The principles of Western Riding can be traced back to nearly 400 years BC where Xenophon, the ancient Greek soldier and historian widely accepted as being the founder of modern horsemanship, wrote that balance, weight control and transfer, gentleness and patience are the keys to a well trained and supple horse. His philosophies have been maintained and evolved through the practicalities of use and when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the Americas in the early 1500's they brought with them cattle-working and warfare practices that form the basis of Western Riding today.
American cowboys were required to work long hours in the saddle and their riding style and equipment needed to accommodate the need to rope and steer herds of cattle whilst often riding at speed over rough terrain. In order for them to lasso a cow with the lariat in one hand the horse needed to be controlled with the other hand and hence the horses were taught to neck rein. This skill of getting the horse to change direction simply by means of the light pressure of the rein on the horse's neck is indicative of the way Western Riding follows the philosophies of Xenophon.
Western Riding in essence is a way to ride horses with control, precision and responsiveness by means of light pressure and weight transfer. It is a style of riding that is very easy to learn the basics but which requires tremendous skill and dedication to master at its highest level.
Because of the almost nomadic lifestyle of the cowboy it was essential that they minimised the risks of falling and injuring themselves several days journey from medical help. With this in mind the equipment used was as important as the horse itself and thus the Western saddle needed a high cantle and deep seat with a substantial tree to provide support whilst roping cattle and a prominent pommel to allow the snubbing of lasso. Covers for the front of the stirrups called Tapaderos (taps) were often used which prevented brush from becoming caught in the stirrups. The boots had pointed toes and pronounced heels that stopped the rider's foot slipping through the stirrup in the event of a fall and avoid the risk of being dragged along. As with almost everything associated with the sport, the equipment and tack used has come about by necessity.
A definitive of Western tack are the reins. Firstly there are the long split reins traditionally from Texas which are completely separated. In addition there are "Romal" closed ended reins associated with California, which have a long single attachment for use as a quirt. Both use a bridle that has evolved to allow the rider to communicate with the horse using a loose rein. The bit used offers one of the biggest differences between English and Western riding where Western riders aim to use a curb bit with a single pair or reins having longer and looser shanks than the curb of an English Weymouth bridle or Pelham bit.
Western and English riding are not as dissimilar as first appearances might suggest, both styles require the rider to have a solid seat with the body well balanced over the feet and hands working independently of the seat. There are of course obvious aesthetic differences with both the tack and the clothing. Western riders tend to wear practical, comfortable clothing, traditionally jeans, boots, long sleeved shirt and a Stetson. Invariably chaps are also worn which help the rider stick to the saddle and also protects the legs whilst riding through brush.
Western tack and clothing can often be quite flamboyant with saddles, bits and bridles using intricately engraved leather and plenty of silver. Clothing is sometimes very colourful and usually accented with ornamental accessories such as carved silver belt buckles and stirrups.
