Kindness in Horse Training

Kindness in Horse Training

It is a known fact that some horse trainers are cruel. In horse training, kindness is an important principle that should be followed at all times.

However, too much kindness is also not good. You should still include appropriate punishment if your horse does not follow your commands.

Whenever people hear the word ‘punishment’, they often think of hitting and whipping.

If you’re going to punish your horse, don’t hit them. Instead, you can simply use a change in your voice’s tone.

The horse can easily detect any change in your voice and it can have a certain effect on him.

If your horse follows your commands, you must also reward it with kindness like giving it a caress on the forehead or shoulder.

Make sure that even if you punish your horse, the confidence remains. Your horse should still think that you’re his best buddy despite the punishment.

When your horse is excited, never whip him because it is an act of cruelty and foolishness. You will only make the situation more dangerous. It will also increase the balkiness of your horse.

Here’s a very good example. Horses can be compared to kids. When a kid commits a mistake, your instinct is to scold him at once. If you do, he will think that he’s in trouble.

This will make him nervous and uneasy. Make sure that you calm him by telling him that you’re mad at what he’s done. Let him see that you’re not angry anymore.

At this point, your kid knows that he committed a mistake but he can still feel your love. Horses should also be treated the same way. It is important for horses to feel approved and loved.

If after a punishment your horse still feels uneasy and afraid, you can’t train him effectively.

Perfect timing of kindness is just as important. You see, if you exhibit kindness at the wrong timing, it might reinforce wrong behavior. Take this example – your horse runs from you and you had to chase him. When you finally catch him, you say ‘that’s a god boy’. By doing so, you’re teaching your horse to run away from you. Your horse will think that if he runs away, you will pet him afterwards.

Your horse should see you as a friend, not a predator. Don’t treat your horse like a slave. Wrong acts of horses are triggered by excitement, fear, and mismanagement. Even a single harsh word can cause nervousness. As a horse trainer, you should be aware that abusing a horse can lead to balking, biting, and kicking; if you whip your horse, it’s like whipping a child. If you treat them with common sense and kindness from birth, they will grow up to be obedient and useful horses.

Don’t be stubborn in dealing with problem horses. You should be gentle in order to win obedience. Make sure that you give them treats occasionally especially if they obey you. Caress and kind words can calm an excited and afraid horse.

Kindness in horse training is very important. If you want to be a successful and effective horse trainer, you should show kindness to all animals. Developing your confidence and positive traits is also vital. Avoid harsh punishments like whipping. When you’re punishing your horse, you need to be consistent. If you do these things, your horse will become a well-trained one.

 

Horse Lead Training

Horse Lead Training

Horsemen often boast about their horses having ‘the feel’. What it’s all about anyway? You will find out later once you’ve learned about horse lead training.

Training your horse to wear a halter and the lead may take some time. Most horses don’t like human presence especially the older ones. Because of this, many people prefer to train young horses. Lead training is important and your horse should possess ‘the feel’. When your horse does not require any tugging on the lead and automatically follows you when you walk, then your horse has this trait. The rider and the horse should act simultaneously. Simple body language is enough for the horse to understand what you mean. A slight tug on the rope is enough to get your horse moving.

Perhaps you’ve already seen horse owners who constantly pull and tug the lead but their horse won’t budge. This means that the horse don’t possess the necessary quality. If you always pull and tug the lead, the tendency of the horse is to fight back or resent your presence.

The question now is – how can you lead train your horse?

Stand on the left side of your horse, near the neck area. Hold the rope and point to a certain direction. Your horse will be alerted of what’s going to happen next. Once you point to a certain direction, tap the rope, and step. This will prompt the horse to move because you’ve caught his attention. Walk a few steps and stop. Allow your horse to think about what happened. Repeat this procedure.

As you keep on repeating the same procedure, your horse will get used to it and you no longer need to tap the rope. When you point, your horse will automatically move.

This procedure should only be performed if the horse is already used to your presence. If you try this with a new horse, he might jump at you. Allow him to recognize your presence. Establish respect and trust first so that you can work smoothly together.

Your feelings are absorbed by the horse easily. Before you elicit a response from your horse, you should present the appropriate feeling. You should think of your wants and the response of your horse. With these things in mind, your horse can easily catch up on your thoughts.

Here’s a very good example. If you want your horse to turn left (assuming that you’re already riding your horse), you must think of it. Look to the left and move your body as if you’re turning to the left. When the horse feels your body movement, he will automatically turn to the direction you want even without tapping. You must possess confidence so that the horse can trust you. It’s natural for horses to respond negatively to unclear thoughts and it can be dangerous at times especially when you’re riding. You need to show firmness when you’re dealing with horses but you shouldn’t be cruel.

