Western vs. Dressage - What's the Difference?
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
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#equestrian #western #dressage
Does it matter what saddle you ride in? Will your riding be impacted by a western vs. Dressage saddle? Will your horse be affected?
I believe that it does not matter what type of tack you use. Good riding is good riding, good horsemanship is good horsemanship.
No matter what saddle you ride in, you should still have correct alignment from ear, shoulder, hip, and heel. There should still be a straight line from your elbow to your horse’s bit, and your horse should have a steady rhythm and maintain steady contact.
In this week’s video, Jacques and I will be riding in my western tack. Believe it or not, I used to ride western a lot! And I still like to ride western when I’m working with young horses.
We will be clipping in video of me riding Jacques in English dressage tack so that you can see the difference. I think you will be surprised to see that there is not a huge difference at all! The biggest difference between the western saddle and dressage saddle is that I feel like it is harder to sit the trot and canter in the western saddle compared to the dressage saddle.
A few other differences in western tack are:
· Larger saddle - The bigger western saddle distributes weight over a larger area on your horse’s back (which can be a good thing).
· Mecate reins - I use mecate reins when I ride western, and they are super nice to have because when I’m riding, I can get off at any time and do groundwork if needed.
· Night Latch - Also known as a grab strap, a night latch is helpful for when you are feeling unstable in the saddle or if your horse is doing something silly. This strap allows you to pull yourself into the saddle or just give you more stability in your position so you are not pulling on your horse.
I hope this video helps you realize that good riding is good riding and it doesn’t matter what style of tack you ride in. My mantra is “Dressage for All”! I believe that dressage can help any horse and rider. I love seeing you and your horse progress along your journey no matter what style you choose to ride in.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
00:00 Intro/Does it Matter What Saddle You Ride in?
01:00 Rider Position Western vs. Dressage
01:43 Trotting Western vs. Dressage
02:39 Canter Western vs. Dressage
03:42 Differences in Western vs. Dressage Tack
04:46 Dressage for All/End of Video - Zábava
Need help with your Rider Position? Check out this free PDF mini-course to help: amelianewcombdressage.com/free-rider-position-mini-course/
Many years ago I was scribing at a recognized event and Karen O’Connor entered the arena in a Western saddle for a classical dressage test. She came up to us before the bell rang and explained that she was riding a young fractious horse and that she felt more secure in the Western saddle in case a problem developed. The S judge was fine with the choice.
Thank you so much for this video and explanation! I have always questioned myself in riding but after you explained that you also feel like you bounce more and slide back and forth more in western saddle, I will find that I will not be so hard on myself for not having a better seat. Thank you again! Looking forward to watching more videos!
I find sitting the trot in my western saddle is extremely easy and comfy, though my horse is a PRE, and his trot is lovely, anyway. I basically ride dressage exclusively, in my western saddle, and really love it.
I’ve been riding western my whole life and the saddle was the first thing I noticed, which looks like a wade saddle so the big horn can get in the way of your hands. As for sliding around and sitting the trot/canter I feel like it all depends on what you’re used to. I barrel raced for so long it was hard to transition to a trail saddle which had a lower cantle. The barrel saddle is designed to keep you in the seat, especially during the canter, but I got used to it. Thanks so much for the video 😊 I love seeing western riding showcased on this channel!
Thankyou for your comment about good riding is good riding & thankyou for not being negative about the western saddle & tack. I ride in both, but my main riding is in a western saddle. I do want to do more in my dressage saddle though & love them both.
You made good points. I feel it's important to add that the term western saddle encompasses a variety of types. Just like if you said an English saddle that groups all English saddles together. So in this context your comparing a specific type (dressage) to an overly vague description of a western saddle. You've got barrel, trail, reining, pleasure, etc and each of those gave a variety of nuances that change the fit. So some of the things you noticed such as a scooting seat may not be a fair comparison because you're basing that on the one saddle in particular you are riding in. Yours looks to be a very traditional wade/Spanish style with an exceptionally oversized saddle horn, which some may comment would get in the way of their hands. I myself wouldn't like that level of bulk (I ride in a reining saddle with a low-profile horn). I do appreciate your perspective and that you are open to discussing how fundamentally the riding and position shouldn't change much and I personally agree! Just think it should be noted that there are vast differences between western saddles that greatly affect ridabiliy and comfort.
Thank you for pointing this out! Yes, the different styles of western saddles can definitely affect your position and how it feels when you ride.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I have always been a western rider and started taking dressage lessons in January. I’m in the process of getting a new horse and it will be awhile before I can save and afford a nice dressage saddle. This helps because as much as some things are the same, but it’s also very different!
Glad it was helpful! You got this!
Great video. I love how open minded you are about different tack and it being more about what is best for the horse and rider.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This series is so interesting! There's definitely a difference in your riding, but I don't know how much of that is due to you presumably riding primarily in dressage these days for your channel. In the dressage saddle your movements look so much more connected and deliberate. I've only ridden in a dressage saddle once, but from the structure of it, that makes a lot of sense to me; they mold around your leg so comfortably that I think it makes keeping your form a little easier. The western saddle has so much space, which I assume is beneficial for the kinds of hands-on work they're meant for but makes for a looser, less connected ride if you're not used to riding in one. I'd be really curious to see next what you think about jumping in a western saddle or a more up close look at the differences in western, dressage, and eventing tack.
I liked this video being a western rider myself 👍
Western saddle one and only "Bob's custom saddle" about english style saddle "Hermes" showjumping saddle. Great position and feeling to horse movement! Western ride is "relise" more than "presure" to build to horses trust and willingles!
do you have advise for someone deciding whether or not to retire a horse from dressage to just easy hack or trail riding???
Hi there! I would ensure that you check with a vet if you are concerned about any medical needs!
How do we post a photo of ourselves, in the saddle? I don’t see anywhere for that. Thanks.
I don't think you can reply to CZcams comments with photos, unfortunately. But we'd love to see you and your horse in Amelia's Dressage Club (my private educational Facebook community). You can join us here: facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub
I'm riding with a Portuguese saddle
I am having trouble with my horse being connected because he’s use to a loose rein vs a tighter rein.
Check out this video for more help: amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/struggling-with-rein-length-and-contact/
I noticed you are wearing western attire and boots with the western saddle. Is that just a matter of style or does it have a practical purpose?
A little of both, leather chaps give you a better grip, similar to full seat breeches, any boot with a heel will work.
Great question. The leather chaps help to protect your legs and provide a little more grip in the saddle.
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage That makes sense. Thank you Amelia.
I feel Iike Jacques looks annoyed in the western saddle video. He’s ears are back a lot, especially at canter and his tail is swishy. He looks a lot more relaxed in the dressage saddle. Now that might be because you’re talking in the western video but that’s the main thing that jumped out at me.
Jacques was such a good boy. He's definitely used to the Dressage saddle more than the Western tack!
Behind the vertical. Bummer.
thanks for your comment! This is always something I am working on it is always important to ride our horses in correct frames
Just something about the aesthetics of dressage. Western?? Ehh just not loving the look and the bulk of it all. Don’t get me wrong a good rider is a good rider like you said but my vote goes to the Brit’s!
Both can be great!