| You are a new candidate for learning how to ride a | | | | better still, you need not change from your favorite |
| horse. Yet, there are two types of horse riding - | | | | jeans, even when you are competing. On the other |
| English and Western, and you are clueless regarding | | | | hand, the English style is suitable for people who like |
| which type would be most suitable for you. How are | | | | things formal and do not mind sitting upright wherever |
| they different? Are there qualitative differences | | | | they are. |
| between the two? | | | | There are other differences between the two riding |
| Though there is a host of differences between the | | | | styles, over and above the posture and dress |
| two, there is perhaps only one similarity. While both | | | | preferences. For instance, in English riding style, the |
| styles require you and your horse to put in endless | | | | rider holds the bridle reins with both hands while the |
| hours of practice, if you are contemplating competition | | | | Western style riders use only one hand. Even the size |
| participation, for pleasure riding, the Western style is | | | | of the stirrups for English style riders is smaller than |
| more suitable. This is a relatively easier style to pick up | | | | their Western counterparts. |
| especially for a novice. | | | | There are no event-specific distinctions in Western |
| Learning the English style of riding makes sense if you | | | | riding when you are competing, but English riding is |
| want to learn jumping or dressage. The Western style | | | | marked by several distinctive features which are |
| of riding is more relevant if you want to participate in | | | | directly related to the events. You have to come to a |
| barrel races or the rodeo. Competition related to | | | | decision regarding choosing hunt seat or saddle seat |
| endurance or eventing, would require you to learn the | | | | style when you start to ride. The former is suitable if |
| Western style. | | | | you have plans to compete in jumping competitions. |
| However you might still be faced with a dilemma and | | | | However if you want to compete in saddle seat |
| that is, you want to participate in competition but not | | | | events, or go on trails, then obviously you would require |
| quite sure which one would be most suitable. In such a | | | | saddle seat style. Once you are an expert you might |
| situation, which style should you learn? To get an | | | | decide to switch to dressage. |
| answer, you might have to do some personality | | | | Using the correct sheltering gear and equipment is a |
| analysis. Why kind of personality do you have? Are | | | | must, if you want to ride safe, no matter what riding |
| you calm and relaxed? Do you feel uneasy while | | | | style you choose. There are also differences in the |
| sitting on a chair? Does the idea of wearing anything | | | | kind of headgear the two types of riders use - the |
| else other than your favorite pair of jeans make you | | | | English prefer helmets while the Western riders use |
| jittery? If you say yes to all these, then Western riding | | | | cowboy hats. While hats look very stylish, they hardly |
| is just right for you. This is a relatively easier style to | | | | offer any protection to the head, in case of a fall. At |
| learn and allows literally a 'laid back' posture, where | | | | least try to use helmets while you are still new to riding. |
| you can actually lean back a bit while riding. What is | | | | |