redzip
Junior Member
Posts: 1,701
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Post by redzip on Dec 7, 2014 22:50:46 GMT
Maybe its just my area, but why are other disciplines sooooooooo critical of a western saddle. I happen to think that a basic seat is a basic seat, regardless of saddle type,., and a good position is a good position involving certain components universally. But there sure is a lot of disdain for western saddles, and any type western riding among other disciplines. Not saying anything has happened to me in that regard,., but got that 'disdainful' vibe from the 'trainer', and when I went to dressage clinic today, i was almost fearful to bring up any questions of future 'western dressage' events. Even the 'trainer' wanted to criticize trail riding as harsh,.., gimme a break Altho, she was critical of most everything, so I can see it coming from her. Thoughts, suggestions?? Thanks
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Post by horselady on Dec 8, 2014 0:18:10 GMT
I have been on boths sides of the fence and i just continue doing what i want and ride how i want. i know so many dressage and jumping people that would never use a western saddle and god forbid the western go english. that is just not done. i think it is because of the social aspects more than anything else. . I have attended many clinics where western riders and english riders do not even look at the other person. i remember i was attending a clinic and standing on the rail. behind me was a western rider and next to him english, i heard them talking in general terms about what the speaker was trying to do with his uncooperative horse. and i turned around." little ole me" and asked each one what type of horse would they prefer to work with. one that is spoiled and has bad manners or one that is a clean slate. it was funny cause they looked at me and both said at the same time. the clean slate. i laughed, and than told them they had something in common ..they laughed and the two left to have a drink. the basics of riding is all the same. seat. leg. hands. heart. head. just the saddle and the type of work each is meant to do. It is the people and who they think they are. not the type of riding. and unfortunately there are snobs in both types. if you look hard enough try to find a western barn in your area. and perhaps that place will be more to your liking.
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Dec 8, 2014 1:39:15 GMT
I don't see the English-Western dichotomy, I see the "we're better than you" attitude by discipline within both English and Western. And its by folks whose egos are dependent on how they look and if they think that they're convincing others that they're more skilled and talented than anyone else. Egos can really drive people to meanness.
In fact I was driving back to my apartment from home tonight and they were interviewing different researchers who found that richer people gave less to charity than poorer people. They also found that people who were given situations where they were better off, even with only Monopoly money, than the other players, that they got haughty and demeaning to the other players.
So maybe the immature riders who were, by the grace of God, were born into well to do families and given every advantage are the ego-centric jerks?
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Dec 8, 2014 1:58:39 GMT
I think it might have to do with the association of rodeo and rough cowboys. Maybe it makes it seem like a rough, undisciplined way of riding. And I think because of the western saddles we're seen as less capable riders. The English outfits look more classy, too. Funny, though, you can't tell who on either here or the other place rides english or western unless they have picture or mention it so maybe it's just a perception. There's something about the English riding habit that just looks overdressed to me.
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Post by horselover4life on Dec 8, 2014 2:11:02 GMT
Personally, if you RIDE and are not a PASSENGER on a horse the saddle {discipline} makes little difference.
To ride and ride correctly with skill is much work and dedication regardless of English, western, dressage or whatever discipline you can think of.
Years ago it was believed that riding western was "easy" to do...maybe it is if you are the occasional trail rider and play follow the leader on a trained rental horse. For us though that ride as a real hobby and passion....it is the partnership that evolves between human and equine that defines us.
Like anything else you get snobs and not-snobs....choices you make as in all parts of your life who to associate with.
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Post by horselady on Dec 8, 2014 2:23:27 GMT
I suppose the western showing has perhaps gotten a bit overrated and over used or abused. and so is the english style. i have shown only english and yes the outfit is classy and tight and made to not take away from the ability of the rider or to cover up mistakes. i see the western outfits all bling and tassel and flouncy dress to actually hide riders faults. but all the clothes do not make the rider. The outfits and equipment all have a meaning and a job. the english for fox hunting and fighting on horseback. and the western to ride miles and miles to work cattle and the outfits to protect the rider and horse. if anyone is snooty it is because of their upbringing and the attitude of a particular barn and it wears off on the individual. I know dressage people that have gone to qualify for the olympics and they are just like you and i . on the other hand some are so snooty and uppity that i will not allow them on my farm. it is their personality and if at a particular barn they will act like the rest to cover up their insecurities with their ability. i am sure the same thing happens in any sport. but of course we see it more with horses .
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Post by mustangsavvy on Dec 8, 2014 2:44:14 GMT
I am a English rider. I have ridden English all my life. When I was younger I rode h/j and showed. Now, I mostly trail ride and jump occasionally.
I don't like Western saddles. They aren't comfortable for me. I don't like how bulky they are, not do I like the way I sit in them. I think in terms of the saddle English is a bit harder, but that is JMHO. I don't have anything against western. I just like English better.
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Dec 8, 2014 2:58:55 GMT
Pretty is as pretty does... I have never ridden English or shown western . I'm a trail rider. I think the way I ride is the closest thing for natural riding. No bling ,no special wardrobe, and basic tack and I don't ask more of my horse than what he is capable of. Don't have to deal with the I'm better than you and your horse types.
I was on a trail ride with a woman that owned a local barn and was all about her high dollar horses. We came to a small water crossing and she said to me when are you going to get yourself a good horse. I said I have a good horse. He goes where I point him and if it isn't safe for him he tells me. As we went over the water crossing I looked back and her high dollar horse was still on the other side of the crossing. Yep pretty is as pretty does....
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Post by Shelly on Dec 8, 2014 3:41:21 GMT
So I'm in the middle of this debate.
