I have been riding western for 7 years....?

Question

And in febuary, I am going to start taking english lessons. I know there are major differences in the two riding catagories. What should I expect when I first start taking lessons? Do you have any tips for me?

Answer 1

You're probably going to be really sore! I ride both Western and English and the first English lesson I took...IT HURT SOO MUCH! Beware: two point position is very painful!

Answer 2

a difference i found that really suprised me was that the horses are really touchy like if you lean back they will slow down if you lean forward then hold on .! but you really dont have to be that hard on the rienges (sorry im not sure how to spell that)because they are on a different bit, just be gental and learn how your house rides and ride acordingly. have fun

Answer 3

I started out riding western too. I rode western for about 2 years then went english for 3, and now i'm showing all-around, aka both! when I first started riding english I was really nervouse, you have a smaller saddle, less support, and you don't have a saddle horn to grab on to when your horse bucks. When I first got on it felt really strange. I felt all off-balance and like I was gonna fall off. It was different with the posting trot and 2 tracking and 2 point and all. The posting I found easier. You don't have to sit a rough jog/trot, you can rise! Although it requires more balance, english and western are simmilar. Yes, western you have ride 1 handed and english you ride 2, and western you sit the jog and english you post the trot, and yes the saddle is smaller and your irons/stirrups are smaller and looser, it's all the same. You have to just do what my friend always says, "Heels down, chin up!" You have to be confident that you know how to ride and put your skills to good use. Don't be afraid to lean forward a bit, not too much, but a little bit is needed for english. Do some crunches and sit ups, it'll help your stomach muscles get stronger and help your balance, which will help you in the 2 point, hand gallope, posting trot, and everything! And most importantly be confident! Don't hesitate to ask for more  help, and good luck!

Answer 4

I have been riding western all my life and then i decided i  wanted to try english. It really isn't much difference. there is alot more weight on you legs and you really need good balance but that will come with practice. i didn't take any lessons. i just hopped on. I LOVE IT!!! If you are experienced with western and you know how to handle horses I Know you can do it. Just Go For It!!!

Answer 5

You will probably want to have a pair of English riding breeches and boots so you won't feel out of place. Also, a good English riding helmet is needed for your safety. Western riders are a bit lax about this and wear Western hats which offer no protection to their head in a fall. it is a bigger deal in English riding and most places will require you have a good hemet with a secure head strap.

The biggest difference are that English riders usually post at the trot which will take some practice for you and there is a little more emphasis on keeping the horse moving briskly forward on the bit. The other big difference is that most English riding is done in a snaffle bit and you will keep both hands on the reins and use both hands to communicate with the horse (there won't be any one handed neck reining).

You should not have too much trouble since you already know the basics of riding.  Good luck and have fun!