ENGLISH RIDER TRIES WESTERN

[@-SadieTheLady-]

I’ve been riding western my whole life, I tried English *ONCE* and almost fell off like 10+ times 😭, western may look easy BUT ITS NOT!

[@MaeveByTheWaves]

I have been an English rider for 15+ years and I’ve just started taking western lessons! it is such a big challenge, but you did great!!

[@belongtobill]

Same here! I did hunter/jumper for 13 years and swapped to western 4 years ago! Never going back!

[@-SadieTheLady-]

@@belongtobillgood for you! I’ve been riding western my whole life!, I tried English once a year ago, and I’m never doing it again 😭

[@rebeccafletcher4188]

I tried and I felt dumb in that costume and I hate that huge saddle

[@saltylikesalineicurn]

My western horse is at an English barn is ridden English by my trainer and western by me. My trainer always remarks at how giant and gaudy the saddles are and it's absolutely hilarious! I loved this video!!!

[@c_and_l]

Define yes to Allison trying Rocky if she’s up for it. But also what about a Rocky goes western video?

[@fleetskipper1810]

Now there’s a thought! Even better.

[@cindyferguson8855]

Greetings....from the Western North Carolina Mountains....USA ! English.... Western ..... it's all the same.....it's riding a horse...! However....the very best way to ride is bareback !! TRUE CONNECTION with the horse....with no leather in-between...! Really love watching you and your horses.... thanks so much for sharing.. And congratulations on becoming a Veterinarian ....can't imagine what it really takes to accomplish that.

[@cantbebothered112]

You're going to love western! You should give endurance riding a try someday! Or ride and tie. In ride and tie you have 2 riders and 1 horse, it's pretty much like leap frog. One person starts off running and the other rides, the rider ties off the horse, then the runner catches up to tied horse, get off and rides the like they stole it! Distances go anywhere from 10 to 100 miles!!!

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Not nessicarily true. I for one can't stand western. It hurts my crotch and the fenders are annoying.

[@fleetskipper1810]

@@NoThankUBeQuiet when I read western, I need an arrow twist, I also have the same problems with my crotch as you mentioned.

[@DS-ky9dl]

I am SO happy that you posted this...there are so many options and fun things that are available. If you can ride one style you can ride the other, nothing difficult about it.

[@april5666]

I'd love to see Alison riding/jumping Rocky. He might surprise you at being chill; you've done so much great work with him. Also, very nice to hear you point out how technical and difficult western discipline is. Maybe you could add spinning and roll-backs to Rocky's repertoire? That looks like so much fun. Thank you for taking us along :)

[@fleetskipper1810]

Rocky may surprise you. I’d love to see Allison ride him.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Hard on tendons. Wouldn't like to see Rocky doing Western.

[@syzygyfarm]

@@juliaforsyth8332 Is jumping not hard on tendons?

[@cnkequestrian5789]

It's so fun to dabble in western sometimes! I love doing gymkhanas and western gaming. I'm hoping my OTTB mare will wanna do that stuff with me when she has more training under her belt. You looked great, Holly!! It's so fun to try new disciplines. 😊

[@RachaelAtRandom]

As much as I have tried to be an English rider, I am a western rider through and through. You did great!!

[@lisakovic5256]

YEEEEHAAA!!!! 🤠 you bloody killed it girly! Western is awesome and loved hearing you saying how technical it can be ❤

[@melStephens1994]

That sounded like so much fun. I've never tried western. Alison explained everything so well, it was very interesting...listen to the saddle! As a blind listener, I found it hard to tell which gate you were in most of the time because the saddle was making so much noise, drowning out the sounds of the horses' hooves :) Thank you for another great video.

