| Are you considering taking Beginner Horseback | | | | feature a deep seat, a high cantle, and a |
| Riding Lessons and want to know the basic | | | | prominent pommel topped by a "horn" - a knob |
| differences between English & Western | | | | used to wrap a lasso (or lariat). The larger |
| styles of riding? Then this article is for you. English | | | | Western saddle distributes the rider's weight more |
| & Western riding styles are more similar than | | | | evenly across the horse's back, making it easier |
| people think they are. Both styles entail controlling | | | | for the horse to work a long day. The saddle is |
| a horse and require cooperation between horse | | | | also built to be comfortable, because the Western |
| & rider to accomplish tasks. | | | | cowboy may spend a lot of hours in it. |
| English riding started and developed in Europe. | | | | English style riding, at the most basic level, |
| Europeans have always enjoyed equestrian | | | | requires riders to use both hands on the reins, |
| pursuits, especially in the military. Most English | | | | rather than just one. Western style riders use |
| riding disciplines can be tied to military training | | | | just one hand on the reins, allowing the rider to |
| regimens. English style horses tend to be tall and | | | | accomplish more tasks with the other hand. |
| run well. There are variations in English riding, but | | | | English riders usually "post" the trot, while Western |
| all feature a flat, lightweight saddle. English saddles | | | | riders will typically "sit" the trot. Also, when |
| are designed to maximize contact between horse | | | | participating in a competition, English riders typically |
| & rider, and to allow the horse the freedom | | | | dress more formally than Western riders. |
| to move in the most optimal manner for a given | | | | An experienced English rider (or someone taking |
| task. | | | | beginner horseback riding lessons, with an |
| The roots of Western riding lie in the American | | | | instructor's help), will usually have no problem riding |
| West. It developed according to the needs of the | | | | a Western trained horse. This is also true the |
| cowboys working in the ranches. Western style | | | | other way around. If you are considering taking |
| horses tend to be more compact and usually are | | | | beginner horseback riding lessons, you now have |
| capable of continuous travel with small bursts of | | | | enough basic information to decide which style of |
| speed to chase stray cattle. Western saddles | | | | horse riding you prefer. |