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I want to ride English!

1K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  TXhorseman 
#1 ·
I have been riding Western for about 3 years. I recently went to work as a ranch hand at a horse camp, and I finally got to ride English. I didn't think I would like it, but I really do. I would really like a chance to ride English more before I go back next summer. The thing is, I live in Idaho, in a little town that basically revolves around the yearly rodeo. In other words, there are no English riders, or at least I don't think there are. Does anyone know of anyone or have any ideas?
 
#3 ·
Can you please explain what you consider the difference between English and Western riding besides the basic saddle design used? Aside from the show world there need not be that much distinction between riding in either basic saddle design.

In the show world, however, various disciplines have developed which require riding in one type of saddle or the other. In fact, a variety of saddles in each basic category have been designed for specific disciplines.

You might want to read a variety of books on riding. Martin Diggle's series of books entitled "Masters of Equitation on ... [various topics such as trot, canter, collecting and lengthening, etc.] might give you a broad idea of how various authorities approach these topics. Another good book is "My Horses, My Teachers" by Alois Podhajsky which describes his experiences in the cavalry, as a jumping and dressage competitor, and as the director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. One of my early trainers introduced me to "Cross-Train Your Horse" by Jane Savoie which explains how dressage exercises can help develop horses for various "Western" as well as "English" disciplines. "Everyday Training, Backyard Dressage" by Mary Twelveponies also describes blending "Western" riding and dressage techniques.
 
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