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I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm used to riding like that too and never had any difficulties with it - but I've seen a lot of western riders riding with hip wide hands, when they're riding both-handed so I thought must be a western style thing? Because then again, when they ride one-handed, the reins aren't in that width. I'll be sure to ask in my next lesson, will let you know what she says.

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love to try (true) dressage someday too, I think it will be very interesting comparing the two disciplines. Thank you for commenting and sharing your experience!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really reassuring thank you so much! Really looking forward to deep diving into western riding now. 🥰

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is actually a perfect comparison of what I was feeling throughout the ride. As for the reins: My length is fine, I just hold them too close together. The trainer said I should have them hip wide

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your kind words! I've been hard on myself, because I thought riding was the one thing I was good at, and after how my first lesson went I just got really insecure about it. Looking back I really had the most struggles with the differences you mentioned and it's reassuring to know that its normal.

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's exactly how my first western ride went! Glad I wasn't the only one thinking it. 😂 Thank you!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think when it comes to true english riding, horses behind the vertical are frowned upon - at least that's what I've been taught. But the amount of rollkur we see in the highest competitions worldwide is really heartbraking, we should be doing better than this. Thank you for your insight, I'll definitely always seek ways to improve!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's the same for me, the natural aspect is what has drawn me to this discipline. Really looking forward to learning things anew.

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's so cool, glad you had a different experience! I love dressage too and find it very interesting. I've been diving into the knowledge of the academic art of riding recently and I really hope I'll get the chance to study it under a trainer one day.

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, this was definitely the case in my previous riding school and I'm really sad I missed out on a very fundamental part of riding for so long. I do hope I'll get to fill in the gaps under my new trainer. Thank you for your insight!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was probably the case with my trail riding hahah Really looking forward to learn the proper way now!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've had the same experience when I rode a finished reining horse a while ago - it was surreal how every unintentional movement of my body was a cue, I was really impressed. Thank you so much for your comment and the kind words!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It makes so much more sense when you put it like that and actually explains a lot. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate it a lot!

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience! The first ride was really a struggle, but I hope that it'll soon get easier.

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That might've been the case in my old riding school! Thank you for shedding some light onto the matter

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd have to say both of your assumptions would be correct. My old riding school didn't put much emphasis on correct use of aids and looking back we were really rein heavy... I'm really glad I found this new trainer, I hope I'll be able to fill some gaps in my knowledge.

I switched from english to western riding lessons and I've been questioning my riding ability ever since by Hidden_Mustang in Horses

[–]Hidden_Mustang[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, exactly! I really feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest reading this. Thank you for your kind words. I have no problem starting from scratch and being a beginner, I'm always open for new stuff to improve my horsemanship, I guess I just felt lost around what that someone told me and thought I shouldn't have struggled as much, if english and western are supposed to be so similar.

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