[@cathythompson6872]

That was so much fun to watch. Beautiful arena and such a sweet Rosie ❤

[@QhJumper12]

I rode for about 15 years. I started western for about a year and then I discovered what English riding was. Didn’t have a saddle for awhile as well. I never really got back into western unless it was someone else’s horse I was on. It’s definitely challenging going from one to the other, but it’s good to be well rounded I think.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

I honestly wouldn't either. I'd do some dabbling in western dressage but that would only be if I was going for versatility titles or something

[@syzygyfarm]

I dabble in Ranch and Reining, too. It really is a lot a fun! Reining is a lot like Dressage. Your geometry matters and you have to be foot perfect in the movements. Rosie is a gem. I'd love to see how Allison does with Rocky.

[@oldageisdumb]

The movements might be similar but the basic fundamentals are very different. Dressage has very little to do with the movements..the movements are secondary. Dressage is all about the collection and softness through every part of the horse, and complete connection to the rider through that collection. Western riding does that in some form but not any way near the same thing.

[@syzygyfarm]

@@oldageisdumb I was speaking specifically about reining, not western riding in general. You won't do well in reining if your horse isn't collected or supple. Allison even mentions collection in the video. They are very similar disciplines. The movements are not what's similar about the two sports. It's the employment of the aids at a specific point in the arena. Additionally, reining developed as a way to showcase a ranch horse's training. Dressage, as you may know, is a showcase of training, too. Both involve predetermined movements performed from memory. But we can agree to disagree, if you'd like. :)

[@oldageisdumb]

@@syzygyfarm With all due respect, reining collection isn’t near the same thing as collection in dressage. It’s a “light” version.

[@syzygyfarm]

​@@oldageisdumb So you've ridden reining horses before then? You've had reining lessons, and shown? I'm just trying to get an idea of where your knowledge comes from. Are you speaking from experience?

[@oldageisdumb]

@@syzygyfarm Yes, I have ridden reigning horses, but not shown. The bulk of my experience is in dressage. When I worked with the reining horses I was very surprised how little collection there was. Yes, they are in tune with their rider for sure, but there is a stiffness there, a lack of suppleness in the back. They are much more stiff in their movements. You can see it just by watching them, much less riding them. There is a difference between being in tune/responsive to your rider and true, supple collection. Edited to add- collection is all about distributing the weight of the horse on to the hind end. Reining horses tend to fall on their front end. That defeats the purpose of collection

[@naomimcewan9744]

I've ridden english since i was 8, i'm now 41 and started western only a few weeks ago....such a big difference in aids but i am slowly getting there remembering not to put my inside leg on when doing a turn. Today i managed my first full lap of the arena in lope. Not too shabby when i'm coming off a 10yr break from riding properly (the odd hack out on a friends horse here and there but not regular)

[@bqualitysnake6549]

So I wasn't the only one with stirrups falling all over the place when I first started riding western haha! (I do both sports now but have a decade extra in the english world), I think the issue is that you both have to have the stirrup placed a little differently on your foot (a little further in, and keeping your heels downish and loose, especially in canter.) You also almost "slouch" more to get your seatbones angled right to elongate your legs enough to lock them on tight. The saddle itself pulls you into position overtime, which makes it both more comfortable and secure. I would love to see you try it again, I think everyone can learn so much from genuinely giving something completely new a shot!

[@parkerellis2010]

I ride both (but no jumping anymore) and I honestly like them both. Different and also similar.

[@kaylacrone4099]

Yay!! You did a great job!! I hope you liked it 🎉

[@Murrinholi1]

I’d love to see that!! I had a hip replacement at 26 (I have Avascular Necrosis) my Ortho actually told me I’d find Western riding easier - feels weird riding WITH stirrups now, I have full range of movement and can still sit cross legged yoga, but something tightens near my ceramic hip, you’ve inspired me to give it a go!!

[@MaryDean.G]

I love western and English! I compete in both very competitively!

[@danhalliday8858]

Impressive. I went to a client last year that rode her Welsh pony in a western saddle. That bloody horn on the front and the weird stirrups did my head in

[@merauble6658]

Wow, that was cool to see. I never knew it was so technical to ride Western, even though I've always wanted a Quarter Horse. Of course we want to see you try it w Rocky! 😉🙃

[@belongtobill]

Western is just as technical as English for sure! The end product just looks different!

