A step into the dark side :D

Yesterday I had my first western lesson....Ever. In my life I had only rode in a western saddle twice. Once on a trail ride with my friend and the other time when my student/ instructor put on her reining horse to spin.

Trying to override 28 years worth of english was a little scary at first, my brain was rather unsure on a new horse with no contact. I put on my big girl panties and just did it.

Towards the end, I think I was getting the hang of it. I learnt so much, roll backs, spins, getting the head carriage etc.

From now on, I think we will be switching out for english and western lessons This stuff could be real fun!

Nooo, come back! We have cookies!

All kidding aside, I'm glad you had a good time. Hope your lessons continue to be fun and educational.

Muhahaha for get the cookies....we have bling!!!!



In all seriousness I glad you had fun and tried it :) I hope you can continue to do both in your future!

Congrats for wanting to become a well-rounded rider!! I ride Hunt Seat, Western, Dressage and Saddleseat and I'm so grateful I've done it all. It gives you experience and insight into the difficulty of each and a real appreciation of all of them.

I'm opposite, only rode English once. LOL
Western is awesome... Wait till you try cutting a cow!!

Yahoooooo


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It is very rewarding to broaden your horizons.
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I have only rode western and done western lessons. Have an english saddle for funsies though. I do love the look of dressage and have heard western riders are usually good at dressage. I think it is good to be educated on all disciplines.

I am just the opposite as well, I had never been in an English saddle before until I started riding this lady's Shire for her (almost 2 years ago now). He used to be a jumper and now she just does a lil dressage with him. I started riding him in my western saddle because I was too nervous about switching over to an English saddle for the first time while also getting used to riding a 17 hand horse! (I'm used to the 14'2 quarter horses!) Anyways, I eventually got comfortable enough with him to switch to her dressage saddle, and although I know nothing about dressage, I do enjoy switching it up and feeling the close contact you get with an English saddle. It has definitely made me feel more well rounded, and I think helped me improve my riding abilities as well. But I'll still never trade in my cutting saddle for one full time!! :)

Oh, I'm adding a picture for the heck of it, because everyone loves pictures! This is "Albert" and I riding "Wenglish" ;). Notice the cowboy boots, I hadn't gotten my English riding attire yet!