It's a lot of fun, easy to get used to the differences and it's always good to try new things.

The only thing I don't like about it is the saddles are heavier! :p
 
I rode Western on honeymoon and would love to do some more - but not many places in the UK seem to do it...

Guess I'll just have to go to the States and learn!!
 
After riding English for FAR more years than I have fingers and toes and anything else worth counting :eek:, I recently went for a Western lesson. I am hooked and want to go back, but am not a complete convert (yet). I found it so beneficial to assist with the English style and it makes you stop and think again about how you do things. It helped that the horses were soooo well trained, that it was just a joy.

It seems there are one or two dressage riders who are also western riding so there has to be benefits of doing both??
 
I have bought an Auzzie saddle for my new horse and he will be ridden this way in the future. ( couildnt afford a really good western saddle yet and he still has a lot of growing, my saddle fits any horse with adjustments available) . OH wants western tack for our cob too so we are looking for a decent saddle for him now.
Depends on what you want to do with a horse really I guess, I am a happy hacker and like pleasure/sponsored rides, BHS Trek and have always fancied Western style riding especially for trail riding where you pack stuff on you horse and go off for hours.
Its a very comfortable way to ride and we have many scenic routes where I live.
Still tempted by a bit of Dressage at times though so will keep my dressage saddle!
 
I haven't ridden on a English saddle for 4 years, none of the horses I bought broken understood English, it was a good excuse for me to learn Western.

Steep learning curve but I have no desire whatsoever to get back in an English saddle, unless - someone would like to fly me back for a couple of days hunting....;)
 
Do western saddles give you a more secure seat?
I have a 15hh Section D, he has COPD and other problems so I only hack him in walk. The problem is, he spooks all the time. His spooking is ridiculous and WAY over the top! I am embarrassed to say he has almost had me off at a stand still :o
I have thought about riding him in a western saddle, so I could hang on to the horn. Would it make any difference??
 
talking of dressage riders. I have posted this before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ycY1S-BbwI&sns=e

Sunshine, yes they are a little more secure purely because of the shape of them, the horn does give you something to hold onto, but if your horse stops dead and you don't it'll also get you in the stomach!

I have never ridden in an Australian saddle but I believe they are deeper than English saddles as well.
 
enfys said:
talking of dressage riders. I have posted this before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ycY1S-BbwI&sns=e

Sunshine, yes they are a little more secure purely because of the shape of them, the horn does give you something to hold onto, but if your horse stops dead and you don't it'll also get you in the stomach!

I have never ridden in an Australian saddle but I believe they are deeper than English saddles as well.
Click to expand...

Love the video enfys, and your beautiful horses in you siggy, are they quarter horses?, are you in the States then?
 
was sort of a rider then saw western... hooked baby!!! I love the way of going the relaxed and resonsive horses , the people, being able to dress in jeans and comfy shirts to ride in... its not easy but thats the same for all types of riding the more you learn the more you need to, its expected you will do flying changes, be on the right lead and doing latral work
before you have been riding for long, my instructor is a dressage rider who converted so I have to do things propely!!! not competing atm but will be going to morton morrel this weekend, its the WES champs... see you there if you want to find out more.....
 
I switched completely to Western from English riding 3 1/2 years ago after about 15 years riding English (with the odd break). I wouldn't go back now because finally I'm learning how to ride my horse with trust - and I've had so much fun competing in a wide range of Western disciplines, from Western Pleasure to trail, horsemanship, Western riding and reining. Western's really made me re-learn and re-appraise how I ask for what I want from my horse and not to micro-manage. If you want to find out a bit more about Western in the UK, there are some good shows coming up if you can get to them, Moreton Morrell and WES Nationals this week as already pointed out, AQHA shows in Bodiam, Kent next weekend and the National Breed Show in March, Cambs at the end of September.
 
I took the riding club to the mendip stud (fabulous place, can't say enough good things about them) a couple of years ago and had a western demo ride and a lesson. I should by all rights love western... I am a firm believer in riding lightly and horses thinking for themselves rather than being constantly dictated to. Possibly because I've been driving for so long.... but I don't know there was something that didn't click with me about it. I want another go but maybe I'd be better off with classical riding.....
 
My Story is a little different as finding a Western Trainer saved my horse.

Having bought a horse with fantastic potential as a 3 year old my intention was he was going to be my last competition horse (Dressage) and I wanted to over time get him competing through the levels with a goal of making it into the Z level classes over time, as he progressed and matured.

All that was put paid to when he injured himself in a casting accident when he was off being backed, the prognosis was he would never make a competition horse, in fact my very straight talking vet said if I really wanted to compete at anything higher than walk and trot (if I was lucky) to have this horse shot and spend the insurance money on another one.

