I never knew this about horse people, could someone explain nicely??

Question

i really never knew that there was this BIG of a line in the sand between english and western riding. what is there people on both sides being "mean"/angery at the other side?

i've had my issues with different people over the year, but i never thought it was "because they're ___(fill in the blank,western/english) they're so stuck up/rude/you get the idea."i just thought it was b/c we had a difference of opinion.

if people are really that mean/rude, why am i considering going back to fun shows when i finally get a horse? wouldnt that make it a not so fun show... english riders on one sides, western on other? i thought a fun show was different riders, showing/having fun/hanging out with eachother. . . i dont ask this to start a big mean war, i just wanted to know why i didnt get it.

Answer 1

its the nature of humans we all want to be better than the next but people need to see were all the same and there for the same reason to show our hearts in how much we love horses and how happy they make us. Seriously I will hang out in my english saddle with western people and then I will drag some of them over to the english section. I make sure to be apart of all and not just be like all the other spring snotty chickens out there in horse shows now.

Answer 2

Difficult really.

I ride English ( I AM English) and the only snotty people I have ever come across are the bratty kids at shows where Mummy stands at the rail in her twin set and watches her dahling show how it's done. The snotty people are the ones who are afraid of getting dirty and scream at Mummy when "The pony won't Go, he's an absolute beast !" My kids howl when they see that sort of behaviour.

Part of it is probably due to tradition - originally English riders were the upper-class moneyed people ( everyone else had cart horses) whereas in the States everyone rode. Even now in England people who ride are considered s****. by people who don't. They just naturally assume that because you have a horse you have money ( instead of the all too true I have no money BECAUSE I have a horse !)

Answer 3

I've noticed it to :)

I ride strictly western simply because English isn't practical for me (middle of nowhere on a big ranch)

Personally, I think its because each group thinks a particular discipline is easier/harder.  

Now I don't see how "them fancy blanket riders" (thats what my uncle calls them lol) can balance on those saddles (I've never been on one, so it may be easier than it appears). So I Truly do respect them. English riding compares figure skating to pro football in my opinion.

I however prefer Western. Some say its easier, I really can't see how they can think that. But I'm not them. Everyone has their own opinion.  



I have noticed the way english riders are extremely rude to me or my horse. Now I'm not saying that all English riders are like that, they are simply the one of the few that go out of their way to trash talk Western riders. And I'm sure we have a few on our side as well. :)

I hope that made sense..

Answer 4

Most people are not like that English and western are both base on the same thing and that is loving to ride horse and spend time with them so dont let people that say things like this keep you from showing.

Answer 5

Horse people are nuts.

Answer 6

Yeah it suprises a lot of people. It's not the whole just a few that are that way. I ride western, I rope, cut, rein, and one time I even tried to bull dog,once. In my earlier years I was a rough stock rider. I have my reasons why I love western riding, on the same end I do plan on learning english as well. The only thing it will do to me is make me a better rider. I have never understood why English riders(not all, my girlfriend rides english) look down on western. And vise versa. I think its a lack of exposure and a unwilliness to learn another point of view. Tack it up to human nature.

Answer 7

I prefer Western style riding.  Some of my friends ride English, some Western.  Either way, we're still friends, and it doesn't matter what style of horseback riding we like.  I think the illusion of English/Western riding dissension comes mostly from TV.  I have never seen real life arguments or anger incidents from people who have a riding preference different from someone else.  I have, however, seen many movies in which English style riders act haughty, proud, rude, or have an 'I am better than you' attitude.  I think it's just because of the word 'English', actually, because when we hear the word, most people automatically think of refined tea parties and 'proud-looking' people; people of 'class'.  When we hear 'Western', we think of the wild, untamed, rough, and generally happy, hardy cowboys who laugh all the time and are nice to everybody.  And if you think about it, anybody who dislikes someone else just because they don't ride the same way has an ego too big for their saddle, so maybe they're the ones who try to create barriers between Western and English style riders.

Hope this helped!

Answer 8

What about those people who do both, hunt seat in the morning at shows and then western pleasure in the afternoon.  (Just to throw a twist in this); they seem to get along well with everyone.  Some even do a little dressage.

I think, I could be wrong, that there are "pockets" of a particular interest group, either English or western riders and

they may be the ones having difficulties with the other.  

In the area where I live, Central Oregon, in the town of Bend, you'll find Dressage riders and farms on the east side of town, and western enthusiasts on the west side of town....there are the "pockets" of riders.   There is definitely some "trash talking" between the two there.  Can't answer the "why" of this...perhaps the dressage queens on the east side of town have no time for the trailer trash on the west side of town....somehow we all survive it.

