Lavenders_Blue Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I've been riding horses more or less all my life, but until a few weeks ago had never had a go at Western riding. Well I am so glad I did - I am totally hooked! I recently came across a yard about 30 minutes from where I live that specialises in Western riding. They own Argentine Criollo horses imported from South America, all of whom are trained in Western tack. The saddles are AMAZING, like sitting in an arm chair and the style of riding is so relaxed, which suits me down to the ground. The horses have a beautiful temperament, full of character and comical, but lovely and safe. I've been twice now, just to hack out, but am planning to book a lesson to learn a bit more about Western riding technique, as it's very different from English. If any riders out there fancy a totally different experience then I'd thoroughly recommend it. I don't know how many yards in the UK offer Western riding, but I'm sure there must be a few. Yeee hah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 30, 2014 Share Posted October 30, 2014 My housemate at Uni had a friend come to visit who worked all across the world with horses, came back here and was a complete Western riding (and Natural Horsemanship) convert. She would post amazing photos and videos of her on the horses, how easy they were to train and how much more responsive they were to it. I've no experience myself but was really interesting to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Somewhere quite close to us does this, but they don't offer lessons, its more that they exhibit/compete. The horses are gorgeous. There is a public footpath across one of the paddocks and the horses will follow you This is great unless you are OH who is a bit nervous I remember I had a go at it many years ago, when I visited the US as a child - it felt all wrong then, not what I was used to, but being that much older I suspect I'd enjoy it now I have been watching some TV programmes about horses from around the world, and I am full of renewed admiration for good horsepeople, they seem to really understand horses and treat them so well. The transformations which are possible, from an unbroken horse, to a trusting horse, are incredible to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 I'm another who has always ridden, but never western, and have always fancied a go. Have just started again after several years break and it's taking it's toll on my very unfit body! I did wonder if western may be easier on the old bones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 A friend who lives locally rides Western style, and competes in competitions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarrisonFamily Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 I love the idea but have never done any horse riding.....(I did ride a donkey on the beach many years ago), Do you think it would be OK for an absolute beginner... I was hoping to find somewhere to do a weekend away .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted November 2, 2014 Author Share Posted November 2, 2014 I actually reckon that Western would be easier for total beginners than English riding. The saddles are amazing and much more comfortable to sit in, plus there's a huge horn on the front of the saddle to grab on to! Snowy - whereabouts in Leics are you? This place may not be too far if you want me to let you know where it is? The lady who runs it is lovely and really passionate about her horses and western riding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Near Market Harborough LB - actually I'd heard there was somewhere nearby that did it, but haven't looked it up. Am going to a very local riding school at the mo as my son goes as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted November 2, 2014 Author Share Posted November 2, 2014 Ah so you're close then, this place is in Medbourne A quick google should find it for you but if not let me know - I might see you up there sometime! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Oooh tempting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
