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A common question we hear from new or recreational riders is “what the difference is between English and Western riding?” The next question that usually follows is which one is easiest to learn. There are many different riding styles in North America, but these two are the most common.

In this article, we will go over all the differences between English and Western riding.

What Is The Difference Between English and Western Riding?

There are many differences between English and Western horseback riding, From technique, to tack, to style, it is all fairly different.

Western Tack Vs. English Tack

Tack means equipment and accessories used when riding a horse. The biggest tack difference between Western and English riding is the saddle. In Western riding, the saddle is much bigger and heavier than the saddles used for English riding.

The Western saddle was created to be more comfortable for cowboys who would spend long hours on horseback. The saddles used in the Western riding have their weight distributed along the horse’s back to make it easier to carry equipment used for cattle herding. Additionally, the Western saddle’s seat is much deeper. This helps the rider maintain their position on the horse.

The saddles that are used in English riding are much smaller and lighter than the ones used for Western riding. These saddles were originally used for fox hunting in the 18th century. Riders needed to be secure, and comfortable but also lightweight and flexible. When fox hunting, horses and riders would need to run at high speeds and jump over obstacles. English saddles also allow the rider to feel the horse’s movements, which gives the rider much closer contact and connection with the horse.

Nowadays, both Western and English have a variety of different saddles to choose from. They all stay true to their origins but vary when it comes to function and necessity for the discipline.

Riding Methods

English riding and Western riding both use different riding methods. In English riding, the rider holds both reins to control the horse. Whereas in Western riding, the rider uses one hand to hold the reins, while the other hand rests. In Western riding, the rider controls the horse by using a combination of reins and shifting weight.

English Vs Western Disciplines

As you advance in your riding career, you will probably start deciding what discipline you’d like to get into. Disciplines are sports that you do while on horseback. There are some disciplines that fit both styles of riding, but there are others that are specific for just English or just Western. You don’t need to have a discipline to enjoy horse riding, but it can be a lot of fun and can greatly improve your riding abilities.

Here are some English disciplines:

• Jumping – This involves jumping over a series of obstacles, like fences. The horse has a set course, of jumps, placed at various heights, and is timed. If the horse knocks down a fence or refuses to jump, the rider is penalized. There are a variety of events, most of them are timed and some of them are elimination-style rounds, where the fences are raised each round until the last horse remains.

• Dressage – Dressage looks like a horse and rider dancing together. But, dressage comes from the French word ‘train’ and is basically a sport that shows how well-trained a horse is. It is a communication-heavy sport and requires the horse and rider to work together to complete a series of tests. It is similar to ballet.

• Eventing – This is considered the ultimate test of a horse and rider’s versatility and flexibility. It covers three disciplines and is often held over the course of 1-3 days. At these events, riders compete in dressage, cross-country, and jumping. Eventing is similar to a triathlon, where the participants are scored on each event, and at the end, the scores are tallied.

Here are some Western riding disciplines:

• Barrel Racing – This event involves horse and rider maneuvering around three barrels at high speeds. The horse and rider must keep a certain pattern and complete the course the fastest to win.

• Roping – This is a rodeo event where the rider must attempt to lasso a calf’s neck quickly, then they must dismount the horse to restain the calf. This is another timed event, where the fastest rider the tie the calf wins.

• Reining – Reining is the Western version of dressage. But, instead of being a graceful ballet routine, it is a bit more like figure skating. The rider must guide the horse through a series of patterns.

Which is Easier, Western or English?

Neither one is easier than the other. Some riders may find English comes more naturally, while others find Western is easier. Both of which require practice and coordination.

Beginners may find a Western saddle to be more comfortable and easier to sit in but may find using one hand on the reins to be less secure. Some say that if you are an English rider, it is a much easier transition to Western than the other way around. English riding requires a bit more balance and coordination because there is less security in the saddle.

Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking to achieve. If you want to jump over big fences, you should learn English riding. But, if you want to do trail riding or barrel racing, try Western riding.

Both styles have their risks. In Western riding, helmets and protective equipment are not as common. In English riding, most barns make it mandatory to wear a helmet and sometimes even an airbag vest.

Whichever style you choose, be sure to find the right instructor and barn to take lessons at.

Related Read – How To Find The Right Stable and Lessons For Beginners