There are many differences between western and english riding. The main difference between western and english riding is the equipment used. In western riding, the saddle is much larger with a deeper seat and a horn. The horn was originally used as a place to hold the lasso when cowboys would herd their horses. It allowed easy access to rope a stray cow. Unlike english metal stirrups, the stirrups on a western saddle are wood and wrapped in leather. On average, a western saddle will weigh about twenty pounds compared to an english saddle which only weighs 10-12 pounds.
There is also a difference in the bridal and reins. The 
bridal is the equipment that goes on the horses head and holds the bit which is put in the horse's mouth. The bit puts pressure on different parts of the horse's mouth which is what tells the horse what to do. On an english bridal, there is a nose band that wraps around the horses muzzle. This just makes sure the horse keeps it's mouth shut and helps prevent them from chewing on their bit. Western bridals don't have this piece. They have what is called a chin strap which goes directly under the horse's mouth.
bridal is the equipment that goes on the horses head and holds the bit which is put in the horse's mouth. The bit puts pressure on different parts of the horse's mouth which is what tells the horse what to do. On an english bridal, there is a nose band that wraps around the horses muzzle. This just makes sure the horse keeps it's mouth shut and helps prevent them from chewing on their bit. Western bridals don't have this piece. They have what is called a chin strap which goes directly under the horse's mouth.
2 comments:
Interesting, I didn't know there was a difference between Western and Eastern riding. I just thought there was one!
Wow i had no idea that riding equipment was so different. I just thought it was either a sadle or none. haha well that proved me wrong.
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