Types of horse riding

There are different styles of riding a horse but in particular there are two most common horse-riding styles which are followed around the world:

1. English riding style
2. Western riding style

Some horse riders also consider another horse-riding style common. The other riding style which is common around the world is:

3. Group riding style

Among all these riding styles, English riding style is the most common. It has been promoted throughout the world. Olympics include three different riding disciplines, all of which belong to English style of horse riding.

All these riding styles have different types of events which may differ from each other.

 

Which riding style is easier?

A lot of people ask the question: “Which of the riding style is easy?” A simple answer to this question is that neither one of these riding styles is easier than the other. Horseback riding is a skill which is learnt over time no matter which riding style you choose to learn. But there may be certain qualities of each riding style which may be according to your preferences. So before choosing the riding style, be sure to read the differences between the two styles and look for the style which have the qualities which are favorable to you.

 

 

Differences between English riding and western riding

It is a very common question: ‘What is the difference between the two horse riding styles?’ There are both similarities and differences between the two riding styles. English riding style is very different from the western riding style, but the basics of the riding is the same.

The mains difference between both horse-riding styles are follow:

1. Saddles

The saddles used for horse riding are small and flat. The flatness of the saddle makes the horse-riding experience uncomfortable. It is designed to give the rider close contact with the horse. The design of English saddles are kept simple and has no extra features other than the basic requirements of riding a horse.

In western riding styles the saddles used are big and heavy. It is designed to distribute the weight of horse riding across a large surface area of the horse’s back which makes the horse-riding journey comfortable. Western saddles also have other features, for example a horn is present to hole the rope; a feature designed to accommodate the rope of the cowboys who used to work in the ranches of America.

 

2. Origin

English horse-riding style came not only from Britain but from all around the world. English saddles style can be traced back to medieval times although certain noticeable modifications have been done to the modern-day saddles.

Western horse-riding style came from the ranches of United States of America. Western style horse saddle was first seen during the colonial times of West America. Western style was the creation of ranchers of America. The ranchers, commonly known as cowboys, used to ride the horses for the purpose of cattle ranching.

 

3. Horse type

Each riding style requires certain traits to be present in the horse to be considered for the riding style. Therefore, certain horse breeds tend to perform better in one riding style than others.

English horses are required to be tall and must have enormous amount of strength so that they can travel with a variety of speed. They must be able to maintain their balance as they must jump over obstacles. Thoroughbreds are popular breeds for English riding. Their agility and physical strength make them favorable to be used for jumps.

Western horses are required to be compact and have the stamina for steady travel all day. Quater horses are extremely popular for western riding. They are known for having a wide back which is perfect for supporting the wide and flat bottom of a western styled saddle.

 

4. Attire

English riders wear light colored pants, a dark fitted jacket, and tall boots usually with a low heel. The English riders also tend to wear white gloves. The English riders tend to wear a traditional looking hunt cap or helmet.

While western riders wear jeans, comfortable shirts, and western style boots. The cowboys who were cattle ranching used to be the typical cowboy hats which are seen in the movies. The cowboy hats served as a purpose to protect the cowboys from sunburn. Western riders wear a sporty looking helmet protection purpose but some of the western events allow riders to wear western helmet.

 

5. Reigning

In English horse-riding style, the horse is reined to the mouth which gives the rider a direct contact with the horse. The rider gives aid to the horse via the rein to control the speed and direction of the horse. The reins are attached to the horse in such a way that the rider can hold the reins in both hands.

In western riding style, the horse is neck reined which gives the rider little or no contact with the horse. The rider must use his weight and the reins to give aid to the horse. The riders hold both the reins in only one hand. The other hand is spared so that the rider can hold his rope, or it can just hang on one side of the rider.

 

6. Gaits

Both riding styles label the gaits of the horse differently.

The walking gait in both riding disciplines is pretty much the same.

Western riding style uses the term jog for the gait which is slightly faster than the walk. This gait is used to chase cattle. The rider sits during a jog. English riding style uses the term of trot instead of jog for the gait which is slightly faster than the walking gait. The trot is a posted gait.

After the jog gait comes the lope in western riding style. Which can also be regarded as a slow and relaxed canter. In English riding style, canter succeeds the trot. Depending on the type of the canter can be extended, elevated or it may be a collection of many different riding speeds.

 

 

7. Disciplines

There are many sporting events within each of the riding styles. The most common events of each riding style are as follow:

English riding style:

Dressage

Eventing

Show jumping

Hunt-seat

Saddle-seat

English pleasure

 

Western riding style

Team peining

Cutting

Reining

Speed games

Trail classes

Western pleasure

Roping

Trail riding

 

Similarities between English riding and western riding

English and western horse riding have a lot of differences but there are some similarities between the two riding styles.

1. Need of a professional Horse Rider:

Both riding styles need a balanced rider who has the skills to control a horse.

2. Controlling the Horse:

Both riding styles have the same methods of controlling the horse via the leg, seat, and reins.

3. Bars of saddle tree:

The bars of English saddle tree and a western saddle tree are identical. Except that the bars of western saddle tree are a little smaller in size.

4. Communication with the horse:

For both riding methods it is imperative for the rider to develop a deep connection with the horse. There must be some sort of understanding and mutual respect between the rider and the horse.

 

English Vs Western Horse Riding (Conclusion):

The World of equestrian provides the riders a choice between two distinct styles of riding, English riding and Western riding has several differences but there are also some similarities between the two. As we dug deeper into the topic it became evident that each of the riding styles has their own unique charm and applications. The choice between English and Western riding is a personal one. It totally depends on the rider’s personal preference and requirement about which style of riding he or she prefers.

So whichever style of riding you prefer, keep in mind that the beauty of horse riding depends not just on the style of riding one chooses but also on the flawless synchronization between the rider’s command and the horse’s step. So, saddle up, choose the style that appeals to you the most and enjoy the journey.