Tack and Saddle Tips

Although they both take place on horseback, Western-style and English-style riding have very little in common. You’ll commonly see Western-style riders working in a rodeo, taking part in a cattle drive or just moseying along a trail. English riding, on the other hand, is commonly associated with equestrian shows where pomp and pageantry take center stage.

Western riders will typically be found decked out in wide-brimmed hats, cowboy boots and jeans. English riding is less casual, and its participants are generally expected to wear a distinctive black horse riding helmet, tight, light-colored slacks and tall riding boots. The English saddle is flat, while the Western saddle is deep-seated with a saddle horn at the front