Western and English Horseback Riding, Compare-Contrast

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To most, horseback riding is just horseback riding. To those who know the sport well, know that there are two styles of riding- English, and Western. In both these styles, there are many differences, but also many similarities. The most noticeable difference in the styles is the tack, or the equipment like the saddles and bridles. Another difference is the way to ride in each discipline, but between all this, there are many similarities with one being the goal of both disciplines remain the same. The primary surface difference between English riding and Western riding is the equipment. The Western saddle is designed to facilitate comfort on long cattle drives, and is built for roping calves and cutting steer and a host of other activities. An English saddle, on the other hand, is flatter and designed for less contact. Of course, there are numerous types of Western saddles, just as many forms of the English saddle exist. The main differences between the two categories are: The Western saddle has a horn on the pommel, the cantle is higher on the Western saddle, the Western seat is deeper and more sloped, English saddles have a girth rather than a cinch, stirrups are attached to the English saddle with slim leathers, while the Western saddle uses fender. There are also differences when comparing other equipment used for Western or English riding. The English bridle, for example, has a cavesson (noseband) and browband, while the Western bridle has only a headstall (sometimes with an ear slot). Also, the Western saddle pad is larger and thicker than the English one. In English riding, horses are taught to respond to direct reining, which means that the rider holds the left rein in his left hand, and the right rein in his right hand. There is a straight line from the hand to the bit via the rein, which means that every cue is directed at the horse's mouth. Western
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