About Western Riding Lessons

Western riding originated with cowboys who moved large herds of cattle or horses long distances. Western style riding is designed to help riders maintain balance and control while performing other tasks such as roping and wrangling. Western riding is a precise and effective way to control a horse.

Equipment

Unlike English style riding, Western riding requires little special equipment. Most riding schools will require blue jeans or denim pants to protect the legs, a riding helmet and point-toed boots. The boots are a necessity because they prevent the rider's foot from slipping through the stirrup, and if there is a fall, they prevent the rider from being dragged by the stirrup. Riders who will participate in competitions like barrel racing may need show costumes. Western riding uses a western style saddle. The seat is deeper and the horn is taller than in an English saddle. This helps the rider maintain balance while pulling cattle.

Techniques

Because cowboys needed to focus their efforts on the herd instead of their mounts, Western riding commands are subtle. In Western style competitions, judges penalize riders for giving visible signals to their horse. Western riding lessons will teach riders to effortlessly control their horse. Riders will learn the technique of hand reigning. Hand reigning happens when the rider gives cues to the horse through the reins about direction and speed.

Where to Learn

Many stables across the U.S. specialize in Western riding. Every stable has a different teaching technique. Stables offer a trial day where potential students can meet the horses and receive a basic lesson for free. Western riding lessons can run up to $100 a month or more for strenuous competition preparation lessons.