[@christinemartindale8715]

That was different Holly sweet pony too. I often wondered what it was like riding western hope you enjoyed it.tfs😎🏇😎

[@epe-equestrianpatterneduca6184]

It's always so wonderful to see others trying a different aspect of equestrian activities. I think you did a great job Holly for riding western for the second time ever and on a young horse no less! It's always nice to see exercises that others use. I find the addition of a box for turning to be an interesting idea, you as the rider have a set boundary for where you should be however, it makes it difficult to encourage the horse forward, which can be counter productive since the pivot is a forward movement. My experience is not with reining or cutting horses but instead with pleasure events (I know, don't cringe yet please). For horsemanship pivots you can use a side-pass to improve your pivots. You start by asking the horse to pivot normally. If the horse starts to get "sticky" up front or behind, you simply side-pass in the same direction as the pivot a few steps and then continue with the pivot again. The reason why you side-pass is because it gets the horse to disengage whatever end was sticky. The key is to make sure you make it very clear when you ask for a side-pass vs pivot. Horses also tend to not want to turn on the hindquarters as nice because more of their weight is on the front end so asking them to "sit back on the hocks" while they turn rather than swinging the backend around the front takes a lot of time and consistency. Also your friend has a very nice horse (lots of cadence and lift) and explained everything to you very well!

[@belongtobill]

Another good way, which is what I was trained, was Circle your horse smaller and smaller until it’s too small and put your outside leg on and spin. It keeps the forward momentum going and keeps their front legs crossing over like they should be!

[@Katy.Lou.K]

FINALLY!!! I’ve secretly been waiting for this video!!! So happy you gave it a go!!! You did great for a second time! I love how horse people think western is easy, but it’s just as challenging as english… just in a different way. Proud of you Holly! Love from California⛰️🌲🌧️💙

[@amandakinneard1225]

Wow! That was great to watch, glad to see you back after vlogmas :)

[@Life.on.the.wrong.leg2020]

Yes, I want to see that!

[@ForeverBrooklyn]

Western is so much fun! I’ve never tried English, but I bet it’s just as fun!

[@jeniferrinehart1107]

How fun! You do sit a western horse quite well there, Holly. May be something to pursue….. 😂❤😂

[@chloebailey7036]

Yes to seeing Alison ride Rocky! Great video, I enjoyed seeing your try Western.

[@haileyh8140]

Yes! I’ve ridden English for as long as I can remember, and now I have moved to a state where western is the main saddle we ride in, and I love it. I’ve just started learning barrels too! I highly underestimated western riders.

[@elizabethedwards917]

That looked like fun. Maybe you should try a western show someday. I've only ever ridden western on trail rides so it was interesting to see another side of it. Would love to see Alison jump Rocky!

[@hceventing]

Western looks like so much fun! It was interesting having your friend explaining it all

[@Morganpies]

I honestly think you rode better! You’re so much neater with your hands and softer and also lighter in your seat with zero bouncing! I think you were amazing! I love your shirt too!

[@staceyarbelo4255]

Would love to see that!

[@TheNativeHorses]

I was lost the second she said squeeze to stop 😂 you did great!!!

[@susan_brehm]

Ooh yes would love to see Allison ride Rocky and to see you ride a little more western too! All the disciplines are fun!!

[@LisauaChloe]

This honestly looks so much fun! Want to try it myself at some point. Both look Awesome, give yourself more credit for sure lovely!! :D x

[@aliyahloveshorses6446]

I started out western and did western pleasure and western dressage but then I went into English dressage for a a few months. I was doing reining in-between all of it but now I'm just barrels and reining. And I still ride english sometimes for fun!

