So, recently, I've had a bit of a break from the saddle. After having my first fall a number of months ago, my confidence was really knocked and I felt that my riding ability in general just seemed to decline- to the point where I almost did not want to ride at all. Now, lots of riders experience a lapse of confidence at some time in their horsey lives, and we all know that the best option is to 'get back on the horse'. I decided to a have a complete fresh start for my comeback; at a different yard, on a different horse, and finally, I even decided on a different discipline: Western.
Before now, I've only ever ridden English, and never really even considered that there was another option out there. Then I suddenly realised that Western riding seemed right up my street; I wanted to try getting out and about on trail rides rather than circling around the arena again, and I also liked the idea of a secure, comfy saddle and slightly more relaxed way of riding.
I found a lovely little farm where you had a lot of interaction with your horse before hopping on board, and everything was tailored to your own pace. We started out in a small outdoor arena where I was shown the ropes. At first, I found it a little difficult to adjust my hand position, but I actually found that I much preferred riding one-handed. My horse was in a Hackamore, which again I wasn't sure about at first, but once I'd settled into it, I loved how chilled it all felt (with a really loose contact, meaning my horse had space to stretch her head) whilst still maintaining a great level of control. I marvelled at how well-trained the horses were, and how responsive they were to incredibly subtle aids and voice aids alone.
By the end of a great day's hacking out around forest, lakeside and beautiful cliffside trails, I was completely converted; I knew I could never look at an English saddle in the same way again, and had pretty much resolved to switch my discipline.
But, along came a huge needle that threatened to pop my balloon of enthusiasm (I know that's a pretty awful metaphor, but I'm just going to roll with it!). When I returned to normality, gabbling about how wonderful Western was, I found that lots of people received my news in a very disappointing way. I don't know if it's just the people I know, or maybe the area I live in or something, but there seems to be a bit of a stigma around Western that I simply wasn't aware of before. Admittedly, I think that a certain amount of snobbery unfortunately surrounds equestrianism, at least here in the UK, so I think that comes into play here (e.g. the frustrating assumption that horse riding is only for 'posh people'). The people I've encountered seem to think that Western is for mindless cowboys who don't know how to ride, and so basically choose to sit there doing nothing.
I couldn't disagree more! If you ask me, the fact that Western riders can perform the feats they do (e.g. the precision and skill involved in barrel racing, and the suppleness of a side pass) so effortlessly, all whilst maintaining such a free contact and absolutely minimal pressure is really commendable. So where on earth is this stereotyping coming from?
It really saddens me, and I hope it's less of an issue for others elsewhere than it is for me, as I essentially find that Western has little to no representation where I am, meaning I have no access to Western tack, clinics, or even training books! Now, please don't get me wrong, I am not in any way condemning English riding, I am simply saying that I have reached the conclusion that Western is better for me, personally. I just wish that it wasn't looked down upon or not seen as a 'proper' discipline by certain people.
If you find that you have reservations about Western, then I implore you to at least give it a go. You know, 'don't knock it until you've tried it' and all that. Then, if you decide it's not for you, then fair enough! At least you will (hopefully) have realised that it is a very skillful division of equestrianism, and should be respected as much as any other.
I, for one, will proudly say I love it!
