Western riding is a great way to have a good relationship with your horse and to regain confidence after an accident.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Traditional One-Handed Method
Step 1. Hold the reins with one hand
Most western-trained horses don't need as much contact to be direct. They usually have longer harnesses that put pressure behind the ears rather than the mouth. While it sounds like torture, it works better. The reins are weighed near the harness; this means that the jockey can communicate with the horse without using the reins too much. Furthermore, the pressure prepares the horse well for western riding without too much difficulty.
Step 2. Communicate with the horse to move
Many jockeys use the kiss and click method. When you want to have a moderate pace you make a clicking sound with your tongue, and when you want to gallop you kiss it. Western-trained horses trot and gallop differently from English ones.
Step 3. Turn using body weight and legs as for English ones
Push with your legs and direct it with the reins.
Method 2 of 2: Learning with Two Hands
Step 1. Hold the reins with two hands (but basically, you will ride with one hand, the left one)
Riding with only one rein is an option that not everyone chooses because it requires a lot of practice. Make sure that the reins are not too tight, but at the same time that you can control the horse well. When you get better, you can loosen them more.
Step 2. While sitting in the saddle, focus on the position of the hips, as most western-trained horses respond to this kind of minimal movement of the hips and also of the head
If you look to the left your hips move accordingly, and then the horse will too.
Step 3. The stirrups must be of suitable length to avoid touching the crotch with the heels
They vary from person to person. But if you think they are too long, shorten them. Keep in mind that you will need to ride with that length. If you slip and lose your temper you could fall.
Step 4. When riding, keep your torso erect, legs forward and let the horse stretch the head down and forward
Many horses are trained differently, but "if you assume that you have a rope tied to their shoulders that you pull and lift, the horse will feel the pressure relieve and lower its head."
Step 5. To travel more distance slowly, go to a trot
Step 6. The trot is a slow gait that allows you to travel a greater distance
There is no need to go too slowly, but it still has to be a 2-beat movement.
Step 7. When trotting, sit as in English riding, but deeper and slightly back
Step 8. When you are walking at an even, slow pace, order the horse to gallop
The gallop must be as smooth as when you go to a trot. Many older jockeys practice a lazy canter, but it is better to canter naturally at 3 regular times. Don't overdo the speed and control the movement, and if you need to stretch the reins do it. Control is everything!
Step 9. You are now ready to ride with one hand
Advice
- Always wear a safety helmet and not a western one when practicing or doing a parade, unless you are an expert - but always wear safety gear.
- Do not try to do this with a horse that is not trained in western riding.
- Don't think that just because the saddle is big it will keep you in place. Make sure you keep your balance and hire an instructor to learn how to ride a saddle safely.
- Get help from an expert or instructor.
- You may need the spurs as you use your body weight and legs. Use them only if necessary in the company of an expert.
- Practice with an English saddle before moving on to the western one.
Warnings
- Do not pull too hard when making a turn as the horse may get nervous and kick, refuse to move forward, etc.
- Don't overdo it by pulling the reins too hard to communicate with the horse; in this way you will hurt the horse making it confused. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't handle the horse, relax and stop pulling the reins.
- If you pull the reins too hard, you will put pressure behind the horse's ears and it may stop. This is perhaps just a legend, but it could happen.
- Remember that horses are always horses and therefore there are always risks when riding. Put on the helmet.
- Western harnesses are more rigid and should only be used by experienced jockeys or in the company of instructors.