[@janl8683]

Great video, would love to see Alison riding Rocky 😀

[@dianehookham]

Yes please to watching Allison riding Rocky, I thought you did really well, thats the riding I want to do, I know english

[@bethany6148]

This was so interesting! I didn't realise just how different Western is to English riding. She seems a really sweet little mare, a credit to Alison.

[@Latarielle]

Yesss would love to see her ride Rocky!

[@LizHil01]

I thought you did really well! I have only ever ridden English. When I was in college and on the equestrian team, we found out we were going to a Western show. Most of us were Animal Science majors, and one day, at the end of a genetics class, we all gathered at the front of the classroom, and our team captain showed us how to ride one handed and how to neck rein. No horses were present at the time. To this day, what I learned then is all I know about Western riding! 😂

[@maryloumay8499]

Reining & sliding is difficult but Western Pleasure is much harder as everything is done with the legs & seat. You need to find a finished WP horse to ride. 🥰

[@stephgraceee]

Holly I’m going to need to see you to try campdrafting next 😆 and big yes to Alison riding Rocky!! Would love to see that

[@polarbear9848]

yes pls lets see your friend with Rocky

[@7teenXbeans]

i rode english for 3 years and now im just trying western and for some reason i find it so hard

[@sallysapphirelord796]

yes id love to see allison on rocky!!

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

As someone who is working on retraining a western horse to english. I wish they'd teach these horses to ride on contact at least some. You NEVER know where your horse is going to end up and I don't know many english horses who don't ride on both for that exact reason. At least enough that they don't freak out when you start introing the idea.

[@JaceTez]

western is soo tough! i ride English, I tip my hat to all the bad ass western riders!

[@comeandsitwithme4417]

Western riding, especially reining and cutting is all about leg work and seat work. The best reining and cutters can steer their horse by their legs and seat alone. It takes a lot of practice and a good bond between your horse:)

[@debrabish1494]

yes

[@SharronFrye]

i ride western i love it

[@RaineeRidez]

I've been waiting for a this my whole life 😂

[@Gabihorse]

I have been trying out western and it's super cool, has much more freedom that english style, but for sure it's teaching me so many new things and tricks ! soo cool! the funny thing it's that we know what to do but the how to is different haha. my first lesson i was just like you like"omg!!" thats different haha. and the thing that helps it putting you feet all on the stirrup so you can slide better and have more balance, no problem because their stirrups is more weightier, so it will slip out if anything happens.. that how i'm being tought. ohh plus put all of your legs front, in front of their humerus.. almost makes them thing back or slow and slide. soo fun haha 'i often caught myself doing western techniques while English riding now haha but im still learning too haha. the tricks are soo fun and trickier

[@sjanesimmons]

Yes to Allison riding Rocky!

[@MissJools11]

In Western Riding, cantering is called a Lope.

[@helensmart8521]

After 15+ years of no riding at all (and I was only ever a happy hacker) At 55+ I started Western lessons with Leigh Morcom at Black Horse Lodge in Little River (near Geelong). Had never ridden Western before. Yes, it was a complete full body workout every time but as an older person with zero interest in jumping I found all the minutiae of the movements fascinating and it was both a body and brain workout each time. You might like to check out the Ranch Riding type event which although Rocky isn't suitable for reining type riding, RR would be within his capabilities and would definitely contribute to bombproofing him for resale - they get exposed to lots of weird shit :)

[@cassia.weeks.]

hi holly! i was wondering if your selling rocky after youve completed his training? im really near you in australia, and i recognise the arena youre at. Thanks! ❤

[@bethalvarez6956]

I’ve done both all my life it is different from jumping!

[@macie.e]

I ride western and english but I specialize in western barrel racing😁

[@quietcowgirl188]

I see videos of western people riding english (I'm guilty myself) but I haven’t tried English tries western!

[@PureGingerify]

Glad to see you wearing a helmet! I rode western in Canada and made fun of endlessly for wearing my gpa speed air 🙄

[@PureGingerify]

I’ll honestly never forget my first time actually schooling western. I felt like I couldn’t ride at all, but a few months later it was much easier :)

[@CallaLily69]

I tried to 2 point and got jabbed in the ribcage by the horn of the saddle

[@eszterurban9390]

From now on, will you continue with western riding, or will you stay with the English style?

