Did you know that there are two main styles you can choose from when riding a horse? Wondering what the difference is between English vs Western horseback riding? This blog will tell you everything about English vs Western Horseback Riding: What the Difference.
If you’re learning to ride a horse, you may start to wonder what the differences are between English and Western horseback riding. While there are many different styles out there, these are the main two styles you should know about.
In this guide, we’ll tell you about some of the main differences between English and Western horseback riding.
Equipment Differences
One of the differences between English and Western riding is the kind of equipment or tack that is used. In particular, the saddle used when riding a horse is very different in English and Western riding traditions.
With the Western riding style, the saddle is quite large and is considerably heavier. It’s meant to distribute weight evenly across a horse’s back and to help to add counterbalance when roping a cow.
The Western saddle is also much more comfortable since cowboys who used saddles would ride for long distances over a variety of terrains. This saddle also offers the ability to carry more equipment by anchoring a rope to the saddle’s horn.
In contrast to the Western saddle, the English-style saddle is much lighter and smaller. The most commonly used English saddle is made to offer more agility and speed.
The English saddle comes from the tradition of fox hunting in the 18th century in which riders needed a combination of speed and security when riding. The English saddle is typically used for quick maneuvering and allows riders to feel more of the movements of the horse while riding.
Keep in mind, however, that while Western and English riding each has a standard saddle that is often used, there are variations in both English and Western horseback riding. Sports and games will often make use of different saddle styles for different levels of maneuverability and riding capabilities.
Riding Methods
While riding a horse is very similar in both English and Western riding traditions, there are a few differences to be aware of.
In Western horseback riding, a rider will typically use just a single hand when holding the reins. A rider will almost always have one hand free to do with as they please while riding a horse. This open hand is often used for roping or to perform other tasks. A Western rider may also make use of a combination of weight shifting and neck reining when riding and controlling the direction of the horse.
With English horseback riding, the reins will be held by both hands and riders will use them to control the horse’s direction. The reins will be in direct contact with the mouth of the horse. English riders will typically use closed reins when riding a horse and may use other rein aids as well.
Riding Disciplines
There are different riding disciplines that horseback riders can participate in. While many of these disciplines are compatible with both styles of reading, many of the main options tend to vary in Western and English riding.
Western riding activities tend to focus more on things such as roping or working with cattle, while English riding tends to focus more on jumping and demonstrating grace.
Here are a few of the main disciplines that you should know about for each type of horseback riding.
Western Riding
Here are some of the main disciplines in Western horseback riding that you should know about.
- Roping: Roping consists of a rider attempting to throw a lasso around the neck of a calf, dismount their horse, and restrain it. The event will be timed, so it’s important for a rider to be as fast as possible during this rodeo event.
- Reining: Reining is a type of event in which a rider will guide their horse through a variety of patterns that require skill and focus. This may include a combination of spins, circles, turns, and stops which show off the abilities and skill of the rider and horse.
- Barrel Racing: Barrel racing is an activity that consists of maneuvering a horse around barrels that are arranged in a clover pattern. Navigating the horse successfully around the barrels at a quick pace will be necessary to win.
English Riding
Here are a few of the main disciplines that exist in English horseback riding.
- Jumping: Jumping is an activity that will involve having a horse jump over obstacles, such as fences, of varying heights. This may include timed jumping activities or an elimination event in which a fence will be raised after every round.
- Dressage: A dressage event will consist of displaying the skill and training of a horse. Like with a Western reining event, a rider and horse will have to work together to show off their skills. In the case of dressage activities, a horse and rider will need to show grace and will need to complete tests and actions in a smooth way.
- Eventing: Eventing is not just one activity, but several in one. Eventing is known as an equestrian triathlon. The discipline will include a combination of three different disciplines that will be completed over the course of several different days. It will include dressage, cross-country, and jumping disciplines that will be completed by the horse and rider and they will receive scores for their performance.
Understanding the Differences Between English Vs Western Riding
When comparing English vs Western horseback riding, you’ll find that there are many other small and big differences besides the ones mentioned above. However, the above differences are some that you should be most familiar with if you’re interested in learning more about these two styles.
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