Western Riding Lessons In The Uk

Jillybeanbob — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:49:08 GMT

I travelled to america a good few years ago now to teach children how to horse ride but was also taught western ridfing. SO much easier, simpler and comfier than english riding!

So out of pure curiosity does anyone know of anywhere or go to any western riding lessons around the uk!? I am not looking to to barrel racing or anything like that though!

Any views on western riding would be good to hear too! I love it and can't beleive I haven't thought about doing it in the UK before now!

x

Saddles...

Silke — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:28:38 GMT

Hey MM,

Guess what I just snagged for myself. :)
A nice Colorado Saddlery Equalizer.
15" seat, so I shouldn't be flopping around in it. Being only 5'3, size is always an issue, and a lot of the saddles I see for sale are 16" upward. (Someone offered me an 18" handmade one, pretty cheap, decent quality, but omg... I'd be sliding around on it like a monkey on a grindstone!)
Now I'm just hoping it'll fit! (If not, I'll probably keep it anyway, since I've never seen one in the UK.)

Western or 'cowboy' riding and equipment.

malmorris — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:28:20 GMT

Let me start by claiming........without any false modesty.........not to be an expert on Western riding. In fact I would say I am not particularly good at it and I certainly would not win any prizes in competition. I am sure AKOM, BG and others will help to keep my views accurate.

I ride Western because I like it. I was taught and rode English for many years. Then I was fortunate enough to move to a location where I could ride for hours on end. This led to very long rides and I moved from English GP saddles to a Paragon (excellent) and then to an old Western Roper from the 1940s or 50s........even older than me. I still have it and it is still great.......I had it rebuilt a couple of years ago and I still use it on some of my horses.

People thinking of trying Western need to bear a few things in mind. I will just put up a few basic and safety issues in this post and add later in answer to any questions.

[b]Fitting Horse and Rider.[/b]
No Western saddle will fit all horses. One type will fit most horses of a certain breed but not all. Build is the most important factor in fitting.
Saddle size for the rider is measured differently from English ....more later.
Weight .......varies from about 22 to 44 lbs in well made ones. Some are lighter and you can get synthetic.
[b]Safety[/b]
Western fenders (similar to stirrup straps) are fixed to the saddle so you do not want to get your foot caught and yourself 'hung up'. Wear shoes or boots with a heel and have a stirrup suitable to your foot size.
Western fenders are held together by a 'hobble' strap just above the stirrup........do not ride without these as your leg could slip into the fender and you could be dragged if thrown.
If you have 2 girths make sure they are joined by a strap to prevent the rear 'roping' one slipping back and causing the horse to buck.

[b]Style[/b]
Western riding is done mainly on a loose rein and the aim is to have an animal which responds to training rather than force........just like English. A well-trained Western horse (can be any breed of course.......a lot of people in the US ride mules!) is a joy to ride as it is responsive to the slightest cue.

[b]Interested?[/b]

Go to a Western show near you. Very friendly, usually no admission charges, lots to see and you are encouraged to ask questions. There is none of the inter-competitor hostility sometimes seen at English shows. And the burgers etc are always reasonably priced ...no HOYS nor Badminton rip-offs.

I hope this is of interest and useful.......please keep this topic updated and if you have a question you do not want to ask publicly (perhaps not wanting to show your lack of knowledge), PM me and I will answer it on here anonymously. there will be lots I don't know but I will get the answer for you.:thumbs:

Horse Hunter Forum / HORSE RIDING / Western

Western Riding Lessons In The Uk

Saddles...

Western or 'cowboy' riding and equipment.