Answer 9

Yup, i've noticed too.

Don't mean to be prejudice but most english people are total snobs.

Answer 10

Shadow, this is just human nature.  Don't let it bother you, ignore it.  No matter what you do, you will always come into contact with people who have narrow closed minds tied to the utmost in snobbery.  Look at it this way, those people are so limited by keeping themselves so closed off and one sided, they will never reap the rewards of someone with your attitude.  You sound like a reasonable, pleasant, intelligent individual.  The people you describe are NOT and they will never accomplish the optimum in any area of their life  because they lack feeling and empathy and honesty.  Do what you love and don't worry about the division.  Have fun and enjoy your horse.   There is no accounting for personality and taste, or a lack thereof.  You just can't let it get you down.  There is a shortage of people who expect and look for the best in people.   It is a sad commentary, but when you are disappointed a few times, you become more reserved and a little tougher.  There is no shortcoming in you because certain people fell short of your expectations.   We should all attempt to be tolerant and understanding and open without being malicious and mean or cruel.  But again, that type will always be around.  Surround yourself with good people and keep the "toxic" ones at a distance so they can't poison your life.  Take care.

Answer 11

I think it's the older generations that respect both disciplines and aren't the ones to stereotype each other because we appreciate and understand just how much work go into BOTH types of riding.

I've noticed, Just because I'm older and have cobwebs around my joints that the younger riders are more quick to point and name call. I think this is because they still have help with all their horsey needs. They still have mommy and daddy footing show fees, boarding and feed and vet bills. They haven't had to work and appreciate and train to get to a more independant level to learn that english or western- we're all horse people and we're all in the same boat.

I think once those that are quick to stereotype each discipline learn that each kind of riding is an artform and is hard work, and that at the end of the day- you're both riding a horse, that this name calling and indifference will stop.

Answer 12

I know what your saying. I once called a barn about boarding and her first question was if I am western or english. I said western and she said "you can't board here" and she hung up the phone. I am a barrel racer at heart, trainer, trail rider. Funny thing though I am teaching my horses Dressage with a proffesional trainer in western saddles to improve my horses athletic ability. People don't realize that horse training for each discipline is so similar its just a matter of what you emphasize on the most. If everyone one used the traditional training methods from the true masters of horsemanship I think people would be much happier and understand each other. I think true dressage trainers are the closest to this. Yet there are false one, you know the ones that head set and not actually get true collection using the two plains of balance and the stomach as the transition and such. okay I went of course but yeah anyway its like that everywhere, rodeo people don't understand western pleasure, western riders don't always understand english, each style has an enemy like somebody said above its human nature to want to be better

Answer 13

There isn't really a big line in the sand between Western and English.  Sure, you will find some people who have a big investment in their style of riding who may be offended at the notion that anyone else could do something different and also be "right".  

But,  I'm a member of a local riding club that sponsors English, Western and Gymkhana shows, and I've attended all three and everyone has been friendly  (although I do have to question the ability of some of the judges <VBEG>).

If you haven't found a friendly group of people where you are, keep looking.  They're out there.

Answer 14

I see a lot of that on here but In "real life", I've never personally had an issue with it. I ride primarily western, and a LOT of my horse friends ride english. We share with each other our techniques and learn from one another. I've learned a lot from them, and I think they've learned a few tricks here and there from me. I enjoy being friends with people who do a different discipline than me. i think it's better to be educated in both rather than bad mouth the other. You'll learn more and in turn be a much better horseman-woman.

EDIT: Debi, same here in America. Everyone assumes that if you have a horse you've got to have money... Well, I am FAR from rich.

Answer 15

Don't fall into the trap of letting them make you choose sides; enjoy all of it. Find people who are willing to give "the other side" a chance. There's a lot to be said for both types of riding. Just try to avoid the meanies and enjoy yourself.

Answer 16

I wonder the same thing. I go to an english/western split barn, and I can never understand why a few of the people are so against each other. One time I had finished jumping, put my horse away, and the owner of the barn had some cows in the arena. I got to try cattle cutting for the first time and I had a blast! The horses in both disciplines are so special and both are so challenging, I think if people would just try different disciplines they would have way more fun!

Answer 17

I switched from english to western. hated english. there might be disputes because western is much more laid back and less fancy.

Answer 18

I honestly think that forever there has been a not so friendly banter over what discipline is better, easier, more fun, etc.  You are more correct in the "difference of opinion" school of thought, and I agree with that more as well.

I've ridden and shown both "ways" lol and on the same animal! Go figure.  

