Introduction

 Western riding is becoming more and more popular in France, particularly among adults learning to ride.  It conjures up the wide open spaces and riding in a comfortable secure saddle in a relaxed way.  However, there is more to it than just putting a western saddle on a horse!  It is a different way of riding, of training a horse and is not just a style.  It evolved from a time when the horse was a man’s livelihood, his friend and partner and he needed to be totally reliable to carry out the tasks put upon him by his rider.


Whilst many breeds of horse can be trained to do certain western disciplines, the main breeds used are the Quarter Horse, the Paint Horse and the Appaloosa.

 These horses are generally cool and level-headed, willing to learn and are capable of performing delicate movements calmly and precisely.  They will also face cattle without fear and turn on a sixpence if required.

  The Quarter Horse was so named because he was the fastest horse on earth over a quarter mile distance.  Their muscular hindquarters give them the ability to go from a standstill to a gallop in seconds.

 

Perhaps what distinguishes western riding most from classical disciplines is the lack of direct contact with the horse’s mouth and that the reins are usually  held in one hand.  A well-schooled western horse will respond to neck-reining and

the slightest transfer of weight from the rider.  If the horse (and rider) are really well coordinated, the rider may be able to perform movements with no hand contact at all, or just a rope around the horse’s neck.  But that is perhaps a little more advanced than most people want to do!

 

There are many different disciplines in western riding but in France most people are happy just riding in the magnificent and varied countryside.  Someone who has learnt classical riding can easily adapt to western riding.  After all, soft hands and good posture apply to both.  There are plenty of riding centres here where western riding disciplines are taught.  There are also many trainers, including several “horse whisperers”, although most of them don’t wish to be described as such!  The three main breeds of western horse are all bred widely in France, and all the equipment and tack is also available here.

 

More information on the horses, the equipment and where to ride will follow shortly !  

 

        There will also be a list of western events all over France.