Western vs. English

 Western Riding

Western Riding is generally one handed. The equipment needed for the style of riding is: Western stock saddle, a blanket or saddle pad, Western bridle and bit, Western boots/hat, long-sleeved shirt or blouse, and long pants. Some optional equipment for this style of riding is: leg boots, spurs, and chaps.

A Western Horse tends to be compact. They are capable of steady travel all day with small bursts of speed when needed.

Some of the common sports that Western Riders partake in include:

• Team Penning
• Cutting
• Reining
• Speed Games
• Trail Classes
• Pleasure and Equitation Classes
• Roping
• Trail Riding

English Riding

  Unlike Western Riding, English riding is generally two handed. It takes many of its traditions and equipment from European mounted military styles. Equipment includes: traditional style "Hunt Cap" or helmet, fitted jacket, shirt, Jodhpurs or breeches, Jodhpur boots or tall boots, gloves, and English saddle/bridle.

English horses tend to be taller than Western horses. Many of them are leggy. This aids their ability to travel over long distances at a variety of speeds. It also aids in jumping over various obstacles.

Some of the common sports that English Riders partake in include:

• Dressage
• English or English Country Pleasure
• Jumping
• Hunting
• Mounted Games
• Polo
• Hunter Pace

Sports for both styles:

•  Trail Riding
• Endurance Riding
• Competitive Trail Riding
• Competitive Mounted Orienteering
• Some local shows contain a mixture of both Western and English Classes

Horse Gaits

• ·         The walk is similar for both styles.

• ·         Western riders sit a jog, which is very smooth, relaxed, and slightly faster than a walk.

o   There is no posting required.

• ·         English riders post the Trot.

o   This is only if a sitting trot is not required in the show ring.

• ·         A lope for Western riders is a slow relaxed canter.

• ·         Canter for English riders can be elevated, extended, or collected with many variations in speed.

o   This depends on the specific discipline or style.