Why we ride western!

Western: barrel racing, pole bending, western pleasure, reining and steer roping. English: dressage, hunter jumper, eventing and endurance. These styles of riding are really quite different. Since the beginning of time people have argued about which is better. Being a western rider myself I think you know where I put my vote. It seems like every time I look at western vs. English, people that obviously ride English always seem to say something like western is lazy, there is no skill involved and it’s taking the easy way out. Now I am not saying that one is better than the other, but I think that if the English riders could understand why we ride western, they would take their words back. So here are a few things about western riders and why we ride what we ride.

The competitions. Being an avid rodeo fan myself, there is nothing like watching the header and heeler rope a steer or watching the winning barrel racing time. If there is one thing that really gets your blood flowing and thrill that you crave for, its rodeo. However there is more to western riding than rodeo, like western pleasure. Western pleasure is like the dog show for the horse world. Basically western pleasure is about having good confirmation, a good slow stride and showcasing the horse breed. If you like both looks and speed plus gut busting sliding stops and wicked fast spins, which might I add are REALLY fun to do, then reining is for you. Reining basically is things that most ranchers would do with their cattle out in the open plains, just with a little more flair. One type of competition that is rather new to western riding is Cowboy/girl mounted shooting. Not only do you have to steer a horse running full speed, but also handle and shoot a loaded rifle at balloon targets. Sounds absolutely thrilling. Those just name a few of the many exciting competitions of the western world.

The comfort. Unlike the English world, western people like to ride comfortably. People that ride English feel that they need to bounce up and down at a trot and that they need to get all prettied up to go see their horse. Western riders prefer comfort rather than style. Take myself for instance, when I ride I am in my boots, jeans, tee shirt and ball cap. I would rather focus more on my horse than what I look like.

Anyone at any age can do it. When it comes to riding western, age is not the biggest factor. You could be 102 years old and as long as you are in good health, you can ride. With English however most people have to stop riding because of the strain it puts on their body. Plus for someone who is learning to ride it is best to start in western because there is a bit more security. Then down the road they can choose to switch if they so wish.

To conclude I think that both riding styles are good and that they both are unique in their own way. If riders can take both disciplines as good, then we can better communicate with each other. Also to make my blog a little more interesting, I have posted a video by brookelovesrocky on Youtube that really explains best why I love western. So enjoy and keep looking for more posts by me! See ya!