What Are the Key Differences Between English vs Western Riding?

What is the difference between Western and English Riding?

Whilst Western and English riding both focus on the bond and relationship between rider and horse, each discipline has its own distinct style of horseback riding, with its own techniques and cultural background. 

Both English and Western Riding each have a number of disciplines within them that require different levels of agility, speed, precision, and composure from participants. However, Western riding disciplines are rooted in a more casual, relaxed style of riding, whereas English riding is typically more formal and structured. Western Riding also has a different history than English Riding, which is why Western disciplines focus more on practical challenges emulating the cowboy lifestyle, while English disciplines have a more show-like approach.

They also differ in technique. In English Riding, the rider shifts their weight and leg pressure to instruct their horse and a lot of precision, coordination, and balance required. In Western Riding, riders give direct cues to the horse using the reins, as well as from their legs and using boot spurs. Western Riding therefore requires more precise employment of the reins, while English Riding relies more heavily on instruction through the rider’s body.

History of Riding in the UK and USA

English riding as a sport, tradition, and pastime has a long history, tracing back almost two-hundred years. It was borne out of the more practical use of horses for transportation and labour, with horses becoming a part of everyday life for many people in historical England. Additionally, with cavalry being such a prominent part of military life for people in Europe; from this more pragmatic relationship between man and horse came a sporting tradition.

In the 18th century, foxhunting grew in popularity as a sport, which came with newly innovated saddles that allowed for more athletic use – they were designed for agility rather than long-lasting comfort. The English riding saddle developed out of the English hunting saddle, with English Riding growing in popularity over the next centuries and evolving into a more distinctly defined sport.

English Riding also had an influence on Western Riding, but Western Riding began as a discipline of its own. Western riding has roots that can be traced as far back as the 17th century, with a uniquely Hispanic influence coming from the ranching traditions of Spanish Conquistadors in South-West America and Northern Mexico. The origins of Western riding promote larger, more comfortable saddles which accommodate longer rides, while English riding saddles are designed with speed and agility as the priority.

English vs Western Riding Tack

Based on how they developed historically, Western Riding and English Riding call for specific tack that accommodates the demands of the sport. As a result, the tack and saddle that English vs Western Riders use is quite different.

Looking at the difference in saddles for the two kinds of equestrian sport, the English saddle tends to be much smaller and more lightweight, while Western saddles are larger and more stable, something steeped in tradition. The English saddle is designed to get the rider as close to their horse as possible, prioritising agility, speed, and secure flexibility. In contrast, Western saddles are designed to keep the rider sat stably and comfortably over a long period of time, like when spending long days on the ranch. 

Beyond the saddle, Western riders are equipped with some tack which is not needed in English riding. Western saddles often have a horn at the pommel for holding cowboy’s ropes. This is something that comes in handy for disciplines like Roping. 

Additionally, there is a difference between English and Western Riding bits and reins. While both styles of Riding may make use of bridles with curb bits and snaffle bits, Western riders use split reins rather than the double set of reins generally used by English riders. These split reins are typically longer, giving the rider more flexibility in how they hold or adjust them during riding. They can be held one-handed, owing to Western ridings’ more casual approach, or two-handed when more precise control is needed in disciplines such as cutting and reining. 

English vs Western Riding Clothes

English Riding is known for adhering to strict traditions, which includes the dress code. This tends to adhere to a more formal style, featuring a fitted shirt, breeches, tall boots, and a helmet. English Riding also favours a conservative colour palette featuring tones like navy blue, dark greys, and tweed. Though Riding dress code rules have become more flexible in recent years, English equestrian riders tend to dress in darker, more neutral shades. 

Western Riding, on the other hand, allows for more casual dress which speaks to the demands of the sport and the cultural history. Western Riding outfits tend to resemble the traditional Cowboy style, with long-sleeved Western work shirts, practical denim jeans, and cowboy boots. While many riders now opt to wear sportier helmets, for additional safety while riding, Western riders might traditionally prefer a cowboy hat – perfect for staying sheltered from the sun during a long day of riding.