Western

There are both differences and similarities between English and Western Riding, the most obvious is the tack the horse wears. The Western saddle is larger and heavier than the English saddle, designed to spread the weight of the rider over the a larger area of the horse’s back, making it more comfortable for long days out riding.

The main difference between English and Western riding is that most western riding horses are ridden with little or no contact and the rider uses his seat, his weight and neck-reining to give aids to the horse.

The position of the rider is much the same in both English and Western riding, the riders legs should hang naturally against the horse’s sides and arms should be relaxed and against the rider’s sides. Western riders take the reins in one hand allowing the other hand to fall naturally at their side.

With western riding the horse goes at a much slower gait, this along with the wider seat and raised saddle cantel and pommel give the rider much more stability.

Western Riding activities are dominant in United States of America, Pparticularly in Californa, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana. Ireland has it's own association based at Chochise Stud, in Leitrim where Western riding events are held each year.

Western Pleasure
A showing class in which horses are shown in a group in an arena, performing gait changes and direction. Horses are judged for their appearance, style and movement.

Barrel Racing
Horse and rider enter the arena at high speed and negotiate a pattern of three barrels, turning tightly around each barrel without going too wide. This is a speed sport and the fastest across the finish line wins.

Roping Events
The rider follows a steer out of the chute, aims and throws the lasso while riding at speed. He secures the lasso round the saddle horn, the rider quickly dismounts, grounds the steer and quickly ropes its legs.

Cutting
Horse and rider enter a group of cattle and single one out. The horse moves the steer away from the other cattle and then prevents it from moving back to the herd.

Reining
Horse and rider perform a pre-set pattern of movements. This is the Western equivalent of Dressage.