Western Tack Help

[Lippyx]

Hi,

Hope someone can point me in the right direction. I am looking ot learn to ride western and eventually train my horse western riding.

How or where do I find out what tack is correct for him? Eventually, I would like to do western showing/dressage or something similar. No fast/speed work or cattle work etc.

What saddle/bridle should I be looking at? Is there somewhere I can go to look at them (Essex based)

Saddle is not essential to start with, I am guessing, but what about the bridle? Currently ride in a VSD saddle and snaffle drop nose band bridle.

Thanks

 

[planete]

Are you having lessons with a western trainer? You do not need any special equipment to start with. A plain snaffle bridle while you do the basic schooling and any well-fitting saddle will do. The trainer will help you pick the right bit and saddle for your horse according to his conformation and stage of training. Google 'western riding lessons near me' and you should get a list of local trainers. They should have some qualifications too and insurance like any other riding instructors.

 

[cowgirl16]

Hi,

Hope someone can point me in the right direction. I am looking ot learn to ride western and eventually train my horse western riding.

How or where do I find out what tack is correct for him? Eventually, I would like to do western showing/dressage or something similar. No fast/speed work or cattle work etc.

What saddle/bridle should I be looking at? Is there somewhere I can go to look at them (Essex based)

Saddle is not essential to start with, I am guessing, but what about the bridle? Currently ride in a VSD saddle and snaffle drop nose band bridle.

Thanks

If you google Western Equestrian Society you will find qualified instructors in your area, and loads of stuff going on that you can go and watch and meet other western people. If you pm me I can supply you with the details of the best guy around.

 

[HollyWoozle]

You could try contacting: http://equiworldlimited.co.uk/tackshop/

One of the owners is a western trainer and I know he used to offer a service of coming out with a western saddle, fitting it to your horse and giving you a lesson. They also stock quite a bit of western tack and equipment and are nice people. Worth a shot maybe.

 

[Suby2]

Maybe not the right time but there are a number of adverts for a variety of western tack currently on NFED.

 

[Alibear]

This might be helpful its the WES instructors list http://wes-uk.com/instructors/ and there's a fair bit of other useful info on their site. With tack it's a bit like English, so western saddles come in raining, trail, equitation varieties just like we have showing, dressage, jumping ones. Like others I'd say find an instructor and have lessons as you are and the can guide you as to what would suit you and your horse. There are people who can come out to your yard with a selection of saddles to suit you budget and horse etc but there's not as wide an option as you get with English.