Can you ride English and Western with the same horse? Will my horse be confused?

Question

I purchased a horse 3 months ago and have been riding English style. I have just purchased a Western saddle and want to learn to ride in this discipline.

Answer 1

yeah you can.  you will be more confused then your horse.

Answer 2

For the most part the horse will be fine with whatever saddle and discipline you do.  Your horse probably won't have the slow jog and lope that an ordinary western horse does, but you can slow him down with your seat and by going in small circles.  The only thing that could be confusing to him is that Western riders usually use both reins in 1 hand and do "neck reining."  If your horse has never done that before, it's very confusing.  If your horse already knows, then there's no problem.  If your horse hasn't done it before, it's easy enough to teach...  whenever you go to turn, use both your direct rein, and lay the other rein against his neck... and use your legs to steer to help him as much as possible.  after you've been doing that for a long time, try using your direct rein less and less until your horse can move off of the pressure of the neck rein alone.  Or you could just use 2 hands forever unless you plan on showing western.

The basic riding is the same for both english and western... you can use whatever saddle you want and it doesn't matter to the horse.  It'll be pretty easy for your horse... it'll be harder for you to get used to the bigger saddle and sitting differently and keeping your leg longer.

Answer 3

you don't have to stick to English you can ride in both saddles and your horse shouldn't be confused you can try riding in the western saddle and it shouldn't make a difference.