Being soft and careful when handling your horse is important. You can’t effectively train your horse if you’re afraid that it might kick you. Think positively and learn the language of your horse. This is the way to having ‘the feel’ of your horse. Some horses don’t possess this quality and they can be very hard to handle.

But don’t give up easily. If you know many horse training techniques, you can use them to your advantage.

Horse Training – Secrets to Success

Horse Training – Secrets to Success

Horse owners love to engage in horse races. However, how can you possibly win a race if the horse doesn’t obey you? Through proper horse training techniques, you can make your horse obey your commands on the dot. Untrained horses can be dangerous and it’s vital that you train them. You can’t teach old dogs new tricks but in the case of a horse, you might be successful in training an older horse but you must have patience and determination. Training younger horses is much easier. Soon, you can win one of the horse races in your area.

Never face a horse if you’re afraid of it. The horse can easily tell if you’re nervous or frightened. If you want to win your horse’s confidence and trust, you should possess such qualities too. If the horse is in the stable or the pen/corral, you can walk around it and check the buckets or water troughs and feed. Make sure that your horse feels your presence. When he gets used to it, he will no longer be bothered if you’re there. Don’t attempt to go near the horse or even touch it; just wait until the horse approaches you. Friendly horses are easier to take as compared to skittish and snobbish horses.

When the horse approaches you, this is the signal to start the training. Firstly, you should train your horse in wearing a lead or halter. Show the halter to your horse and let him sniff or taste it. Do this everyday for about 15 minutes and when he’s already used to the halter, raise it over his head but don’t attach it. Don’t push your horse to the limit. Observe the body language because it tells a lot about the horse’s feelings. Keep on trying until your horse no longer shy away from the halter. Take your horse for a walk pulling the lead.

When a horse is frustrated or tired, it can be dangerous and it depends on the personality of your horse. Slow training is better than forcing your horse to obey you. Make use of careful movements, calm voice, and steady training for better results.

Once you attach the halter and lead on, tell your horse to come to you without pulling the lead; if the horse obeys, give him hay or any treat. As the horse walks towards you, give the lead a tug. Do this all over again until your horse acquaints the tug with moving.

Train your horse to human touch. You can start by touching his ears, chest, and muzzle. It’s natural for horses to shy away, bite, or kick. Soon you can groom your horse and try saddle training.

If you feel any fussing, just stand still beside your horse. When you’re about to introduce something new to him, just stand still and let him see the thing you’re holding (e.g. halter, lead, etc). Try moving away from him and you will notice that he’s waiting for you to return. Do the training calmly, slowly, and in a short yet steady manner. Well trained horses can win horse events with ease.

Horse training is the only way to use your horse at work, when traveling, or when doing other tasks. Not all horse trainers achieve success. Just follow these simple yet effective secrets and see for yourself.

Know The 5 Best Horse Training Commands For Western Horse Riding

Thoughts About Best Horse Training Commands

Use the best horse training commands always when riding. 

A well-trained horse is the safest horse to use in western horse riding.

Make a habit of having a best-trained western riding horse.  

All will be maximized for safe western horse riding when you use these 5 best horse training commands.

When it comes to training your horse, you want to be sure that you are using the most practical commands, always try to use the best horse training commands.

A few different horse training commands are most effective in getting your horse to respond the way you want.

One of the most effective horse training commands is the voice command.

 This is when you use your voice to tell your horse what you want it to do.

For example, if you want your horse to stop, you would say “whoa” in a firm voice.

Your horse will quickly learn to associate your voice with the desired action.

As I continue with the best horse training command, another effective horse training command is the physical cue.

This is when you use your body language to tell your horse what you want it to do.

For example, if you want your horse to turn left, you would raise your left arm and point in the direction you want it to go.

When it comes to training your horse, you want to be sure that you are using the most practical commands.

A few different horse training commands are most effective in getting your horse to respond the way you want.

Best Horse Training Commands

Best Horse Training Commands

The Stop Command: How to Properly Execute a Stop Command

Horses are large, powerful animals. As such, it’s important for those working with them to know how to properly execute a stop command.

There are a few things to keep in mind when giving a horse a stop command

First, the person issuing the command should be in a position of authority.

Second, the command should be given with calm assertiveness – not with anger or aggression.

