western training

Question
Hello!
I'm from Poland and I want to ride western. But I have problem. I've bought horse, which is 4 years old, and know only very basic level of english school of riding. My friend, who is horse-trainer told me, that my horse should learn complete english basic first (some kind of Preliminary School ;)), than western riding. And I think, when horse can do only basic, I can easily teach him (horse) western riding, without teaching english school at all. Because, as I know, there are different methods to act horse to go.
Can you help me?

Best regards
Karolina
Poznan Poland

Answer
I know that in Europe the most common method of riding is english, but western is becoming more and more popular.  If you are wanting to ride western on a pleasure basis - in other words just to ride and not to participate in shows - than the concepts are very much the same as english.  The biggest issue you need to deal with is the feel of the western saddle on the horse versus the english saddle.  If he has never had a western saddle on his back he may act as if he has never been ridden at all.  Once that basic issue is covered all of the cues, leg pressure and such are the same.  You may ride with a snaffle bit in the western bridle so that you can use two hands or you can teach your horse to "neck rein" (Move with pressure of the rein on the opposite side of his neck instead of pulling around with your hand) and ride in a shanked bit and use one hand.

Showing the western horse is completely different and requires much more time and work to get the horse's body in the correct position and at the proper speed to show properly.  Here, in the states, there are people who train their horses to be versitile so that they can show english and western, but most of the time they pick one style and work on perfecting it for the show ring.

As a rider, it is important to learn the basics of riding before trying to think about a particular style of riding.  Some trainers believe that it is better to learn english first then trasition to western.  English improves the seat and is a touch more difficult and precise than western for the rider.

I hope this makes sense and has answered your queestion.  It is OK and perfectly natural to teach a horse western riding without teaching english.  One is not better than ther other and if the horse has been taught the proper leg and hand cues he can easily transition from one style to the other on a pleasure basis (showing is a different story).

If you need anything else feel free to ask.

Brenda