Both declines have their own unique challenges. Personally I ride both english and western. When I'm doing ring work, I like to be english. I take hunter/jumper lessons and I love it. Nothing on horse back has my heart like doing a course does. On the other side; if I plan on hitting the trails, I take out my 30 year old western pleasure saddle and away I go! At home I do 50/50 ring work and trails. I find the perfect combo for me is to start in the ring, do my work out and I like to cool off on the trails.
In a way, I find western is a bit easier to keep your balance in just because I feel as if the saddle holds you in a little better. That being said.... there is NO way I would ever jump on a pro barrel horse in my little english saddle! LOL You have that saddle for a reason! And on an other hand, I can only imagine the hours of hard work at achieving the basics of western pleasure or reining.
I feel as if it really doesn't matter what you ride, your going to have to work really hard at getting to the point you want to be. For people to look down on you for the discipline you ride is really low of them but that's kinda how the horse world is sometimes.
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Dec 8, 2014 7:05:30 GMT
There is different opinion about english, western or any saddle. Some say that after 15 min of beding under saddle horses start to feel pain. I personaly for longer rides(walk) if it is possible prefer bareback. I think it is just important to find what is the best for your horse and not what is popular or what you stand for. I am english rider only because we dont have many western equipment, and my horse seems happy in saddle I have so why would I change it.
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dc
New Member
Posts: 173
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Post by dc on Dec 8, 2014 13:10:05 GMT
Neither looks all that easy to me. I've developed my own riding style, (if and I when I get on).
It's hang on, close my eyes and pray.
And I've done it in both English and western tack. lol
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Dec 8, 2014 20:02:46 GMT
Why always you guys just like my post. I wont be mad if someone disagree with me. You dont have to "protect" me. I like a good debate
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aes
New Member
Posts: 188
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Post by aes on Dec 8, 2014 21:52:19 GMT
I ride both. I enjoy both. Anyone in any discipline who criticizes another (assuming nobody is being abusive) is a jerk. It's all fun and it all has it's place.
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Post by horselady on Dec 9, 2014 1:18:44 GMT
We all enjoy a good discussion. and if i were as young as you i would jump on a horse and just gallop all around the fields. now that age is upon us. me i should say i just use a mounting block and walk in circles around the yard. and i hang on . And red, i just think it might be the people at your area or in the barns. as i suggested. try to find a western barn in your area and perhaps go see if they have clinics and trainers that will be more suitable to you .
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Post by diamondgirl on Dec 9, 2014 1:46:07 GMT
What about an Australian saddle. Isn't it supposed to be the "best" of both English and Western combined? At least that is what I was told.
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Post by horselady on Dec 9, 2014 12:21:15 GMT
Getting back to the people not the saddle. it depends on the person and how they see other forms of riding. I love to watch all of it and am in awe of barrel racers. and dressage riders and people who do cross country, still having been studying english riding and jumping myself. a fact is there are snobs in all aspects of riding.
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dc
New Member
Posts: 173
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Post by dc on Dec 9, 2014 13:20:02 GMT
Ok Lip, I'll argue. Short rides bareback, I think are fine. But saddles I believe distribute weight more evenly, likely making it easier on a horse's back and more comfortable. If a saddle is causing pain, then there is something wrong with the saddle or maybe the horse's back. Either way at the end of the day, a good balanced rider is probably easier on a horse's back than say, me. lol
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2014 18:54:22 GMT
I have found a lot of this prejudice. At the end of the day I think it comes down to the person you are dealing with.
I used to board at a barn owned by the family of this years CFR Barrel racing champion. As a barn, we went to watch her run at the local rodeo. She smoked a run and I was in awe. We were joking later that I thought she was nuts for going that fast and turning that hard, she turned around and said she felt the same way about jumping. We all had a good laugh over it.
I have a lot of respect for a lot of western disciplines. I love watching reining, barrels, cutting ect. There is good and bad in every aspect of competitive riding, and I just focus on those who are doing it right.
I also find western riding is great for cross training! Helps keep horses from getting bored and keeps minds fresh.
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aes
New Member
Posts: 188
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Post by aes on Dec 9, 2014 19:16:11 GMT
I have found a lot of this prejudice. At the end of the day I think it comes down to the person you are dealing with. I used to board at a barn owned by the family of this years CFR Barrel racing champion. As a barn, we went to watch her run at the local rodeo. She smoked a run and I was in awe. We were joking later that I thought she was nuts for going that fast and turning that hard, she turned around and said she felt the same way about jumping. We all had a good laugh over it. I have a lot of respect for a lot of western disciplines. I love watching reining, barrels, cutting ect. There is good and bad in every aspect of competitive riding, and I just focus on those who are doing it right. I also find western riding is great for cross training! Helps keep horses from getting bored and keeps minds fresh. Agreed and same with trail riding! It's good for everyone (rider and horse) to get out of the arena once in awhile!
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Lipizzan
Junior Member
Europe, Croatia
Posts: 2,572
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Post by Lipizzan on Dec 9, 2014 20:38:56 GMT
Ok Lip, I'll argue. Short rides bareback, I think are fine. But saddles I believe distribute weight more evenly, likely making it easier on a horse's back and more comfortable. If a saddle is causing pain, then there is something wrong with the saddle or maybe the horse's back. Either way at the end of the day, a good balanced rider is probably easier on a horse's back than say, me. lol Actually I found artical about that. They say that horses muscles starts to hurt or numb under the saddle from constant pressure like for example your arm will start to numb after you were lying on it for a while. They done some scans, and they realised that after 15 min horses back muscles starts to numb no matter how good saddle is,because of constant pressure and a fact that horses were not born to carry anything on their back. As for the bareback part, I agree with you, but for me and my horse it is more comfortable to ride bareback on long walks. I am a good bareback rider, I have good balance and good seat(Well I think). It gives me a better feeling of conection between me and my horse.
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