Western English
In your opinion, is English or Western Riding harder? Which requires more talent?
I'm interested in different people's opinions on this. I think that English Riding is slightly harder but that is because i've never tried Western. However, I can tell that you would have to have a good seat for rodeos, Barrel Racing, etc.
This is a completely biased question, obviously everyone is going to say that their discipline is harder. I have taken 2 years lessons of Western and close to 2 years of English so i will try to give you an unbiased answer. You also need to specify what TYPE of riding, obviously three day eventing is more difficult than a Trail Ride in a Western Saddle.
It mainly depends on how the horse is trained, I would love to see an English person jump on a Barrel Horse or a finished reining champion I think it would be fun to watch lol. Western horses are trained to direct rein and also neck rein which makes them more of a challenge. With neck reining you have to learn to balance your self without using your other hand or keeping it near the horses neck for support which makes it more difficult.
Likewise English saddles require you to be a more balanced rider and you can`t just sit there in the big comfy western saddle. But I find that the wain English irons are they naturally put you in a better riding position where as western you have to focus on what your doing more.
I really feel it comes down to the horse, I`ve ridden super easy going English lesson horses that new how to collect and extend their stride and do all the more English focused movements and then a Western Horse that was a crow hopper and a little less of a push button horse who knew the movements he needed to know. The English was much easier than the Western in that case.
My horse rides English and Western but I have only ridden her English 3 times. She knows the basic movements for both and is equally a challenge in both disciplines loll. I guess it`s also a preference English riders generally work more on their equitation than Western riders and Western riders usually work more on getting their horse to do as asked and spin, turn run etc. I know that`s a stereotype but all the riders I know fall EXACTLY into these two steretopes.
EDIT- Everyone who is suggesting Western is easier because you do not have to post is wrong! My lesson gelding who is a professionally trained Trick and Drill gelding requires you to post because he has the most bumpy trot in the world. I post on my mare also in lessons so I don`t know what your talking about??
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Classic Equine ContourPedic Square Western Pad Sale Price: $116.99  |
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Classic Equine Contourpedic Square Western Saddle Pad 1/8' wool felt top. 3/4" closed cell foam bottom is antifungal and antibacterial and allows the horses back to cool itself. Cut out over the withers and contoured to fit your horses back with a split design that allows the pad to move with the horse... |
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Royal King Nylon 2-Buckle Western Girth Converter - 1" Buckles List Price: $8.80 Sale Price: $5.90 |
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Converts billet straps on english and australian style saddles to western dee ring rigging. (You would need 2 of these to do this) Great for surcingle conversion also. Polished steel heavy dee ring. Single piece. |
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Tough-1 Nylon English to Western Girth Converter |
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Allows use of a Western Style Girth! Converts billet straps on english and australian style saddles to western dee ring rigging. Great for surcingle conversion also. Polished steel heavy dee ring. Manufactured with strong nylon webbing... |
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When it comes to playing cards, keep 'em close to your chest and do as the Duke. Use this rugged 2 Deck Collector's Set to play all of your favorite games. Choose 'The Classic' or 'The Legend' card deck featuring classic and legendary images of John Wayne on the Kings... |
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100 Water-Resistant Saddle Covers for English-Western - Grey List Price: $1,000.00 Sale Price: $99.95 |
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This bonnet type cover is constructed of a new SMS material that is strong and water resistant. This cover could also be used to cover all types of English/western saddles, blankets, feed or anything else around the tack stall... |
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Tough-1 Nylon Water Bottle / Gear Carrier Saddle Bag - Brown List Price: $31.90 Sale Price: $21.90 |
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A super accessory for the serious trail rider. This saddle bag has all types of compartments to keep a variety of items secure during those long rides in the great outdoors. Constructed of a heavy denier Nylon... |
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Hilason® New English Treeless Saddle. List Price: $399.00 |
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HSTE133BASE : Synthetic wool. WEIGHT : 14 Pounds. RIGGING : English Rigging System Two billets. EXTRAS : Matching Stirrup Leather and Stirrups. Benefits of Hilason HYBRID Treeless Saddles EVENLY DISTRIBUTES THE WEIGHT of the rider... |
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