Starting Western...

[entreat]

I'm looking at a horse to buy & he looks like a great candidate for western - can anyone give me tips, websites or books to read/buy to get started on western? There is a distinct lack of western instructors in Australia... and even fewer (I dare say none!) in Kalgoorlie.

[Tehiti_Horse]

Sorry im just a beginner (i actually haven't riden a horse, only once! :( ) so I can't give any tips...

But good luck and I hope you find the horse you're looking for! :D

[Just.Jump]

Grab the ideas of NH and run with them- almost every one of them are western guys (and, a few girl I suppose). Loose reins, aids from the seat, no cramped up legs, etc.

Is this horse on an online ad- out of curiousity?

My best advice is to hunt down the best western barn in your area to get started- you need a great coach if you want to do it right- not the old fashioned way that was overly harsh.

[BeachRiding]

Well if you need any specific help just pm me I have ridden western for nearly 4 years!I am pretty expert at it!

[Just.Jump]

Yes- if you have any specific questions, ask away. I've been at it for 7 years myself. Gave a pretty vague response first time around, but to be honest, books and tips won't make a difference unless you've got a great coach behind you.

[entreat]

Thanks guys. I have been told by his current owner & his trainer that he would do really really well with NH (lucky I'm a huge fan!), and the video I watched of him had him doing a lovely, neat jog - even though it was purely unintentional from the rider! He starts head-tossing with contact (after about 4mins, but then settles down), so I figured western might be an option. Id rather find something we can both do instead of forcing him to endure english.

his ad is here:
http://www.cavalletti.com.au/viewad_horses.php?id=12433

[Just.Jump]

I'm always amazed when people view jogging as purely a western thing :p
Do english riders really never do it?
o.O

I love getting it done correctly- it's amazing when you can cut down to walking speed with two beats =)
It's good about the bit pressure- you can get the psuedo english outline the western way, which means you can teach him nice vertical flexion having a loose rein, which also looks very nice. Western always seems so ugly in the films :rolleyes:

[Cochise]

Best of luck with it Entreat! I'm looking at getting into it next season. I would like to lease a western trained horse and learn some new stuff.
Cheeky isn't quite right for it, so we're just happy hackers at the moment!

[ConfettiPony]

No tips from me, but have fun! I'd love to start riding western as well, but i can't afford to take lessons in both. Gah, horseback riding is so expensive in my area. It's driving me insane.

The only western I've ever done was on a couple of trail rides and once on my uncle's horse (he's only trained in western). I have pictures which are actually quite funny, because he's tacked all western, but I'm sitting so english (and so badly, ugh). I was debating about posting them, but I'm not sure if I should? :o