Just a simple question

English. I felt really mean making my horse carry me and a 45lb saddle around. I switched to english and like how light it is, and the particular saddle fits my horse much better.

I started riding western but I have done both. I like the security I feel when riding in western and when a horse is spinning underneath me its easier for me to sit in my pockets. When I play around and ride english and do spins it hurts my back trying to balance myself. I do hve alot of respect for really good english riders because english hurts sooo so much on my back and legs! Lol

I ride both; they both have their advantages, IMHO.

I started out riding Western, mainly because that's what my family rode; and, when I took lessons for a short while, that was the only discipline around.
When I moved about four years ago, I didn't really think too much about it; I just kept riding Western, because that was what I knew. I had honestly never met anyone who rode English at the time. The Western saddle was comfortable, and I knew how to ride this discipline; why would I want to switch?

A year or so ago, I met a friend who rides English. I became curious about the seemingly more graceful aspects, but due to financial difficulties, I couldn't get any lessons.
About two months ago, I started riding English at a barn about a half hour away - and I love it!

Personally, neither is better than the other.

Edit: As for the tack, the Western saddle is more comfortable; however, I love the feeling of being closer to the horse that you get with an English one... and I'm small and lazy, so the lighter weight doesn't hurt, either.

I ride both...but I grew up Western, and honestly, I think I still enjoy that more than I ever will English... But, I ride both, and both have their 'advantages'...I don't buy the whole "this is better than that" thing between western and english riding...there are so many different things you can do in each, that there just isn't a reason to go all crazy like that.

Riding styles, I prefer western. That is what most people I knew rode when I was a kid. It just seems more relaxed than english. I also associate it with being outdoors and the ranch lifestyle. Although if asked, I'm no cowgirl.
I am also fortunate enough to live near a national park and rodeo arena. Weekends, I am usually at one of those 2 places.
I tend to associate riding english with dressage and indoor arena events.
When I 1st got my own horse, a friend sold me an all purpose english saddle cheap. I rode my mare in that for the longest time. I definitely think riding an english seat made me a better rider. There is more contact with the horse, it makes your legs stronger, and improves your balance.
My next saddle is going to be an endurance saddle though. (not sure what discipline they fall under) That style of saddle just seems like it would be more comfortable for me and the horse on a long ride. I like the deep seat, they aren't as heavy as a western saddle, and I don't really need a horn for what I do.

I ride mostly bareback, but I own a western saddle when I get the feeling my horse is going to buck that day :) I want to learn english, b/c learning a little of everything can really improve your balance, cues, etc. I do enjoy jumping, though its usuallly logs on trails, and I love working with cattle. I will probably always do more Western than english. But I'm kinda fearless and kinda stupid, so I am willing to do any sport bareback- jumping, dressage, barell racing, reining, working with cattle, and yeah pretty much I'm stupid.

I ride western. Everyone rides western in my community. I like cow events and barrel racing. I will jump sometime. Although I use my western saddle for it.

Dressage! I love dressage just because there is always something more to learn, I will never ever be perfect, and it improves the horse. And it looks so elegant!!!!
It is so stric though, sometimes I wish I rode western so I could have all that sparkly tack! Lol

Yes, people associate working outdoors and living a ranch lifestyle to be more Western than English. It's not right or wrong, it's just perception.

This is true is a sense, but plenty of English riders do endurance, LDRs, and CTRs, as well as just plain old trail riding.

Depending on the style you buy, it can be either.

I'd like a Tucker Endurance saddle, but with English rigging and stirrups, which would make it an English style saddle.

You can get English or Western rigging and stirrups depending on the model of saddle, and either horned or not.

I'm always going to go for the English rigging and stirrups, regardless of the saddle. That whole Western cinching thing throws me for a loop!

I think the Western Cinch is easy! I use the cinch knot, rather than the buckle and keeper. But again, it is what you are used to.