Finally, once the horse has stopped, it’s important to praise and reward them for their compliance.

Giving a stop command is an important part of working with horses.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that both you and your horse remain safe during your interactions. 

​How To Properly Execute a Turn Command

When it comes to horseback riding, one of the most important things to master is the turn command.

This is a basic command that is used to cue the horse to turn in either direction, and it is vital for steering and maneuvering while riding.

Here are some tips on how to properly execute a turn command with your riding horse:

​1. First, make sure that you are sitting up straight in the saddle and have a good grip on the reins.

​2. To cue the horse to turn left, gently pull on the left rein while keeping the right rein slack. To cue the horse to turn right, do the opposite.

​3. Remember to use gentle cues when first teaching your horse this command. You can gradually increase the pressure on the reins as needed.

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Commands For Casual Riding Horses

The Canter Command: How to Properly Implement a Canter Command

When it comes to horse training commands, the canter command is one of the most important.

The canter command is considered one of the best horse training commands.

In order to properly execute a canter command, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, you need to make sure that you have a good, strong relationship with your horse.

If your horse doesn’t trust you or respect you, then they’re not going to respond well to any of your commands.

Make sure that you’ve taken the time to build a solid foundation with your horse before trying to move on to more complicated commands like the canter.

Once you have a good relationship with your horse, you need to be very clear and concise when giving them the canter command.

The last thing you want is for your horse to get confused and end up doing something else entirely.

Check out a couple of very useful videos that will help you understand the canter command better.

Enjoy as well experiencing the different commands that are considered the best horse training commands by trainers everywhere.

The Gallop Command: How To Properly Execute a Gallop Command

When it comes to horse training, the gallop command is an important one.

If you want your horse to properly execute a gallop command, there are a few things you need to do.

First, you must ensure you have a good grip on the reins.

You don’t want to be holding on too tightly, but you also don’t want to be holding on too loosely.

Second, you need to give the command with a clear and concise voice.

There should be no room for misunderstanding what you’re asking your horse to do.

Finally, when you give the command, make sure that you give it with enough authority that your horse knows that you expect him to listen and obey.

Some words are more effective than others.

​Some horses respond better to commands that are short and sharp, while other horses respond better to long and drawn-out commands.

Try different combinations until you’ve found the one that works best for your horse.

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Western Horse Gallop Command

5 Horse Training Commands Available To Horse Trainers

If you’re thinking about becoming a horse trainer, you probably want to know what commands you’ll need to use.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common commands used in horse training:

“Walk”: This is probably the most basic command and is used to get the horse moving forward at a slow pace.

“Trot”: This command is used to get the horse moving forward at a slightly faster pace than a walk.

“Canter”: This command is used to get the horse moving forward at a fast pace.

It’s important to only use this command when the horse is ready for it, as it can be dangerous if they aren’t prepared.

“Stop”: As you might expect, this command is used to get the horse to stop moving.

The physical cue- use leg cues to direct your horse responsively and safely.

This could also involve body language, which could include physical pressure points when needing to improve your horse’s riding performance.

To move our horse forward, we use our lower legs (calves). We gently press our calf against their sides, and they should start walking.

If they don’t respond to the light pressure, we can slightly kick them or use a whip behind their back leg.

Man and horse work together to safely execute horse riding maneuvers safely.

​Always wear your helmet to protect yourself to the maximum.

For an even better and thorough discussion of horse commands, I recommend this great article, 

Basic Horseback Riding Commands

I believe this will give you and more detailed, well written description of how intricate training and riding a horse can be.

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Horse Training Commands For Young Riders

Use Pressure From Your Hands, Legs, and Butt

Your seat is best used to guide the horse. The more pressure you apply, the faster and more controlled the animal will be.

Your legs are crucial to keep balance on your saddle as well as to signal your intentions to the horse.

Finally, your hands are all-important for giving commands like whoa or giddy up !

Horses have three natural aids: the seat, the legs, and the hands.

All of these aids have to be used properly for the horse to respond correctly.

Many people use aids on their horse such as a bit, bridle and reins.

Each of these aids has a specific purpose and all of them must be used properly for the horse to move correctly. 

A bit is used to control the horse’s mouth and head position, while a bridle is used to help steer the horse in the desired direction.

The reins are attached to the bit and are used by

A seat is a subtle but important aid that you use to steer the horse.

In order to move the horse in a certain direction, you must sit on one side or the other in order to give that direction with your body weight.

The seat should also be used when turning the horse around at a crossroads of any sort.

