Horse Equipment and Riding Styles : What Every Equine Enthusiast Should Know - By: Allan Michael Taylor

Every time the word 'horses' is mentioned, images of either cowboys or aristocrats strike one's mind. Yes, the images can get as different as that. As you know, there are generally two riding styles: English and Western. Even someone who has been around horses for some time may not know the specific differences between the two, except maybe if he is exposed to both English and Western styles of horse riding. However, riding style is the major factor used in determining the type of horse equipment that should be acquired.

One glaring difference is that of the saddles used. Saddles, as you know can either be English, Western, Australian, Asian or Argentinean. Classified according to purpose, it can be a saddle for racing, an endurance saddle or a sidesaddle. Australian saddles are also used for ranch work; hence, the likeness to the western style. However, it should be noted that there are Australian breeders that have produced top-notch racehorses. Sidesaddles are used by women and are usually seen in parades and fox hunting. There are also 'specialty' saddles – those that are built for a specific purpose, such as endurance saddles and show saddles. The two that are most commonly used will be discussed in this article – the English and the Western.

Western saddles are those that are used for ranch work. They are constructed as to allow for better distribution of weight, which means less pressure points for the horse. Thus, the cowboy can sit on the horse for a long period. Most saddles of this type also have wider straps instead of the regular girth. Western style riding also calls for the rider to multi-task, such as rope cattle in full stride, so the stirrups are worn longer for better maneuverability. The reins are usually held in only one hand as well. There is usually a horn in the saddle so that the cowboy can have some place he could drape the ropes on when it isn't in use.

English style riding is usually for equestrian competitions. It has its beginnings in the armed forces so the horse equipment usually appears formal. Saddles for English riding are also smaller; after all, weight distribution isn't very important when the rider isn't going to be on the horse for a long time anyway. The rider also uses both hands to handle the rein, usually with a riding crop for more instructions. The horses also have a comparatively free reign in motion.

The differences between English and Western style riding is noticeable in the competitions and the way the rider maneuvers the horse. Western riding uses pressure to give commands, on the other hand English riding calls for the use of legs to give instructions. Western style competitions involve roping and barrel racing. English horse riding competitions involves jumping and hunting.

Getting the horse equipment and the various riding styles mixed up might result to an injury to the horse and the rider. However, it is something that can be avoided by being familiar with different riding styles and the demands of the particular riding style that your horse will be regularly engaged in.

About the Author

Nick Morgan has been involved with horses for most of his life. Visit the online shop where you can purchase a large selection of Horse Equipment. All horse and rider products are shipped to your door by national courier. Excellent service from one of the UK's leading Equestrian Supplies shop.

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