What is the western?
The western is not just a sport that many athletes of this discipline and athletes love. The western goes beyond that. It is a part of the philosophy of life that the cowboys of the Wild West built.
Thus, apart from the characteristic equipment of the western as well as the clothing, western riding is based on a certain complicity between the equine and the rider. A complicity that allows for precise and rapid movements. Discover here, what this discipline is in detail.
The origins of the western
The western is a discipline that we naturally associate with the cowboys of the Far West. Indeed, thanks to horses, we were able to drive herds of cattle across the vast American plains. It was therefore necessary for the horses to be robust and comfortable.
The riding style was therefore adapted by the cowboys so that it was simple enough to spend long working days on horseback with a suitable saddle. The one-handed grip on the reins also comes from the cowboys, who had to hold the lasso in the other hand.
Cowboys were inspired, among other things, by the indigenous peoples of North America, who went hunting with their horses, and by the Spanish vaqueros who settled in America during colonization.
Characteristics of the Western Horse
All horses can become western riding horses. However, some traits of the western horse can represent real attractions like serenity, agility, stability of the foot… That said, the breeds of horses specialized in western riding are Paint Horses, Quarter Horses and Appaloosas. These are breeds that naturally represent the characteristics mentioned above and that contrast strongly with the typical “English riding horses”. Whatever the breed of your horse, you will get interesting and comfortable accessories for it on La Sellerie Française.
Differences with English riding
The difference between English riding and Western riding is that English riding is mainly based on the basics of both riding styles. However, beyond these differences, it is important to highlight a common point which is the training of the horse, which is primarily used to keep the animal in excellent health. This training must always be done in the interest of the animal's well-being.
Also, if the notions of cadence and relaxation are part of the basis of all riding, in Western riding, you have to try to obtain the yield while in English riding, you have to look for the set-up. In English riding, the set-up means that there is a permanent connection between the rider's hand and that of the horse's mouth.
Conversely, in Western riding, the aids are used rhythmically and punctually. We therefore seek a yielding to the aids to obtain an immediate reaction to the slightest request. Western riding is practiced with loose reins and requests are made with one hand as soon as the horse and rider are sufficiently trained.
The other aspect is that the hindquarter drive in English riding is very similar. An active hindquarter will be the basis of the impulsion. The hindquarters play an important role not only in the horse's carrying ability, but also in the handling and control of the different gaits. The hindquarters also serve as a pivot for making tight turns and for maneuvers specific to the demands of riding.