Western in an English saddle?Possible?

[Emma_G_NZ]

Hi there,
I would love to get more involved in the western training techniques-But the saddles are really expensive over here!Is there anyway I could do some western-while still riding in an English saddle?Could someone give me some training techniques?
Thanks very much,

Emma G
New Zealand

[Somethingroyal]

Well, im sure you could so some of the basic stuff in your current saddle, but this might be a question for outrider...

[Outrider]

If you are thinking of doing anything that involves a lot of fast turns, spins, sliding stops, etc, I wouldn't advise it unless you wear a parachute too! Western plesure or trail work would be ok in an english saddle, but also keep in mind that reining in western programs involves neck reining and not directional reining. And once you teach a horse to do one or the other it can be difficult for them to go back and forth without a good re-training effort. Get you a good book or two on western riding techniques and see what might fit for you. I've to a western endurance saddle I would sell you that also includes a blanket, cover, bridle, reins and bit. Not sure how much it would cost to ship it to you over there but we could check into it. How expensive are western saddles where you are in US dollars if you can? Happy Trails!

[Showjumper]

Welcome Back Outrider!!! :D Where've you been? Anyway Emma, I can't add anything more to what Outrider said coz I don't know a thing about Western.

[floppy]

hehe me too showjumper..
all i know is how to put a western saddle on a horse and use it for pleasure..or saftey should i say...:D
without it im sure i woudl have fallen off a zillion tiems with my hrose bucking!

[Liz E.]

lol, flopppy

[Emma_G_NZ]

I emailed you,Outrider..Please get back to me :)

[Outrider]

Emma, I received your email and sent you one back. Let me know what you think.