Nothing is Written in Stone Whichever style of horseback riding you choose to start learning, English or Western, should be the one you feel most comfortable and think youʟll enjoy the most. Western and English riding are as much about personal preference and personality as anything is. The perceptions we have of the arrogant English rider and the relaxed Western cowboy are just that – perceptions. There are as many arrogant Western cowboys as there are relaxed English riders. At the basic level, learning to ride a horse in either style involves the same things. Both styles are based on the same skills of riding. If you feel more comfortable starting out with Western, then do so. If youʟve always liked English riding, start there. You can try both to see which you like best, and you
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