How To Ride A Horse Western Style For Beginners

 

Horseback riding has been in vogue for ages now and so far, it hasn’t lost its appeal. People still find it interesting, fascinating, challenging, and more people want to learn.

In this article, I will be laying out a step by step process on how to ride a horse western style for beginners.

Anyone can learn how to ride the Western-style. Some people consider it better than learning to ride a Standard English saddle because the layout of the saddle provides more stability, and the horse is taught to use more comfortable paces that are simpler to sit on. Read on and find out for yourself how easy it is to ride a trained horse western style.

A Brief History

Western-style is a type of riding that originated from the practices of ranching and fighting introduced to the Americans by the Spanish Conquistadores. The tools and design have evolved somewhat over time to suit the needs of the cowboy, but are very close to the Spanish riding style and the Classical Dressage style.

It’s a controlled, relaxed way of riding that allows hours on the saddle making it as pleasant as possible for both the horse and the rider. The horse is not ridden with a close leash but is allowed to stand in control and is driven by slight motions of the neck, leg, and body.

About The Western Riding Style

Initially, there were two major styles for riding a horse, which is, Western-style and the English-style(which includes so many other styles). One of the most significant and unique differences about the western horse riding style is that the technique involves the use of different tack you use to ride a horse regularly. The saddle is much weightier in the western style. This is one of the more extensive appeals of western-style riding. The broader saddle(full saddle) is much more comfortable for beginners.

Novice horses are usually handled using two hands using a sniffle or a bitless bridle, known as a bosel. When horses and riders are more experienced with their schooling, it is common to ride and bridle with just one hand on the reins of the bridle.  In almost the same way as there are hundreds of various activities as riders can take part in using English tack, there are also specific western disciplines that use very different forms of tack and equipment that involve slightly different riding styles.   Several are thrilling sprint games, and some need a substantial degree of confidence between horse and rider to make complicated movements.

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The horses in western riding also go at a slower gait than you would while riding the English style. So this again will make the beginner horse rider to feel more in control while learning.

 

 

Getting Started

Understand that when it comes to the western style horse riding, there are a few basic things that a beginner must have knowledge of and these are things that will make it effortless for both the rider and the horse.

You always have to tell yourself that every pro rider was once a beginner.

It is vital to dress appropriately for horse ridings, such as wearing a pair of jeans, a comfortable layer of clothing, and the right type of boots.

The rider must ensure to decrease nervousness as much as possible before attempting to ride, as the horse will be able to sense it and think that there is a danger to be aware of. If the horse senses any form of risk, be sure that the ride will never go smoothly for both horse and rider.

As a beginner you will require three essential equipment to ride western style;

  1. Western Saddle
  2. Saddle Pad
  3. Saddle Blanket

How To Ride A Horse Western Style

Step 1:

Put on the saddle pad. Ensure that it is at least 1 inch to 11/2 thick. Your horse ought to be very comfortable. A vital factor to note is that the average weight for western saddles can be up to 50lbs.

Step 2:

To make the experience more like a cozy one for you, an adventure filled with memories you’d be proud to share with your loved ones. Add your Saddle blanket.

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Step 3:

Carefully set the saddle up and put it flat on your horse. When you’ve put it on, examine the sides and be sure it’s sitting smooth, and the saddle pad is covering the sides.

Step 4:

To secure fit snugly to your horse, ensure you start with the front cinch. Now that you’re finished with the back, continue securing the end of your cinch. Be sure there’s just the right looseness–you will be able to slip your hand in. Verify that the saddle is matched with the horse’s shoulder and correctly mounted.

Step 5:

This is the step where you’d have to ride

Now that you’ve saddled your horse, the only thing you ought to do is ride it. Keep the saddle horn and place your left foot in the stirrup bar to ride the horse. So, with the upward turn, put yourself up balanced on the horse.

Note that you should ride gently in the middle of the saddle. Ensure sure your head, shoulder, hips, and feet are balanced while you’re sitting up.

Step 6:

Get a Grip on the Reins

Using two hands or one, you can keep the Reins. Western riding supports one side; however, you may pick which type you’re confident with. If you’re trying to do it with two hands, make sure the Reins are secure. Place your Reins in between your pinky with your thumb.

Start by making sure that the reins are sufficient for a one-handed grip. Instead, based on whether you’re left hand or right hand, hold the Reins in one hand with your thumb on the top.

Step 7:

Keep your heels down and squeeze softly to start walking your horse.

Step 8:

To switch from a walk to a jog, click your tongue and softly push your horse. It triggers the horse to continue jogging.

Step 9:

Making the Horse to Halt

There are two ways you can stop your horse, based on how they’re trained. When they’re educated for verbal orders, just sit down, apply calf pressure, and yell, “Ho!”Bring both spurs in for the squeeze-stop process, and that will stop the horse.

So that’s how you ride a Western-style horse. Just wear the correct apparel while riding. It is strongly advised that you, as a rookie, wear a safety helmet first before switching to a good old cowboy hat.

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Extra Tips

A horse rider should ensure he uses proper signals to direct the horse. This can only be achieved by making use of neck reins when he wants the horse to turn to the left or the right when in motion.

Learning the accurate positioning of the legs and feet will also aid in the instruction of the horse on what to do. Most times, novice riders are found to be always moving their hands back and forth in their nervousness. These changing hands will generally confuse the horse, so learning to make use of the hands only when needed is quite essential for the western horse riding style. It is also critical to know at what point to apply pressure to the horse.

  1. Before you Ride Relax
  2. Ensure to make use of your tools properly
  3. Your Reins should be held in the west style
  4. Ensure that you adorn yourself with proper clothing
  5. Show affection the right way
  6. Mount your Horse with Confidence
  7. Ride in an Expert Position

 

Conclusion

The most important aspect of horsemanship, in reality, is having fun. Western horseback riding will be enjoyable and soothing for both you and your horse. It is very natural for you to feel frustrated as a beginner; this is understandable and will fade due to continuous practice. There was a time when all the Pro riders today, were rookies and beginners just like you.

Understand Horse Riding is super fun and, and when you’re first learning as a beginner, it’s so easy to get distracted. This is because you are dealing with a living, breathing animal who might behave unpredictably or irrationally. You’ll learn to understand the “horse language” better as you progress, but you must stay alert at all times and be aware of your horse, other horses around you, and the surroundings. Your toes (and pride) will be happier for it. We encourage you to have an excellent experience trying to get to know your horse and enjoy the learning process!