[lucky_pine]

My dad found a decent english saddle for me to start out on, since I've been begging him to let me get one. Well, no details on the saddle, sorry. I have yet to see it. All I know is that it's a flex tree and just good for starting out. So, if I like riding english, I'll upgrade to a better saddle.

Anyways, I know NOTHING about english except how to post.
So can I get as much advice, tips, etc that I possibly can? My horses are all working on the bit and such, so...that's taken care of.
How do I switch from riding western to english? My position in the saddle?
Length of stirrups?

ANYTHING WILL BE APPRECIATED! I'll get pictures as soon as the saddle gets here which will be later this week.

Trust me, I will post a lot in the critique probably week by week, because I honestly don't think you'll get me out of the saddle, hehe.

[lucky_pine]

Also, please don't tell me to get lessons or go to a trainer. It won't be worth the money if I don't like riding that discipline, and I will be back in lessons this summer anyways.

thanks !

[Fox Glove]

I'll help you Brandi...
I will PM you my email..

Be easier
Paula

[Lindsayanne]

Originally Posted by lucky_pine

Also, please don't tell me to get lessons or go to a trainer. It won't be worth the money if I don't like riding that discipline, and I will be back in lessons this summer anyways.

thanks !

Yeah but you can't really "try english" without taking a few lessons. Even with the best instructions and critique here, "riding english" in a starter saddlewith a WP background is 90% different than riding english with a knowledgable english instructor's eye on the ground and a well balanced, well fit saddle.

Don't hurt me, I really do hope you have fun, but I just don't think you can really explore the discipline honestly enough just riding western in a different saddle. It's like deciding whether you like being a surgeon based on the appendectomy you attempted after donning the clothes and reading an FAQ on surgery.

[Jess!]

Originally Posted by Lindsayanne

Yeah but you can't really "try english" without taking a few lessons. Even with the best instructions and critique here, "riding english" in a starter saddlewith a WP background is 90% different than riding english with a knowledgable english instructor's eye on the ground and a well balanced, well fit saddle.

Don't hurt me, I really do hope you have fun, but I just don't think you can really explore the discipline honestly enough just riding western in a different saddle. It's like deciding whether you like being a surgeon based on the appendectomy you attempted after donning the clothes and reading an FAQ on surgery.

I agree. I rode English for 5 years, and had lessons. You cannot [easily] learn by your own, or from a forum. Find someone who can teach you.

[lucky_pine]

I've rode English twice, took a mini lesson back when I was 10.
Whether or not I'm with a trainer I'm still trying english.
Pretty smart of me to ask advice first, instead of just hopping on.
We all start somewhere.

[GiddyUpScoot]

*Yipes* We're all a bit on edge here, I think is it safe to come out?

Anywho - since you're obviously NOT new to riding all together, there's no harm in riding in an english saddle for a few months without lessons... I mean, come on guys - just think of all of the people out there with NO experience who ride without lessons. I don't see any harm in it, so long as you have a good seat and quiet hands, you'll be fine. For riding on the flat, your stirrups should fall so that the base hits your at your ankle bone. If you find that you are reaching for the stirrups, don't be afraid to bring them up a hole. Definately go for lessons this summer, but in the meantime, even if you got on your horse and rode western in an english saddle, just to get the feel of the saddle I think you would be fine. I know an english trainer (she specializes in Morgan Hunters and Western Pleasure horses) and she'll begin the training for her hunters in a western saddle. As long as you are not thrown off balance - go for it! As for the saddle... as long as it fits, it doesn't have to be an expensive saddle, especially if you're just starting out - I agree with you... there's no point wasting the money if you end up disliking english! Good luck and post some pics

[Quiggles]

First id just like to say i understand your funstration.I've had people do that to me too on this forum.

Is there anyway you can just have ONE lesson to get you going,or would that just be too much hassle?

I think the easiest way we can help you is if you post picture or something so we can see where your at and what you need to change.

I think its really great your trying out a new disapline, a change is always good.

[lucky_pine]

Wow, thanks to everyone who is actually supporting me.
The woman I'm getting the saddle from will start me out on the flat, I'm sure of that. All it takes is me asking,which I'm probably going to do.
With western you ride with long stirrups, english they're higher, correct? That's gonna take some getting used to.

[lucky_pine]

And actually yes, you can try english without a few lessons.