Western and English riding way

First we need to know what is better for the horses, and what is more human. The nature of the horse is to have a figure that since it requires the rider, the difference is only in the fact that it must adapt rider’s weight, his commands and moving rein. Just over rein creates a special contact between rider and horse and riding on the western has a special importance. Here is not worth knowing sentence ’in the hands of the rider must keep a pound of weight’. Many who have moved from classical to western riding can breathe, because it’s amazing, wonderful ride with a long rein, the horse responds to the touch but rein on the neck. But we must not forget that any well trained horse is behind many hours of hard, sometimes rough training. When a horse is trained, western rider can allow him much more freedom than in the classical way of riding. Those who replace the English riding with Western riding, point out that the most difficult change was getting used to long rein. In western riding there is a rule: use as much pressure as necessary to the horse said, after pressure reductions. This applies to the hands and feet.

For each horse, however, applies the rule, that the active riding needs heating. Although western horses are known for their explosive start, it is recommended that at the beginning of training you ride 10-15 minutes, just as disciplined English riders do. Heating is especially important for horses that are in stables because horses in a pen are moving enough.

Classical requirements for riding horse - tempo, relaxed, chair, concentration, balancing – are the base which western horses shuld obey. After carrying out the training that will be much easier for the horse.

Other side of the coin is rider’s knowledge. Regardless of whether the word about the western or the English way of riding, the horse may be optimal to move only if the rider sitting in the saddle balanced, and deeply prone.

Compare some basic figures:

Collected trot

Collected trot is similar in English and in the western way of riding. Riders sit comfortably.

Extended trot

It is a way of walking, riding in the western known as Extended Trot, which are commonly used in the discipline of pleasure. In the classical way of riding, the rider’s center of gravity is close to horses body, and that’s why it is easier for a horse to move. Western riders use such a method.

Gallop

If you ride in English (classical) way, the horse is bent round and balanced. Inner side and outer side of rider’s shoulder have to move forward, the horse is slightly bent in the back. The western way of the horse acts firmer, because it is not bent.

Pirueta (spin)

With classic pirueta, horse is raised in trotaktnom gallop. Interior back foot in every step must break. Western horse remains straight in a spin and he breaks quickly with his front legs, and the inner, back leg must remain on the same spot.

Walk to the side (sidepass)

A purpose of walking to one side in English riding is to train the horse, better concentration, to move with your feet under the body.

Traverzala (two-tracking)

In English riding a horse at traverzale is set in the direction of movement, the top is on the highest point, he steps prominently to one side, in front of his back legs. In western riding, horse’s head is lower on his chest, and back legs step to the side, in front of the front legs.