CobSunshine
Well-Known Member
Anyone here ride Western? Thought on the pro/cons vs english?
My boyfriend is pricing up learning to Western ride from the word go, instead of learning english first then moving onto western.
Have been reading a few sites and it all sounds quite good so far...
"American cowboys were required to work long hours in the saddle and their riding style and equipment needed to accommodate the need to rope and steer herds of cattle whilst often riding at speed over rough terrain. In order for them to lasso a cow with the lariat in one hand the horse needed to be controlled with the other hand and hence the horses were taught to neck rein. This skill of getting the horse to change direction simply by means of the light pressure of the rein on the horse's neck is indicative of the way Western Riding follows the philosophies of Xenophon.
Because of the almost nomadic lifestyle of the cowboy it was essential that they minimised the risks of falling and injuring themselves several days journey from medical help. With this in mind the equipment used was as important as the horse itself and thus the Western saddle needed a high cantle and deep seat with a substantial tree to provide support whilst roping cattle and a prominent pommel to allow the snubbing of lasso. Covers for the front of the stirrups called Tapaderos (taps) were often used which prevented brush from becoming caught in the stirrups. The boots had pointed toes and pronounced heels that stopped the rider's foot slipping through the stirrup in the event of a fall and avoid the risk of being dragged along. As with almost everything associated with the sport, the equipment and tack used has come about by necessity."
My boyfriend is pricing up learning to Western ride from the word go, instead of learning english first then moving onto western.
Have been reading a few sites and it all sounds quite good so far...
"American cowboys were required to work long hours in the saddle and their riding style and equipment needed to accommodate the need to rope and steer herds of cattle whilst often riding at speed over rough terrain. In order for them to lasso a cow with the lariat in one hand the horse needed to be controlled with the other hand and hence the horses were taught to neck rein. This skill of getting the horse to change direction simply by means of the light pressure of the rein on the horse's neck is indicative of the way Western Riding follows the philosophies of Xenophon.
Because of the almost nomadic lifestyle of the cowboy it was essential that they minimised the risks of falling and injuring themselves several days journey from medical help. With this in mind the equipment used was as important as the horse itself and thus the Western saddle needed a high cantle and deep seat with a substantial tree to provide support whilst roping cattle and a prominent pommel to allow the snubbing of lasso. Covers for the front of the stirrups called Tapaderos (taps) were often used which prevented brush from becoming caught in the stirrups. The boots had pointed toes and pronounced heels that stopped the rider's foot slipping through the stirrup in the event of a fall and avoid the risk of being dragged along. As with almost everything associated with the sport, the equipment and tack used has come about by necessity."
