Instructor doesn't specialize in Western.

[CrazyfurAnimals]

Hi!
I have this problem. My instructor doesn't really specialize in western, so I don't feel like I'm learning a whole lot of differences from english and western. I know that there are a lot of differences in the way the horse is ridden. But my instructor teaches both english and western, so I don't think she really knows a lot of the different things that can be done with western. What should I do?

[Epona UK]

Hi,
I was hoping that Outrider would reply to your post, as he is probably the best person to give you advice for your predicament.
First of all, you really need to decide what you want to do, English, Western, or a mixture of both. A client of mine has Western lessons from me, and English lessons from a local BHSII. Do you want to compete seriously in either discipline, if so, you will need to have a Trainer who specialises in whichever style of riding that you want to do.
If you are non competative, are you happy with your Trainer, are you and your horse improving, have you learned anything ? There is nothing to stop you from trying another Trainer, just to see how you get on.

[CrazyfurAnimals]

Thanks Epona UK!!!!!!! :)
You don't know how happy I was to see that someone replied!! :) Thank you.

Well, I think that Western is my total aim. I've always been interested in barrel racing, trail classes and all that. I also like how the western saddle is much more comfortable. Thats just an added bonus. The problem is, where I live, theres a high majority of people that ride English. So I really don't know where any good western instructors are. Maybe I should take the time to look around.

I do feel like I learn quite a bit. But I almost feel like I'm learning how to do english riding in a western saddle. :confused: I guess I don't mind, its just that I'd really like to enter some western shows, and I don't feel like I'd be able to. :(

[Epona UK]

You ought to try riding Western in England !! Seriously though, try to get to some local western shows and just ask around, I'm sure that people will be only too pleased to point you in the right direction.

Good Luck.............Epona

[Outrider]

Hi there! Where do you live? I would suggest looking on the internet for some western trainers. You can learn to ride from an english instructor, but you probably won't learn to ride western well,if your intention is to eventually do showing. The one good thing you will learn however, is to post the trot! :) I would look around for western trainers. I am sure you can find some around there, or find some other boarding barns and see if they have western riders that might be willing to teach you what they know. Happy Trails!

[CrazyfurAnimals]

Hi Outrider! I live in Massachusetts. I really thought there would be a lot of western riders here, but I don't even see ANYONE riding western. :(
I will have a look around though. Thank you everyone!! :)

[Outrider]

I think there are more english riders in your part of the world and going north from there than western riders. You'll just have to come here to Texas for 30 days vacation and I'll put you to work on learning western! You should be able to find someone either on the internet or from some of the barns in your area. Good luck and Happy Trails!

[CrazyfurAnimals]

Yeah, I sure wish I lived (or at least could visit) Texas. My dad goes there for work sometimes. Except it is Houston he goes to. He doesn't like that section of it, but he said the other more cowboyish type of land is wonderful. I have some cool souveniers of Texas anyways. :D
I never thought of that. I guess I could look it up on the internet. I'll have a look. Thanks! :)