I ride English and always have done yet I love to try new things. Western called to me and knowing that there were few places in my area and that I wanted the real "cowboy" experience I made a deal 
- good grades, western holiday in the USA! 
My good grades came so my mum (not much of a rider) and I booked a holiday and headed out. I loved it. One of the most amazing weeks of my life. My saddle I could barely carry (but I am very weak! 
) and it wasn't that comfy but a seat saver later I was in luxury for the rest of the week. I was put on some "fun" 
but great horses and although the morning was slower as my mum was with us the afternoons on the trails were far more challenging and fast.
And the scenery made every pace breathtaking.
Most english riders in english tack on an english horse would struggle with most of those trails as they just wouldn't be secure enough . Also rounding up cattle and splitting some - they do not want to leave their friends. I have to say I fell in love with riding western although I love English equally. Since I finished my holiday I have not yet ridden western again but if I was offered a chance to ride out in it again I would love to. However, I have to say for any schooling work or dressage which I would otherwise miss I'll definately stick with English as I do believe for the type of riding mainly done in Britain it is the faster and more exhilerating of the two.
Sorry about the Saga!
- good grades, western holiday in the USA! My good grades came so my mum (not much of a rider) and I booked a holiday and headed out. I loved it. One of the most amazing weeks of my life. My saddle I could barely carry (but I am very weak! ) and it wasn't that comfy but a seat saver later I was in luxury for the rest of the week. I was put on some "fun" but great horses and although the morning was slower as my mum was with us the afternoons on the trails were far more challenging and fast. And the scenery made every pace breathtaking. Most english riders in english tack on an english horse would struggle with most of those trails as they just wouldn't be secure enough . Also rounding up cattle and splitting some - they do not want to leave their friends. I have to say I fell in love with riding western although I love English equally. Since I finished my holiday I have not yet ridden western again but if I was offered a chance to ride out in it again I would love to. However, I have to say for any schooling work or dressage which I would otherwise miss I'll definately stick with English as I do believe for the type of riding mainly done in Britain it is the faster and more exhilerating of the two.Sorry about the Saga!
