Western riding is a type of horseback riding that originated on the vast ranches of the Americas. The distinction between English and Western riding is often discussed, but the two styles are very similar. Because the basic skills remain the same, a rider who excels in one discipline will excel in the other. Riders must have solid seats, gentle hands, communication skills, and a good sense of balance in both English and Western riding.
This riding style owes a lot to Spanish cowboys, or vaqueros, who worked on large ranches in the Americas with cattle, sheep, and other livestock. As a result, many aspects of Western riding are tailored to ranch work; Western horses, like English-trained horses, are trained to be extremely responsive, but they are also taught to use their common sense to keep their riders safe. Endurance, comfort, and cooperation between horse and rider are also important aspects of western riding.
The manner in which commands are given is one of the key distinguishing features of Western riding. Western horses are taught to neck rein, which means they respond to pressure on their necks from the reins instead of just the bit. Neck reining allows riders to handle a horse with one hand while managing a lariat for roping with the other. Western horses are also taught to move away from pressure and to respond quickly to leg signals, allowing their riders to let go of the reins if necessary.
Tack, or specialized equipment, is also used in western riding. With a high saddlehorn, the Western saddle is heavy and broad. The broad design makes the saddle comfortable for both the rider and the horse, as it acts as an armchair and distributes weight evenly across the back. The design also provides support for roping and prevents riders from slipping out of the saddle. In addition to a girth, many Western saddles have a breast collar to keep the saddle in place on the horse.
In Western riding, only one set of reins is used, and the reins are frequently tied together to prevent a rein from being dropped accidentally. Many Western horses respond to reins and legs alone, but riders can use the ends of the reins as a quirt to provide cues to the horse. Heavy boots that cannot slip through the stirrups are commonly worn by riders, and chaps may be worn to protect the legs from brush.
Because the rider may be distracted by a herd of animals, western horses are taught to use their best judgment to assist their riders. Many horses are skilled at cutting, assisting their riders in separating an animal from the herd, and they also know how to throw their weight around to assist with roping, ensuring that animals are roped and secured quickly for safety. Western horses are also taught to stand when the rider gets out of the saddle and to use intelligent refusal, which means they will refuse to do something dangerous if the rider asks them to.