[@suzannerichards4885]

Rocky might surprise you with Allison, let's see it!

[@readwriteteach]

Where is this ranch? Alison sounds Canadian. Did you take a pitstop on the way to Oz?

[@gentle_egg_christina]

Switching saddles with a twist- they’re babies 😂

[@lizgarland2241]

Fab vlog 🤠

[@Sophie-iv1zm]

I’ve always ridden western but I’m scared to try English (I ride in a stock saddle)😅

[@lovehorses7615]

I would love to see her try english

[@TacoandBean]

Lol I have been riding western for the last 10 years

[@oscillatewildly666]

Must say, your western apparel looks great on you! Meant to be? :)

[@cordywitt6400]

For sure. Switch horses. 👍

[@sixmercer2504]

I DEFINITELY want to watch Allison jumping! It's only fair right? Rosie is quite a well trained young 4 year old. She does have a beautiful frame. And you did great for never riding Western. I think people think riding is riding. We all can do anything on any horse. So not true! A Western saddle makes me feel so off balance. I can't feel the horse and use me legs which is how I give my horse most of my instructions. Ugh freaks me out

[@GloryToGodAlmighty]

Rocky v Rosie. Showdown of moms

[@andrewpaul8523]

You did good at Western But did you know raining actually kills the horses back, and their back legs

[@avakershaw7854]

I could never ride western it's to much of a change its to hard

[@uff069]

Does anyone know what that thing on her tail is and why it is there?

[@Chloe_does]

It’s a tail bag. It’s tied on the tail to keep it clean 😊

[@uff069]

Oh okay, thank you

[@Vickie-Bligh]

I rode western my whole life until the day I took English lessons. I understand totally the confusion. All I've really ever done is hack so eventually going back & forth between disciplines wasn't that difficult but doing trained moves? Nope.

[@vicfanny]

👍🏻

[@shawneehughes6736]

your doing good , but its ok I'm a pro champion western rider I'v been riding for 17 years !

[@sageschwebke2884]

That saddle fit is horrible though! Such a nice horse and a nice saddle too!

[@loaf_of_beans2684]

who else thought Allison was a fantastic coach?

[@pixie706]

Why is the tail tied up ? Also is this type of work hard on the horse especially tendons ?

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Reining is second behind racing for breaking down. Hate the horrible low headline and shuffling paces. Broken in and worked too young.

[@Horsegirl243]

I’ve only ever rotten western. I have never tried English.

[@fionaoreilly5962]

Saddle definitely doesn't fit that horse. Too wide

[@WillowSmith-sx9jj]

Okay first of all I. can't stand people who stereo type western riding, she takes it as a joke and I find it annoying. Sure its more easy going but there is a lot of technique involved. So please take western riding seriously:-(

[@xhiddenkittenx]

English riders would shit if they saw our stables. 😂😂😂

[@tahlialatimore2196]

Too be honest u rode her horse so much better than her no hate but really u did 😅

[@janeminwell4395]

Have not watched much western riding, but if Rosie is an example of it, the horses don’t seem to enjoy it much. 🤔.

[@melissamahony9152]

Your not English your Irish and be proud to be from Ireland 💯💚

[@evieashton8099]

The riding style is called ‘English riding’ everywhere in the world 😊

[@danielabackstrom]

I'm an English rider and I'm as Finnish as they come. It's just the discipline.

[@nala8223]

As someone without main discipline that has only ever tried English riding, these aids seem so weird to me. Squeezing your legs to slow down? What?

[@tw_neo708]

We don't ride on contact, so to cue for collection we cue with our legs by picking up the stomach. Unless also followed up with a driving seat, most horses will also slow down their feet.

[@sydneylangley6524]

First