Of course by now I had spent months nursing him and getting him better so this was a no go area I was also concerned that Selling him on could lead him to end up in a home where someone would push him too far and injure him further, and companion horse was not in the mix for the same reason.

Now I am very competitive and love any form of competition so I needed to find something that both horse and I could do together competition wise i.e. something he could manage that was not going to bore me to death.....

After a strange encounter at a show (long and boring story) I was introduced to Jan who is a Western Trainer and Rider and after bending his ear about "love my horse but love competing and basically he is only up to very basic work and meh" he suggested that how about me and my lad learnt a whole new discipline where both of us were rank beginners.

Long story short Nevada has been in training with Jan since March and is now a fully backed, and fully converted western horse (and loving it and is showing some real talent) and me the old dressge Diva (of over 20 years standing!) is now learning a complete new set of skills and is loving it but more importantly finding it hard and stimulating. We should be competition ready for next season and Jan sees no reason why we should not be able to climb our way up the ranks....looking at doing trail & Western horsemanship.

For me thinking out of the box worked (and I know it will not work for everyone) and I have managed to turn the situation around to one that works for the horse and also for me.

Thanks to that chance meeting it was no longer a "problem" but case of "ok life has handed me lemons....best make lemonade"

Also I have to say that Western riders are the nicest bunch of people I have ever met, I have had nothing but help, advice and support from them.

Nevada Who should have been a Dressage Diva but Makes a Pretty good Cowboy Horse

picture.php
 
I rode english as a kid & got back into it again after a 20 year break about 6 years ago, having 2 lessons a week.

I got into western by accident really. Long story short....

My OH wanted a horse a couple of years ago, but we had a bit of a problem with size. He's 6' 2" & 14 stone, whereas I'm only 5' 3". I work the horses during the week & I wanted something I could easily handle & get on from the ground, not some 17hh gents hunter. In walked Quintus, a 15.2hh quarter horse x appaloosa, who carries OH's weight no problem. He was used to being ridden in western tack & we wanted to continue this as the western saddle is apparently better at spreading the weight evenly. I booked a 3 day clinic for OH & myself with Bruce Lawrence, to get us started & I enjoyed it so much that we ended up getting a western saddle for me & my girl.

I spent the next year swapping between the 2, but doing mainly english. However since moving to North Wales I haven't had a useable arena (until recently) & have mainly done hacking in my western tack. I seem to have really caught the bug now & want to do more & learn more. I'm not a competitive person, but love trying new things & my mare is really relaxed & much more trusting of me this year, so something has been good.
 
Storminateacup said:
Love the video enfys, and your beautiful horses in you siggy, are they quarter horses?, are you in the States then?
Click to expand...

I love that video, it just shows the comparison between the two styles so well, and the riders were obviously thoroughly enjoying themselves too!

Thanks for the comment about the mares, the bay is a Morgan, the big palominos are QH, the chestnut and the palomino colt (by #1 in signature) are APHA. I live in Ontario, not so far from the US border at Niagara.
 
I have become fascinated by western riding since I set off to buy a youngster suitable for dressage. Instead of coming home with a future dressage candidate, I came home with a 7 month old registered Quarter filly. I am now about to shell out approx 14,000 euro ( minus entry fees) over the next 2 years to have her trained and competed in reining classes by someone else. I would love to learn western as it has so much to offer but seeing as Ive been grounded by the doctor due to my rheumatoid artheritis...???? Western is so much more fun (at least here in Italy), apart from the comps there are the mega BBQ's after, the country music , the beer and the line dancing! Sod the showjumping, Im off to the reining and team penning competitions to enjoy myself!
 
what a lovely bunch of people you all are! Is this a record...everyone in agreement? I have met lovely people and more so, people who are dedicated to their art. Im so pleased to own a quarter.
 
Fairynuff said:
what a lovely bunch of people you all are! Is this a record...everyone in agreement? I have met lovely people and more so, people who are dedicated to their art. Im so pleased to own a quarter.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more!! I've had more fun in the last 3 years than ever before, and so much help and support. Love it .
 
Yep, tis true! My OH had always accompanied me to English riding events, but since we got into western, he loves to compete himself, mainly because of the fun, friendly, supportive atmosphere.
I still love my English showing and dressage, but have had to concede as our mare is clearly so much happier in western tack, and doing what she does best, trail.
If you have a quarter horse, paint or appy, you can still ride them English at their breed shows, plus there's the in hand showing, so it's never dull or restrictive.
But you don't need to spend a fortune - the Western Equestrian Society welcomes all breeds and its instructors are experienced in finding saddles and adapting the training techniques for cobs, natives, arabs, and Heinz 57s.
Anyone within reach of the midlands should come to Warwickshire college this weekend for the WES Championships...but be warned, it's addictive :)
 
I went from riding English to Western, when i had trouble trying to get an English saddle to fit her - she is a broad cob, with no withers, and a nig barrel! Therefore, my English saddles would constantly move forward.
I bought my Big Horn western and i love it. However, i am now wanting to do a little competing. But i cant find any shows or any trainers to teach me different western disciplines in my area. (I am in Nottingham) I would also like to go into beginners or novice jumping. But without having an English saddle, i am not sure if this a possibility?
 
