Going for a western lesson!

[nf ponies rock!]

hi in a couple of weeks time i am going to go and have a western lesson! It will be my first time ever riding western im so excited! i was wondering is it a lot different from english because i have heard that your posture can be a bit more relaxed with western is this true? also is it anything like riding bareback?

[Grace O'Malley]

I don't think you'll have any problem making the switch. I had ridden western a handful of times on trail rides, but when I started lessons I was riding english for several years. Then I started riding a new horse and her english saddle was uncomfortable for me. She also had a western saddle, so I tried it and instantly fell in love! Much more comfortable. I wouldn't say the posture is more relaxed, but a good western seat is more like a classical seat than like huntseat. That's how I've been taught, anyway.

As for comparison to bareback...I'd say, no, because there's much more leather between you and the horse. So less contact, though they can certainly still feel your legs and seat just fine. Maybe whoever said that meant the longer, straighter leg?

Have fun :D

Grace

[denise42]

In bare back you tend to want to grip with your legs, This you do not do when riding western. Its all about balanced seat, just like dressage in alot of ways. There are differences, like when you get to the point in your skill level where you ride with one hand on loose reins and still expect you horse to be on the bit , & of course learning to slow your canter to a nice rounded lope.
Its alot of fun , and takes a lot of skill and practice. :cool:

[HorseWhisper23]

yes you should have no problem riding western its easier in some ways than english. I've been ridin western for 8 years and english for 6 so yes western is kind of liek it and you alsop are much more relaxed and there are different gates like walk trot and lope and more and in english you have to post and western you dont have to. So you should be fine nothing to worry about and HAPPY TRAILS!!!!:D