Changing horse from western to english?

Question

My grandpa's horse was originally a western horse, but I'm an english rider and have english tack. Is a horse used to what saddle is put on him? I only go to my grandpas about 4 or 5 times a year and would like to try his horse english, do I just go ahead and use the english when I come? (hes only ridden when I come and ride him, and its like bareback and halter all the time.) How do I get him used to it and the new bit fast? (And my grandpa never rides him hes too busy..)

And also, since he hasn't been ridden without a saddle or bridle in forever, will he try to throw me off or something? And how do I get him to respond to my rein aids? (once when I did ride him with a bridle, he just put his head behind the vertical to avoid contact in his mouth..)

Answer 1

If you are only going to ride him 4 or 5 times a year then that will not be enough time to get the horse used to english so i sugest either riding western when you are there are riding bareback that is always fun  

Answer 2

If you can ride, and you only go to your grandpa 4 or 5 time a year, what do you expect to do with this horse going to use English tack.and what wrong with bareback, and halter. That is the best  time to have fun. You need to spend more time riding, and lest time trying to be a trainer.

Answer 3

I have to agree with the other posters.  Why would you put the horse or yourself through any of it when you are there so seldom?  What would be the point?