western/english bridle PLEASE HELP!!

[amysotis]

I started leasing a horse at the barn (i've been riding approx 5 months) who is ridden both englsh and western. I ride english but one of my instructers SWEARS Eclipse likes being ridden western better. Unfortunatley, 3 weeks ago we fell (the horse is fine) and I broke my wrist and did a pretty good job on my elbow too. I decided to ride last night and rode western for the first time. The change in the horse was absolutely amazing - his head was arched and he was on the bit from the split second I got on him. We were doing roll backs and cantering from a dead stop and he was SOOO happy and really wanted to work. I find it difficult (not impossible) to believe the difference is in the saddle so I assume it's the bit and the bridle. So my questions are 1) what is the difference between a western and english bridle 2) if it's pretty much the bit, can I use an western bit on an english bridle? 3) would it be confusing to the horse to be ridden with an english saddle and a western bridle? and 4) can i use 2 hands with a western bridle or do you always rein the horse with one hand?

I absolutely love this horse and want to do the best by him that I can.

Thanks for your help.

Amy

[floppy]

yes you can ride with a western bridle and an english saddle. I did this for about a year.
The main difference i fid is that if you ride with western tack you are more relaxed and the horse has more freedom because the reins are slacker even when holding them properly.
But with english tack one tends to hold the reins shorter than with western..i find with the horse i ride that both she and i are so much happier when riding with western tack than with english!
i think it is because im by far more relaxed when riding western.

I thin kif the hrose has the tack to do both experiment. I think my horse likes the western bit better because it isnt ehm..stianelss steal it is copper and isnt so bulky.

[HunterGirl]

I too have ridden in an english saddle with a western head stall.

Some horses respond better to a western bit because of the shanks, they sort of resemble a pelham, but they long pieces are curved slightly towards the back.

Generally you dont have a strong contact with a western bit if the horse is properly trained they work off the neck instead.

A western bit has a different action then an english bit, especially if it has a port. People that do cutting and reining usually use a bit with a port. Its a curve in the middle of the bit that looks like an upside down U.
Compare the 2 by holding the part that goes in the mouth lightly and have a friend act as the reins and "turn" you. See what part of the bit effects which part of your hand.

Yes you can use 2 hands with a western bit just be sure to keep your hands low and quiet and dont take as srong of a hold as you would an english one.

[amysotis]

Thanks so much for your input. I've ridden him twice that way and it's like riding an entirely different horse - he is happier, I am happier and we're doing very well together. You're right about giving him more rein while riding with the western bridle - it's almost like power vs. manual steering! My arm's still broken so I keep switching off between reining with one hand and riding with 2 and I think we're going to be fine.

I appreciate all your responses.

Amy

[Outrider]

If the horse neck reins well, I would recommend using only one hand, especially since you still have a broken arm. Just no need for two really, and a person who is used to riding english tends to hold western reins a little too tight with two hands until they get used to it. Often, a person will ride with both reins in one hand and the slack in the other if you are using long reins.

The confidence you gain from using western tack transfers to the horse, giving both of you a better, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. I don't know much about english bridles, but riding a western headset with an english saddle is fine, or vice versa. Your analogy of power vs manual steering is quite correct. Happy Trails!