curious about western...

I learned to ride originally Western. I thought, "what's with those namsy pamsy English riders that they need to hold on to both reins!" I thought they were big wusses. Years later I took English riding lessons and I came to appreciate how much muscle it takes to stay in an English saddle, post, do two point and such. I started to appreciate English riding and no longer think of it as NamsyPamsy. Riding pell mell acrosss the moors, jumping over stone walls, on those huge horses in a tiny saddle . That takes courage!

Then I got into dressage, and well, that's a whole story, and now I am back to Western again. I appreciate that relaxed attitude of riding western and yes, I do appreciate the saddle that does make it easier to stay put if your horse spins on dime (as mine will do without any warning).
Trail riding is my favorite activity now and am always thrilled when I can hitch a ride out to some new state park or forest lands to ride.

One of these days, I'd love to do pony trekking in Ireland and you can come here and do a dude ranch vacation in the Southwest wide open lands of my country.

Cloudsmystique, I live in kilkenny, bout 2 hours away from cork. Appyt those pics are cool, it looks beautiful. Over here there is no real wilderness left, if you jump on your horse you might go a mile or two before you hit roads or a town. I would love to go somewhere that you could ride for miles without seeing a single house.will definitely have to visit you tinyliny lol. Gizmo, your definitely right, english can be very stuck up and are very strict in the disiplines. It seems to me that western is more about having fun and enjoying your horse while english is more about getting it right and controlling your horse. Musicalmarie I love this forum too. Its amazing the diversity and how freindly people are. I think i've learnt more about horses and riding in the past week than I would've learnt in a lifetime!

Heavyhorse, that place is actually a ride and hike trail located near Wichita, Ks. They even have bridges to cross over a creek. Check this out.

Tsk tsk T... no bridges for crossing creeks here. You either go through them or jump them ;) Can't wait to see you this summer!

I believe this park is a bit more "city" friendly tho not in all places. Deep deep banks on this creek.. One of those when it rains much is very very deep. I may have a pic of the drop somewhere. No jumping these. There are places you can cross as well.

I totally agree with the learning. I've been on here for like a week and have really found out a lot of things and the more I read the more confident I get too. My horse is awesome but too have the confidence issues......I don't ride often enough to keep my confidence up there.

Great pics appyt, it looks like so much fun! Lovemytobipaint, I know exactly what you mean about confidence issues.i'm trying to break my shire to pull timber and he's only the 2nd horse i've ever broken and I have no previous experiance breaking for timber cos no one does it over here. This site is great for advice, tips or even just a kind word of encouragment when things are a bit daunting.