Read About English vs. Western Riding

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English vs. Western riding encompasses a whole array of differences, from equipment, known as tack, to the actual breed of horses selected. Generally speaking, English style riding resembles the styles of the European mounted military, while Western riding is more closely associated with American cowboys on the range.

English saddles and the associated tack tend to be more lightweight and less bulky than their Western counterparts. Western saddle are generally wider and are designed to distribute the weight of the rider more evenly across the back of the horse, making long rides more comfortable for both the horse and the rider. Western saddles are also built to hold the “gear” that a cowboy or ranch hand may travel with. By contrast, an English saddle provides a minimum of support and therefore much less interference between the horse and rider.

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English style riding involves holding the reins in both hands, controlling the direction of the horse through the use of a bit in the horse’s mouth. Western style riding utilizes reins that direct the horse from the neck rather than the mouth. These reins are usually held in only one hand, and the rider further directs the horse by shifting her weight from one side to the other.

Horses used for English style riding tend to be taller and more graceful than horses used for Western style riding. On the other hand, Western style horses tend to be stockier and more obviously muscular. This is not to say that any particular breed of horse can only be used for English vs. Western riding. The abilities and temperament of the horse are far more important than the breed.

The riding attire for English style tends towards the traditional hunt-style jodhpurs or breeches and fitted jacket. English boots tend to be tall and smooth, often made of black leather. Western style attire is more likely to include jeans and Western style shirts, along with shorter cowboy boots.

Although there are no hard and fast rules about which types of horses and which styles of riding must always be used for various purposes, there are typical distinctions between English vs Western riding in terms of activities. Generally speaking, the following activities tend to be associated with English riding:

  1. Dressage
  2. Jumping
  3. Polo, and other mounted games
  4. Hunting

By contrast, the following activities usually utilize Western style:

  1. Trail riding
  2. Roping
  3. Cutting
  4. Team penning

There are many differences in English vs. Western Riding, but deciding which style is best, is completely up to you.