Riding Western ?

A

Alice1992

New Member
Sep 6, 2008
610
0
0
...
Has anyone here ridden western?

I met some relatives the other day, and she has a ranch in sarasota which i am going to next year. However they ride western. Does anybody know if its easier or harder? And also whats it like getting on from the ground easier/harder?
 
Alice1992 said:
Has anyone here ridden western?

I met some relatives the other day, and she has a ranch in sarasota which i am going to next year. However they ride western. Does anybody know if its easier or harder? And also whats it like getting on from the ground easier/harder?
Click to expand...

I've ridden western on trail before, and it's not really any more different than riding in a english saddle. You have more saddle under you, and can either neck rein or hold the reins as you normally would (if the horse is trained both english and western). I'd say mounting from the ground is a bit easier with a western saddle, but it differs per person - like how flexible you are, how tall you are, how tall the horse is, etc.
 
I prefer trails in a western saddle. You can sit back against the cantle a little more and don't have to sit straight up. If you need to hop off (drop something, pee break), a good western horse will ground tie if you drop the reins. Mounting is easier; the stirrups are usually left longer, and the horn is a good hand-hold. I find if I trail ride in an English saddle, my knees cramp up after awhile due to the shorter stirrups.
 
western is alot more comfy in my opinion. there is more room in a good fitting saddle for the rider adn if things go bad your chances of staying on are better in a western saddle than in an english saddle.
 
Leosmummy said:
Hiya hun, I keep my pony on a western livery yard although i myself do not ride western.
From what ive seen it looks very comfy. Im going to try it one day.
They also do western lessons at my yard, where abouts are you?
Click to expand...

I am in Bristol :) I wish my place did them! Im so bad at getting on from the ground as i am short. I am just scared i will make a propour fool out of myself though if i cant get in LOL:o
 
newrider.com
Top Bottom