I think if you stay at fun shows and don't get into breed shows you'll be still in the same ring as people like me (and possibly lots of others) who do both and are still great people to hang out with.  OR you could come join the Mule world and have TONS of fun no matter what you do with them, halter, ride (eng or west), drive, or nothing at all. Sorry just had to add that!

Good luck with your next horse and your fun shows!

Answer 19

Some people are snooty, some are not!  No matter what you decide to compete in....

P.S.  Most "SNOOTY " people are spoiled wanna be's.......

Answer 20

I actually used to think the same thing. I grew up riding western but switched to english and absolutely loved it. Well I boarded at a barn that was pretty rinky dink and filled with a good mixture of riders. unfortunately a lot of people down there knew little about horses even though they pretended to know everything. of course they were drawn to western because they all thought it was easier and more macho. well i started to resent these people because they were always talking like they knew everything and making fun of me and the other english riders for our sissy saddles. it took me a long time to realize that these people were just riding in western saddles not riding western. theres a big difference between those who are actually riding and those who are just sitting there. i think both sides have their good and stuck up/rude people, and both take plenty of skill. i'll always prefer english but i respect anyone that can get out there and ride well, regardless of what kind of saddle you use.

Answer 21

I've never experienced this. Not many people ride western at my stables (mainly only my stable owners and one of my instructors) but we'd all love to learn. I have no problem with western riders at all. It's just a stereotype.

Answer 22

one word.. Politics.. LoL... horse back riding is just a bunch of politics.. you even find it in 4H, but to tell you the truth, it is more between the adults than the kids... I personally, am an English rider... but at the same time... I have no issues with the Western Riders, it's just not my thing...oh! and I love Speed events! (maybe since I use a western saddle, that means I do both..JK)

Answer 23

In general, people tend to identify themselves with certain styles and looks.  It's called a "brand" and advertisers know this about consumers - once you decide you really like something in particular, whether its a Ford truck, or a Nike running shoe, you can really stick to the brand.

This is the same thing in the horse world.  Some people pick their breed and that becomes their identity.  Many Quarter horse people would be caught dead with a Morgan on their place and many Morgan people would drop over dead if a Paint moved in.  The breed has become part of who they are.

Likewise, some people become "branded" by a certain style of riding.  Those are the ones that look down at their nose at English or Western for various reasons.  Often they can't explain their reason clearly, the bottom line is "its different from what THEY do, and therefore not good."

Having said that, I would say the majority of horse show people at the breed level where I show do not pick one style of riding over another.  Most amateurs that I show with want to do both Western and English.  They might prefer one style, or their horse might do better at one style, but they generally don't knock them because they want to compete in as many as classes as possible. I show Paints, so perhaps I can only speak to my breed, but I would say 100% of people that show English also show Western, and probably 75% that show Western show English at times.  So they aren't able to be mean to each other - because they do both themselves!  Now, if you get to the smaller Open show world you will find the majority ride only Western where I live (here in Alberta, Canada)  There is a bit of a cowboy mentality amoung some people that English is for the upper crust, and Western is for the "good old boys".  But even those type tend to be pleasant at shows.  They might laugh and refuse to ever ride English themselves, but I have never met one that looked down at me because I did both.  In general I'm friendly and find it easy to visit with friendly riders of all breeds and all styles.  Most of the time if you're friendly, people will be friendly back.

So I truely don't think you need to lay awake at night worrying that people are going to be miserable to you at shows.  There are unkind people out there, and there are competitive people who try to make themselves look good at the expense of others.  But those type are everywhere, in every sport, and truely no worse in showing than anywhere else in the world.

Or at least that's how its been for me in the 20 plus years of showing open shows, and the 2 years of showing at Breed Paint level.

Answer 24

There are big differences between them, but usually only some people are in the "English/Western is better than Western/English" war. The tack, speeds, events, and apparel are very different. However, usually on TV if the s****. bratty kids ride, they ride English. So, some Western riders thought that all English riders were s****., and then some English riders built a stereotype...IDK, it's just a little kid thing...people get over it.

Answer 25

funny thing is i've never experienced this. Its the stupid people who stereotype it

I know tons of people who will ride english and then do games and barrels.

English is comfortable, I will ride english. I have a pessoa saddle that my aunt gave me after she stopped doing hunter and its sooo comfy, and i use it at shows too.

Answer 26

I haven't had much experience with this :S

It's just bias isn't it? One person is brought up in a "western" style environment and another is brought in an English one. Matter of opinion. Personally, I love both styles. The PC where I was had a great mixture of both.