A leg is another very important aid for communicating with the horse.

A good whip of your right leg can encourage a right turn while a left leg will encourage left turns. 

The whip does not need to be pulled back before it is used. It can either be whipped forward or with a continuous motion towards the horse’s mouth to encourage a reaction from your horse.

If you want more resistance from your “spur”, as it’s called, then you should keep your leg tight and close together (which moves them apart).

This will give more thrusting power onto the animal’s back

Hands are also an important aid for communicating with horses because they can show what angle you want to turn.

This article is part of our series on horseback riding.

Hands are also an important aid for communicating with horses because they can show what angle you want to turn, or how far you want your horse to move in different directions.

horse rein commands

Horse Rein Commands

Which Horse Training Commands Are Most Effective?

A good rule of thumb is that commands should be as concise as possible, and only used when absolutely necessary.

It is easy to confuse your horse. No matter how much training for commands your horse has been through, always, always be succinct in your commands.

The horse will respond according to how well you give the commands. Do not be indecisive or wishy-washy.

Your biggest fear of the biggest problem you could experience would be to confuse your horse with your command.

I refer you to the detailed videos I shared earlier in this post.

As I mentioned earlier you can use horse leg commands, and horse rein commands to aid and guide the horse to properly understand your verbal commands. 

These aids all work hand in hand to accomplish better safe control of your horse and your ride.

With that in mind, here are the two most effective horse training commands:

1. “Whoa”: This is probably the most important command you can teach your horse and one that they will use on a daily basis.

It’s important to make sure that your horse knows how to respond properly to this command before moving on to anything else.

2. “Walk”: This is another essential command and one that will be used often during your horse’s training.

As with the “whoa” command, it’s important to make sure that your horse knows how to respond properly before moving on to anything else.

If you understand that commands are to be just that commands they are not suggestions to your horse.

basic western riding commands

Basic Western Riding Commands

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5 Top Spooky Horse Training Tips–Calming Your Horse

Our top 5 spooky horse training tips are full of great ideas on calming down your spooked horse.

The biggest key is developing a great communication process with your horse.
Follow along with me as I walk you through the best spooky horse training tips. 2 Bonus Tips are included.

See the Bonus tips Now.

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Spooky Horse Training Tips

Explaining Spooky Horse Training Tips

In this article I will explain actually the major importance of using spooky horse training tips to make your horse riding safer and more enjoyable.

Bottom line is should be prepared and know how to deal with a spooky horse.

If you look at a horse and a rider, you soon will realize that there is a need for great communication between them.

Know What Your Horse Responds To

You must learn to use the languages that a horse responds to. A horse has very sensitive and mobile ears. Sounds are picked up quickly and easily. [toc]

You must always remember that the nature of a horse is either flight or fight. Your horse will act naturally, according to its natural instincts.

Flight can abruptly happen. Many things can trigger the flight response. Don’t let this happen to you as it could be very dangerous for you.

Spooky Horse Training Tips

If you don’t want this to happen, then you need to be in-tune with your ride. You and your horse are a team.
Here are a few facts you should know about your horse. Knowing these will help you be able to read your horse better.

  • A horse sees only in two dimensions. So the horse can be scared or spooked very easily with sudden movements or when faced with different things than the horse has ever experienced.
  • The horse will have trouble identifying what’s going on or knowing physical things well, just by its sight. Be aware of its other sensors being put to use.
  • Items that appear suddenly could be something blowing in the wind. Or maybe a motorized car that makes noise appearing suddenly in the horse’s view. A motocross bike would be another great example of something you come across suddenly that causes it to be scared.

Top 5 Spooky Horse Training Tips

So I have been talking about great teamwork. You and the horse are in sync. But how do you get there?

  1. Learn the horse’s language. Concentrate on its use of ear placement, and realize just how flexible a horse’s ear is. Ear placement can be, frontward, backward, or one ear in each direction. All of these have special meanings to you as they are being signaled from your horse.
  2. Use the horse’s night vision to your advantage. Be aware it can see things you can’t. Trust it and its sudden response of being unsettled.
  3. Be able to spot a swishing tail. This means the horse is restless or angry about something that may be going on in sight, or physically happening to the horse.
  4. The rider learns to control the horse’s calmness by using their voice control. The tone and calmness of the voice can make all the difference in the world. You should have a series of horse calmers for spooky horses in your repertoire. You will experience safer riding if you do have this knowledge and awareness.
    You might be wondering what makes the horse calm. It could it be the tone of the owner’s voice or maybe it’s the words being used? The answer is both. Please remember a calm lower toned, clear voice will ease the horse into a calm state. Usually repeating a calming word phrase will be helpful to the horse. It knows everything is all right. Nothing to run from, Just Calmness. That’s where you want to be.
  5. Feeding the horse a snack that it really enjoys. Such as always having a supply of hay nearby can help you avoid further irritation with your horse. The use of hay, feeding it small hand fulls at a time with a calm conversation will work wonders. Again settling the horse into familiar situations is a calming effect for a spooky horse.

