Western to English

[Keket]

To anyone that's done it, how hard is it to make the transition from Western riding to English riding? I'll always be a cowgirl at heart, but after I get my Western Rider Level 1, I'd like to get my English Rider Level 1.

 

[Grace O'Malley]

Probably much easier than you think. I started learning English, then switched to western for many years, and switched back to English about 9 months or so ago. I was afraid I'd feel insecure, but that wasn't really a problem. At first I hated the shorter stirrups, but now I feel like, if anything, I have a more secure seat in an English saddle (because I'm less reliant on the saddle, if that makes sense). Another plus is the lighter weight of the tack

And there's absolutely no reason you can't alternate rides between styles as the mood strikes you

Grace

 

[winterbalto]

I sortof used to ride Western. I say sortof because it was the first two months of taking lessons that I rode western before switching to English. Once I switched I loved English so much that I decided it was the style for me. I'm really not too good at western Especially neck reining. Maybe some day I'll get into it but not anytime soon

I don't think it will be hard to switch. You just have to be ready to adjust and give yourself time to get used to it

~Nicole

 

[cvb]

I rode both styles, though my "home" style is english. I think one thing that helps in this is if your instructor understands both sides of the fence so can help you make the swap. Its like learning a new language - sometimes you need some help with the translation

 

[lexus82291]

I went fom barrel racing to english.I ride in my english saddle about once a week.It wasn't as hard as i thought.But it was strange not havin a horn.It made me a much better rider though.I have great balance now.It's fun learning about new types of riding.I enjoy my english saddle very much

 

[Lindsayanne]

It's just "weird" to ride english after being a western rider- but you get used to it pretty quick. The only thing that bugs me is that if I need to scratch my nose or something I have to juggle reins (which, at least, I'm good at from riding western) It was really weird in an english saddle at first, and it took me a lesson or two before starting and stopping suddenly didn't off balance me a bit. I have really short legs, though, so right away I appreciated that my leg aids didn't have to get through so much leather and padding to communicate with Regal.

I think it's harder for a horse to transition than a rider. I am really glad I've been working with a pro trainer through the transition.