Questions for those of you that ride western

tabithakat64

tabithakat64

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Is it easier to keep your balance if you ride in a western saddle rather than an english one?

How easy/hard would it be to fit a western saddle to my Welsh D? (his english saddle was made to measure),

How would I know if a western saddle fitted him (a friend has one I could try)?

How easy/hard is it to learn enough about western riding to be able to safely and happily hack out in western tack?
 
i hack out in my western tack on my youngster (welsh section D) as i find it more secure if he spooks and my mare seem to ride better when i ride western. But i still ride western even in english tack its not about the tack you use its how you ride. However my mate tried it and brought all the stuff off ebay only to find that she hated it and has never used it again. About the tack fitting i had a friend help me out and it seem to fit both of my horses comfortably sorry not much help on that front.
 
It is about how you ride. The aids are still the same, yet a light loose contact on the reins.

Western saddles are very comfortable indeed!

Fitting, same as English, check for width. Also shoulder clearance. Get a saddler to check if unsure.

There are some western trainers around. Maybe it wuld be worth having a lesson first to see if you like it.
 
If youre wondering about the stability aspect of the tack, then wintec do a austrailian stock saddle, they are very comfy and snug to ride in.
 
Riding English is like sitting on a stool, riding western is like sitting on a recliner.
 
Generally the rider feels more secure and stable in a western saddle. can be difficult to fit as most saddles are made with a stock type horse in mind (QH) although it can be done - I know of lots of people that have english natives, cold/draft types etc that ride western. There is a big QH show this weekend at Towerlands in Braintree www.unextowerlands.com if you pop along there you will find several trade stands with new/used saddles. Also www.thewesternshop.com has used saddles for sale.
Not many trainers near you, you'd have to go outside Essex. If you look in Essex Rider mag Lewis Blackburn advertises as a general trainer, not actually western, more with problem horses, but he is from Texas and would certainly know if a saddle fits your horse or not. My husband writes the western page in there, his number is on there so you can always contact us if you need help.
I'm organising a western clinic with trainer Shane Borland on 8th July, at Felstead, Chelmsford, which spectators are very welcome to come to. There will be used tack etc, and hat clinic, etc, also Rhinestone Clothing will be there. Hope this all helps a bit, you will find the western 'scene' very helpful and welcoming.
 
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