How Do I train my English Horse Western?

I have a PintoXDraft mare who is currently trained English/ Hunter Jumper. I would like to train her so that I can ride her Western for trail rides, but still ride her English in the arena and jump her.

Keep in mind the cues and all aren’t that different from English to Western – communication is communication no matter what saddle or bridle you ride in.

Your question about neck reining is valid – you dont’ use this style of communication in english. To do this, you direct rein, but begin to lean your pressure rein/outside rein on the neck when turning or cueing to change direction. You slowly stop pressure on the outside of the bit, instead encouraging reaction to the push pressure of the rein. I once tried crossing my reins under the horse’s chin – this worked, but it didn’t work well, I had problems to undo once he learned.

I think you will find that the hands are not the only thing you use in English – you also use leg pressure and your body to communicate a wish to turn or change direction – this is the same in western and will assist in the communication – if the horse is moving more as a result of your leg cues than your hands, neck reining will be almost a no-brainer.

Probably you will need to get the horse accustomed to a heavier saddle with more stuff hanging around on it and you’ll need to become accustomed to a seat that might make you feel a little more “trapped” than the open cantle and pommel english one you are accustomed to.

I sell saddle on the weekends for fun. If you are just switching from English to Western for pleasure, not show, check out the Tucker saddles – they have great saddles which are both western and english. If these aren’t what you have in mind, consider a more slick fork saddle such as one on a wade tree – these have a narrower pommel more akin to the english saddle.

Take the time to accustom the horse to the feel of the western saddle and bridle just as you would starting a horse to saddle completely.

good luck!

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