2 BONUS CONCEPTS

Two of the techniques used by some horse trainers are called the 300-Peck Pigeon Method and the head down method. Horses are known to be ones who lift up their head, the more in the air the more upset they are getting.

Getting used to the fact that the more the head is lifted up, probably the more upset the horse is. Then you can use the 300 Peck Pigeon Method and the head down method to full effect to keep your horse calm.

Clicker Training for Your HorseClicker Training for Your HorseClicker Training for Your Horse

I would like to share a podcast by Equoisity the goes into detail about using the 300 peck pigeon training method to calm down your spooky horse, a great spooky horse training tip you can use on your horse.

Equiosity Episode 49: “300-Peck Pigeon” Horses This podcast is done by Alexandra Kurland.

Might I suggest an excellent training book on the Clicker Training Method by Alexandra? It is featured on Amazon.com. ⏩⏩⏩⏩

You may take a look at it as a great resource to help you out with clicker training if you are curious about this form of calmness training for horses.

As a horse trainer, you should not panic. You should be calm in order to calm your horse.

You need to know how to deal with a spooky horse. When you look at your horse try to wear a smile of contentment, not a frown. The horse will feed off your demeanor.

Keep your posture non-threatening always try to avoid abrupt movements. This shows your horse that you’re not bothered by his movements of being unsettled.

You can tell your horse to lower its head or you can rub the neck and withers. No one can refuse a great relaxing rubdown, not even your horse.


If You Learn Better From Pictures

The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in PicturesThe Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in PicturesThe Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures

In researching Alexandra for this post, I discovered what I know would be a great companion for the above mentioned Clicker Training For Your Horse.

Ms. Kurland has also published the same training, but this time it is expressed in a book with over 600 photos.

In The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Pictures by Alexandra Kurland, you will be guided by pictures to the exact moments to click for the most effective results in training your horse.

The book takes you from the basics up through the most comprehensive and complete training for your horse. The Clicker method has never been explained completely and thoroughly. I don’t think you can get lost in this exact training guide.

So if you learn better through pictures as I do, this is a great tool to have in your training library.

Where To Get A Clicker

EcoCity Upgrade Version Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap, 4-PackEcoCity Upgrade Version Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap, 4-PackEcoCity Upgrade Version Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap, 4-Pack

You may also find it helpful to include a clicker in your tools. I found this most sought after Dog Clicker which will work very well for your horse clicker training.

With this product on Amazon, you will get a 4 pack of these dog clickers.

They are multicolored and are very highly rated for satisfaction by customers and purchasers of the clickers.

You will also receive each clicker on an elastic wrist band for easy peace of mind keeping.

Read More About Training Both Horse and Rider-View Related Posts Below

6 Basic Steps of Western Horse Riding Lessons

Western horse riding lessons are needed if you are going to ride a horse safely. You need to really enjoy the ride as well. Horses can be a great recreational activity. Follow me as I go through 6 basic steps of the lessons that you really should take.
The Beginner’s Guide to How to Ride a Horse Western Style
The beginner’s guide to how to ride a horse western style is a detailed report on basics that you need to know. I cover many different areas that a new horse rider should be informed of. So differences between western riding and English riding are pointed out.

Understanding the Difference Between English and Western Riding

In this article, I cover all of the main things that are different with the two riding styles.

Understanding the differences between English and western riding does cover everything from saddle difference to holding the reins different.

Controlling the ride as a rider is different too.

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Why You Need To Know the Difference Between English and Western Riding

Difference Between English and Western RidingWhen You first become interested in horse riding, you will need to make a choice of which horse riding style you wish to pursue.

There is a difference between English riding and Western Riding. You will need to know how English riding vs Western Riding is. Then you will be able to make a much better, informed decision.

Difference Between English and Western Riding

Learning to ride a horse means learning the different riding styles that are available. When people are new to riding horses, they often wonder about the difference between English and western riding.

These riding styles have their differences and similarities and one is really no more difficult than the other to learn. With this information, new riders can better understand the similarities and what makes each of these riding styles unique.

