western or eastern riding?

[newrider]

What are the differences between western and english riding besides the big horn in western?

[Laya]

Western riding not only has the "big horn" which the purpose of this horn is for when cowboys went out driving cattle. They'd tie their lasso to the saddle horn, so they can dismount and their horse can back up and keep the rope taut. On Western saddles, you have more of a relaxed seat, and also, you only compete with this type of saddle in rodeo events.

An English saddle has more of a forward seat, and is made for more contact between the horse and rider. You wouldn't want to ride in this forward seat during a long cattle round up. These saddles are used for jumping, and they're lighter so they're used for racing and other sports where the horse needs to run more freely.

I'm not sure if this has cleared any of your Q's up, but this is the best that I can think of.

:)

[Allie]

As Laya said, the western saddle was designed to be ridden for long hours, and to be used as a platform to rope cattle off of. It is heavier to help keep it in place on the horse's back. It is made to be comfortable for long rides- 8 hours or more. They also distribute the rider's weight over a larger area of the horse's back. They are used in the show ring for roping, western pleasure, reining, trail classes, penning, and more that I can't think of right now.

English saddles place you in a more forward position, suitable for jumping. They are lighter wieght, but tend to concentrate the weight on a small area of the horse's back. I don't know a whole lot about english saddles, so maybe others can add more here.

Allie :)