You don't want to jump much on a western saddle - the odd ditch is enough for me LOL
In Nottingham, you're well placed for Lee Rutter - google Oakridge Quarter Horses.
If you like obstacles, you'll love trail and he's produced several national champions in this discipline.

If you're not sure what trail is - have a look at this:
http://www.nrhphotography.co.uk/galleries/1524/IMG_0297.jpg

That's our little madam negotiating a trail gate with her rookie mother!
 
Any breed of horse can do western. The Western Equestrian Society has all sorts of breeds from TBs to arabs, to cobs, anything, as well as quarter horses.
I have done a (very) little bit of western and found it made me much more careful in how I rode my horse in english style and to be far more precise with the aids.
I think the WES is rather like the Dressage in english riding, some people seem to take it rather seriously, although there are classes for lots of different things, not just the ridden tests. There are other western riding associations and clubs too.

The one thing I noticed particularly is how many more men there are in the Western scene, it seems it is OK to walk around in chaps and western boots. Go to most english
riding competitins and by far the most competitors are female.
 
I've gotta piebald cob which apparently in Western lingo would be called a "paint" and have always fancied having a go, but ...... what puts me off is the bits which seem to be really awful and severe; I wouldn't want anything like that on my boy.

Also, I saw a demo at a county show recently where the guy was doing natural horsemanship and using a western saddle and he needed to adjust the stirrups length, and it seemed to take forever, really fiddly and faffy, so again that puts me off.

Also, I think I rather prefer the Australian stock saddle rather than a western saddle as there looks to be more support there - OK so I'm a real wuss and would dread not having my knee rolls!

Plus I think (trying to be careful how I put this and not be rude!) - I think the "horn" thingy would get in the way a bit, sticking up so much like it does, and if one fell, might it not be dangerous? They look awfully big and spikey to me.
 
ironhorse said:
You don't want to jump much on a western saddle - the odd ditch is enough for me LOL
In Nottingham, you're well placed for Lee Rutter - google Oakridge Quarter Horses.
If you like obstacles, you'll love trail and he's produced several national champions in this discipline.

If you're not sure what trail is - have a look at this:
http://www.nrhphotography.co.uk/galleries/1524/IMG_0297.jpg

That's our little madam negotiating a trail gate with her rookie mother!
Click to expand...

That is who I had my lesson with. Can't recommend / rate him or the horses highly enough.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
I've gotta piebald cob which apparently in Western lingo would be called a "paint" and have always fancied having a go, but ...... what puts me off is the bits which seem to be really awful and severe; I wouldn't want anything like that on my boy.
Click to expand...

:) Don't worry, it isn't de rigeur to use a curb until you are at a certain level of competition, by which time your horse will be trained to go in it. Loads ride in snaffles or whatever the horse is happiest in.

My horses prefer quite alarming (to the 'English' trained eye) curbs over snaffles and I ride with the merest of contact. It is mainly about weight and leg aids, very subtle, great fun and not cruel, honestly.

ps, Confusingly, most coloured horses are referred to as paints as a description, but only those registered with the APHA are really Paints.

Ironhorse, I am seriously interested in the Extreme Trail, that looks such fun. Just have to sort myself out a horse, bit much for the old mare at the moment I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmQeNy25iTI&feature=related
 
enfys said:
Ironhorse, I am seriously interested in the Extreme Trail, that looks such fun. Just have to sort myself out a horse, bit much for the old mare at the moment I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmQeNy25iTI&feature=related
Click to expand...

OMG, I want to do that!! :D

I rode western as a kid (in the interior of B.C.) then rode for an AQHA breeder again, after I'd ridden primarily English for years. I would have a western saddle again in a heart beat, just for kicking around, but I'm very spoiled, having ridden in some top of the line ones. It's not that different than English saddles - you don't necessarily get what you pay for but good quality, well made ones are light years from the standard "trail ride" ones, or even the mass market lines most people are exposed to.

Showing QHs in the States is quite an experience :eek: and WP doesn't float my boat at all, but I like to watch reining (THE most fun discipline for spectators :D ) and cow horses. I got put off trail by watching hundreds of trips but something like Enfys' link looks the coolest! It's not my primary discipline and likely won't ever be again, but I appreciate the skill it takes to produce a good western horse and make it all look effortless.
 
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