Hayes Horsemanship

The Great Debate: English Vs. Western

(Watch the Video too!)

I am frequently asked "What is the difference between western and english?" and "English riding is more difficult than western riding isn't it?" and "Why did you choose to ride western and not english?" My response is usually about the same. My belief is that whether you ride in an english or western saddle, it is HOW EFFECTIVELY you communicate with the horse that is the most important, and usually what becomes the most intriguing part of whatever "game" you choose to play with your horse. You could choose to play the jumping game, the reining game, the barrel racing game, the dressage game etc. etc etc. etc...

I believe that experience with both disciplines will prove beneficial to any rider. Having experience with both disciplines I will say that I very much enjoy both, but choose to teach and ride mostly western. The reason for this being quite simple. The western tack, training philosophies, and breeding in western horses make for, in my opinion, a safer bet for students (and myself). The tack provides more support for the rider should they become unbalanced. The training emphasizes stopping, backing and slowing on command more so than most english trainers. The most common breed for western riding is the Quarter Horse, known for it's levelheadedness. That being said, I do teach many dressage principles to my western students, and encourage them to ride in an english saddle to gain a more thorough understanding of the feel of the horse: something they can not develop as easily through the thick, heavy western saddle.

I disagree quite strongly with any coach or trainer who says "An english rider will have no problem switching to western, whereas a western rider will struggle to learn english". In my experience as a coach, and after observing countless fellow students at Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre attempt "the switcheroo", I find an excellent rider is still an excellent rider, and a poor rider is still a poor rider, no matter the discipline. Watch any english rider switch to western and you will see communication errors, watch any western rider switch to english and you will see communication errors. I encourage riders to experiment with both and not to become part of the rivalry that goes on between english and western riders. In most cases, if someone feels so strongly about one being far superior to the other, it is due to a lack of knowledge of the sport.


The article below explains some of the differences and the Video -------->CLICK HERE<--------- is a fun watch. Enjoy!

Western vs. English Riding

by Anita Howe

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It’s more than just a costume…I’ve been to many horse shows over the years, and frequently show in both English as well as western classes. Occasionally even with the same horse. However, I strongly feel that it’s important that exhibitors understand and better determine how to show their horse to his best advantage. A horse’s way-of-going, as well as the rider’s participation is significantly different from English Pleasure to Western Pleasure riding. Granted there are many similarities in the two disciplines: a correct and willing cooperation of horse and rider being the overall goal. While many people are sincere advocates of one discipline or the other, they both have their challenges as well as accomplishments and I would never try to say one method is more accomplished than the other.

Western riding hales its history from the cowboy using his horse for ranch and range work. Western saddles need to carry not just the ranch hand, but his rope, rifle, bedroll, canteen, and anything else he may need for the entire day in the elements. Of necessity it evolved to be heavier and larger framed to spread the weight over a greater portion of the horse’s back as well as have larger fenders to protect the horse from friction of the various accoutrements hanging from the saddle. This heavier, bulkier saddle and fenders reduce the close contact feel of the rider’s legs and seat; and often necessitates the use of spurs to enforce the limited heel contact available. So what we end up with is a horse that must respond quickly to the one-handed neck rein, usually well before bit contact is achieved; as well as the slightest shift in the riders weight to anticipate a necessary change of direction. A horse whose head needs to be carried lower to better focus on hoof placement and trail obstacles: a working horse who knows its job of supporting the rider’s in his working environment.

Modern English disciplines, in my opinion, have evolved more from pleasure and sport riding in these later centuries, than from the aspect of a working horse. It has mostly focused on two objectives: to enhance the communication and harmony between horse and rider, and for performance riding in the show ring and racing circuits. The saddles and tack are lighter and less bulky. The rider strives to achieve and maintain communication through his/her seat and legs as well as light bit contact; to facilitate a synchronized effort between them and their horse. The horse willingly responds to these aids with greater collection, balance and lightness in his gaits and overall performance. His entire demeanor is geared more for performance than work, more focused on the rider and less toward possible obstacles underfoot.

So when we choose to show our horses we must evaluate which of these disciplines will showcase his talents the best. Does our horse work well on a loose rein, with minimal leg contact, a more relaxed and natural head carriage and does he respond quickly to little or no bit contact? He will most likely be judged better as a Western Pleasure horse. Does our horse carry himself with light collection, willingly engaging in light bit contact, and work well with us responding to our subtle seat and leg aids? Does he carry his head in a more elevated "look at me" demeanor while flowing forward in a natural impulsion? Then he will most likely show well in English Pleasure divisions.

You may have a horse that will do both, but please understand that to simply put western tack on a horse that needs active bit contact in order to maintain his carriage and balance or to gait correctly, defeats the objectives of the Western Pleasure horse. Or conversely, to put English tack on a horse that will not engage the bit and insists on a more relaxed head carriage undermines the performance objectives of English Pleasure riding. The demeanor and carriage of the horse, as well as the active participation of the rider are far greater influences of which disciplines a horse can, and should, show in. While most horses can be trained to make adjustments for both disciplines, exhibitors must realize that each horse will probably tie better in one division over the other depending on that horse’s strengths.

Article written by Anita Howe. Please visit http://www.howetheywalk.com/Western%20vs%20English.htm