If you’ve always been captivated by the grace and elegance of English riding but find yourself yearning for a fresh equine adventure. In this article, I want to talk about the untapped benefits that Western riding can bring to English riding. 

Embrace a New Riding Style

English riders, we know how much you adore the discipline and finesse of your traditional riding techniques. But hey, why not shake things up a bit and indulge in the Western riding style? It’s like learning a new dance move! From the loose rein to the deep seat, Western riding offers a modern approach that allows you to connect with your horse in a whole new way. 

Masterful Groundwork

Western riding places great emphasis on groundwork and close quarter work, which involves working with your horse from the ground before mounting up. By engaging in groundwork exercises, such as lunging, round penning, and showmanship, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your horse’s body language, behavior, and responsiveness. These skills are invaluable for building trust and respect, resolving any behavioural issues, and establishing a solid foundation for your riding partnership.

Strengthen Your Balance and Core

One of the key advantages of Western riding is its focus on balance and core strength. English riders, you might be accustomed to the posting trot and jumping, which already require excellent balance. But Western riding takes it to the next level. The longer stirrups and deeper seat demand that you engage your core muscles and maintain a solid balance throughout your ride. You’ll be amazed at how this translates back into your English riding skills, improving your stability, posture, and overall riding effectiveness.

Foster a Strong Partnership

The heart of Western riding lies in the deep connection between rider and horse. Western horsemanship emphasizes building trust, understanding, and respect between the two of you. By immersing yourself in this philosophy, you’ll develop exceptional communication skills, as well as a heightened sense of awareness and sensitivity towards your equine partner. These invaluable qualities will undoubtedly carry over to your English riding, enabling you to forge a stronger partnership and achieve new heights together.

Create the Agile Show Jumper

Groundwork, when combined with Western riding techniques, can greatly benefit show jumpers looking to excel in the arena. Western-style groundwork and riding exercises, such as lunging, and circle work will promote suppleness, responsiveness, and balance in your horse. These exercises enhance your horse’s ability to navigate turns, adjust stride lengths, and maintain straightness — all essential skills for successful show jumping. By incorporating Western groundwork and riding into your training, you’ll develop a more agile and adjustable mount, capable of smoothly manoeuvring challenging jump courses with precision. Furthermore, the emphasis on relaxation and building trust that Western riding brings can help create a calm and focused show jumper, which is key to performing well under the pressures of the competition ring.

A Calm, Consistent Dressage Horse

The exercises mentioned above will enhance your horse’s ability to engage their hindquarters, maintain consistent rhythm, and execute precise movements. By incorporating Western techniques into your English riding, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your dressage training. Western riding encourages relaxation, suppleness, and a soft connection between you and your horse. These qualities are highly valued in dressage, where clear communication and subtle cues are paramount. The focus on building a partnership and deepening the bond with your horse that Western riding emphasizes will undoubtedly translate into greater harmony, expression, and fluidity in your dressage tests.

If you’re interested in learning more, why not check out our two-day clinic in Drumcoura City in Leitrim on the 22on of July with Tammy Greaves. Tammy is a BHS instructor, a Western Equestrian Society instructor and an AQHA professional. She trains both English and Western riders to high levels and truly knows the value of the cross-discipline horse. The clinic will be suitable for all levels and will be catered to riders who attend on the day. Tammy can help with a wide range of issues you may face with your horse. 

Riders are welcome on one or both days. Stabling is available on site. Accommodation can be found on site or at the many B&B’s just minutes away from the venue. Spectators are welcome for free. 

To book a place go to https://itsplainsailing.com/org/iqha . For more information on western riding in Ireland visit www.iqha.ie

Amanda Horan

Public Relations Officer 

Irish Quarter Horse Association