Western to english training.

Karen Horse · 02-29-2008, 11:05 AM

Ok. I have this mare who made it to state and did really well in western. She was rode until she was about 10 and then nothing. I just got her last year when she turned 18 now she's 19. I had my trainer friend who shows both english and western ride her and he was very impressed by how much she bends and remembers.... as you proly some of you have found out since she's that old that she's set in her ways. She's a lovely ride and I think she might be able to do english if she extends and moves more smoothly at the trot. Thing is.... she was only show until she was five and then just trail rode and no one taught her to neck rein, at least not good.

So could anyone teach me some excercises to teach her to ride english. I don't need her to do so good she'll go to state or something.... just good enough to do good at some local shows and such.

I know nothing of english so tell me what I need to know and ill go out there and do it

She needs to be messed with again cuz she loves to work and has no job at the moment.

Thanks so much!!

dare2ride · 03-01-2008, 02:03 AM

really english is not that foreign when compared to western. i think though that the bigest difference for the horse (if in western you have used a curb bit) is the bit change. in english usually a snaffle type bit or kimberwick or pelhem is used with direct pressure to the horse's mouth. collection or contact with the horse at all times is desired in english, as you probably know. at first i would suggest teaching her to bend to a rein lightly pulled while you stand at each shoulder and also as you stand beside her to put pressure on both reins under her chin until you get a response ( a drop of the head or her face in a vertical line-keep on until she is responsive and light) this will help the transition to riding wiht collection. be patient this is tough work at first for a horse that has lost her 'collection muscles' lol. take it easy and only hold the collection when riding for a couple strides before letting her stretch out for a few strides, then gather her up for a couple strides and release again. over time you'll notice her topline muscling up and her ability to hold will become longer as she strengthens.

02-29-2008, 11:05 AM	#1
Karen Horse Full Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 292 Images: 39	Western to english training. Ok. I have this mare who made it to state and did really well in western. She was rode until she was about 10 and then nothing. I just got her last year when she turned 18 now she's 19. I had my trainer friend who shows both english and western ride her and he was very impressed by how much she bends and remembers.... as you proly some of you have found out since she's that old that she's set in her ways. She's a lovely ride and I think she might be able to do english if she extends and moves more smoothly at the trot. Thing is.... she was only show until she was five and then just trail rode and no one taught her to neck rein, at least not good. So could anyone teach me some excercises to teach her to ride english. I don't need her to do so good she'll go to state or something.... just good enough to do good at some local shows and such. I know nothing of english so tell me what I need to know and ill go out there and do it She needs to be messed with again cuz she loves to work and has no job at the moment. Thanks so much!! __________________ If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would climb back up to heaven and bring you home again.

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03-01-2008, 02:03 AM	#2
dare2ride Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 14	really english is not that foreign when compared to western. i think though that the bigest difference for the horse (if in western you have used a curb bit) is the bit change. in english usually a snaffle type bit or kimberwick or pelhem is used with direct pressure to the horse's mouth. collection or contact with the horse at all times is desired in english, as you probably know. at first i would suggest teaching her to bend to a rein lightly pulled while you stand at each shoulder and also as you stand beside her to put pressure on both reins under her chin until you get a response ( a drop of the head or her face in a vertical line-keep on until she is responsive and light) this will help the transition to riding wiht collection. be patient this is tough work at first for a horse that has lost her 'collection muscles' lol. take it easy and only hold the collection when riding for a couple strides before letting her stretch out for a few strides, then gather her up for a couple strides and release again. over time you'll notice her topline muscling up and her ability to hold will become longer as she strengthens.