I have always been a western rider help!?

Question

But now sense my new horse knows both I would like to do English too.But the only tack I have is western! all i know is that I need a English saddle but saddle pad, one with the same shape as the saddle or the square one? what kind of bridle? what kinda bit what kind of any thing what all do I need?

and I don't know if me or my horse knows how to jump?how do I train my horse to jump and what do i do?

Answer 1

If you just want one saddle pad get a fuzzy one. Usually the fuzzy ones are the same shape as a saddle. There are full pads: http://theloft-tackshop.com/media/FleecePadTop.jpg

Or a half pad: http://www.saddleupinternational.co.uk/images/88513l.jpg

I have one that's not real sheepskin and it cost $30 Canadian. They don't really make a difference but if you get a half pad then I recommend getting a square one to. Square ones come in all different colours and look like this:

http://img.smartpak.com/product/14649-custom.jpg



Your bridle should fit your horse and it should have a flash attachment incase you need it. You will need a flash if your horse opens his mouth or buts his tongue over the bit. A flash is the thing on this horses nose: http://www.wefi.co.uk/images/news/8.jpg

Heres a website about bits and their uses since I'm to lazy to write it all out myself: http://www.horsedata.co.uk/bits.asp



You will definitely not be jumping for awhile since you need to work on flatwork for a bit but here are some tips anyway. The main parts of jumping are balance, rhythm, pace, and straightness (track). I remember it by B.U.R.P.S. But since it will take me SO long to write out here's a website...again: http://www.wikihow.com/Jump-on-Horseback

Your horse will probably know how to jump but if your not sure or if you want to improve his jumping style heres what you do: http://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Horse-to-Jump



Sorry for giving you a million links. There's so much to write out it would take me forever and since there are such good websites out here, why not! haha, I hope you have fun riding English! :)

Answer 2

I have always been in a western saddle, if you use two hands to steer a horse, than all you can do is steer that horse. Most western riders are cowboys, the need a free hand for the lariat or if they are on a fast moving cutting horse, they need that free hand to be able to catch the saddle horn. Once you are off the horse and there is no rein to drop, the horse may keep going and if there's miles between we you and home, you don't want to be walking home. Most well trained horses, consider a downed rein as being tied and stop. Others they might not stop until they step on the reins. Also out of experience, having a free hand on an over grown trail comes in real handy with trees are threatening to whack your face. I am sure there are many other reason, but these are the ones that come to mind.

Answer 3

The other person was incorrect. A square saddle pad (MADE FOR ENGLISH) works just fine.



You need an English style bridle that fits your horse. And a snaffle bit (try that first).



You might need boots or polo wraps for your horse too.



My suggestion is to take some English riding lessons.

Answer 4

well to me it sounds like you have no idea what you are doing. go on doversaddlery.com. they have all english stuff....and i cannot tell you what kind of bit you should use. it depends on your horse. and obviously and english bridle....theres many styles. hunt bridles, dressage, plain bridles, etc. and if you do not know how to jump then you shouldnt be training your horse to jump. go take lessons and get a trainer for your horse.

Answer 5

Preferably use a pad the same shape as the saddle...so not square. Use whatever kind of bridle you want as long as it has a bit (so dont use a hackamore). Any bit will do...i prefer ones that are one piece...not the kind that bend in half...harsher. If you are not sure if your horse knows how to jump...try leading him/her on a lunge line and lead him/her over a jump...if he/she freaks out...then he/she doesnt know how to jump...if he/she does, he/she will just hop over it like nothing. To train how to jump first get the horse used to the jump itself (sometimes the hardest part). Then have the horse walk over it and trot up to it on a lunge line. Then graduate to riding and walking over it and then speeding up to a trot and hop/lope over it. Eventually you can get him/her to canter and jump over it. Also, make sure you post on the jump to make it easier.

Answer 6

Take lessons.