What is the difference between riding Western and riding English?

This is great. I love to be able to share my knowledge with others. I have to tell you, however, that if you were to ask one question to twenty different trainers I guarantee that you would get twenty different answers. So the following articles are a mixture of my experience working with many different trainers, every horse that I have come across and my own research. I guess that college degree fits in there somewhere.

My first article will address a question that I have gotten quite a bit since moving to Ohio: What is the difference between riding Western and riding English?

English versus Western Saddle

Riding and apparel

While they appear different, both English and Western require a balanced position. Weight in heals, proper posture and an independence of hand from body. And they both work on communication between horse and rider.
Another difference is that in Western riding they use one hand to steer the horse with whereas in English they use both hands. The reins (the long straps of leather used to steer the horse) are split in Western and in English they are buckled at the end.  Another difference is the hat. Cowboy hat is more Western and the hunt cap is more English. However as a safety concern, Western riders will wear a certified helmet to protect their head.  The helmet does resemble a hunt cap, but comes is many different colors and patterns.

So what is right for you?

Hunt seat, western pleasure, saddle seat, dressage, jumper, barrel racing, side saddle, vaulting, endurance... the list goes on. Having ridden several different disciplines myself, my heart is set on jumping. But as for you, that is your personal choice. One amazing thing about riding horses is that there is so much to choose from. It's up to you if you just want to trail ride, have a weekly lesson, have your own horse or show every weekend. Whatever you are comfortable with and can enjoy.

- Barb