Riding Style History: English Riding & Western Style Riding

I am of the strong belief that if you are trying to understand anything or anyone, you get history on it or them. Until then it’s a crapshoot. Your information could be slanted as sub-standard or lacking.

It could be looked at as bigoted, or small-minded as well if it’s your view of a person.

So since we are talking about a riding style for the horse the first description might fit better. I believe you will be much better informed to make a proper riding style decision if you have a clear picture of what the history looks like for both styles.

English Riding

The English style of riding started in England and the European area of the world. This style is much more a horse, man type of communication type of riding. This style is used more for fox runs, dressage, and horse event jumping and riding competitions.

It uses a small saddle. [toc]With this in mind, the horse can feel much more of how the person riding it. The rider is trying to control or ride it with directives.

If you are of undisciplined riding control patterns then you will have a mixed-up horse and I am, sure your ride may be unsafe as well as not enjoyable.

Horse and man, or woman and horse, it is the relationship that makes a tremendous difference in the English style of riding.

Western Style

Western-style horse riding was developed in the western plains of the United States and the pampas(the large flat surface) grasslands of Argentina, in South America.

Gauchos Riding Western Style
Gauchos Riding Western Style

The intention here was that the horses were being used for long periods of time by cowboys here in the United States and gauchos in Argentina. Also, it is used by ranchers in Southern Canada and in Australia as well.

They were using the horses for ranching duties and a long day in the saddle leads to the development of a larger, more comfortable saddle.

Thus western style riding does not require as much body control from the rider. This makes the western style very popular and easier to achieve great results with than the English style of riding.

The Main Difference Lies in the Tack

When attempting to gain an understanding of English vs western riding, one of the first considerations is the type of tack that is used.

The type of tack presents the main difference between the two styles and sets them apart from one another.

The western saddle is larger and

billy cook paycheck supreme saddle
Billy Cook Western Style Saddle

it covers more area of the horse’s back. It is also much heavier than an English saddle.

The western saddle was designed to evenly distribute the weight of the rider across the expanse of the horse’s back for a greater level of comfort for the horse.

The western saddle was meant to provide a more comfortable ride for horses spending long days on the ranch.

In direct contrast with the western saddle, the English saddle is much lighter in weight and smaller. A smaller saddle allows the rider to have a greater level of contact with the horse’s back.

This type of saddle is meant to provide comfort for both the horse and rider, ensuring the horse’s movements are not impeded by the saddle.

Some riders believe English saddles allow for more intuitive interaction with the horse.

English Style Riding Saddle
English Style Riding Saddle

The style of saddle is a primary difference between English and western riding, but there are also other differences, such as riding style, that set these two types of styles apart.

Understanding these differences will help new riders to be able to decide which one will be preferable for them.

The Differences in Riding Styles

For new riders, it can be a bit confusing to understand western riding vs English riding. There are some slight differences in riding styles, but there are also some similarities.

English Riding Vs Western Riding
English Riding Style

In both riding styles, the rider should always sit up tall and straight.

Slumping or leaning places undue pressure on the horse’s back and can lead to pain and problems with the horse’s natural gait.

Aside from the posture being the same, there are some aspects that create a difference between English and western riding.

English

The English style of riding has the rider taking the reins in both hands. The rider has contact with the horse’s mouth via the reins and directs them accordingly.

An English-style rider also uses the saddle and their legs to direct the horse. These are used to control the speed and direction of the horse so the rider remains in control at all times.

Western

Western styles of riding involve the rider placing both reins in one hand. This leaves the other hand available for roping cattle. In western riding, the rider uses the saddle, their weight, and the reins on the neck to control the horse’s speed and direction.

WESTERN STYLE RIDING
Western Style Riding

With English or western riding, the horse and rider work as a team, complimenting one another’s moves and intuitively responding to the cues given by both.

Conclusion

If you are new to horse riding, the above information should help you understand what is the difference between western and English riding.

Many new riders try both before deciding which riding style feels most natural to them. Mastering either riding style is not difficult as long as the rider is in tune with their horse and develops a relationship of trust and respect.

In fact, many top trainers of horseback riding will start their students on the English type of riding.

This is done because they figure the lack of saddle and needing to use more of the rider’s body to control the horse will make it just that much easier to switch to western style riding.

Basically, master the more difficult of the two and the lesser will be much easier to accomplish when you are wanting to switch.

 

 

Read More About Horseback Riding and The Riding Styles-View Related Posts Below

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