Mixing English and Western Tack- need advice

JoAnn1978 · 02-24-2006, 11:35 AM

Hello all!

I am currently riding in a western saddle to try and get over my fear issues, and improve my seat while feeling more secure in the saddle. But- I'm using an English style snaffle bridle.

I have a couple of questions for you guys.

1. I'm not showing or competing, just taking lessons and hacking out and trail riding. So I didn't know if it was still okay to use a western saddle and english snaffle bridle?

2. I know nothing about western tack, especially headstalls. I use a snaffle bridle, and I like the control that the noseband and flash give me. What kind of western bridle is comparable, or can give me the same amount of control?

3. If I were to switch to a western headstall, do I HAVE to use a curb bit? I don't want to. Can I continue to use my regular d-ring snaffle bit? (it's taken me a while to get Jim accustomed to using a metal D-ring as opposed to a rubber full cheek snaffle, I don't want to have to switch him again so soon).

Sorry- I'm sure these are all silly questions. I'm so used to purchasing and using English tack, and I'm really not well versed on western style tack at all.

Thanks for your help!

HoosierSuz · 02-24-2006, 11:41 AM

You're fine. As long as you're not competing, you can use whatever you want.

And you can use a western headstall with a snaffle bit, but for now, you don't need to change anything.

How are things coming along? Have you ridden lately?

JoAnn1978 · 02-24-2006, 11:45 AM

Everything's going GREAT! I mean- I still have not gotten the gumption to go into a long distance trot yet. But I'm feeling like I really want to, which is better than I've done in a while.

The first couple of weeks I had to FORCE myself to get in the saddle. I mean cold sweat, nauseous fear- but after a lot of ground work, and a lot of playing on the ground, I've been able to get up and ride at a walk during lessons and even on my own. So I'm making some huge progress, and I feel great about it! Jim even spooked a little last week when a horse threw another rider off- but I was able to stay calm, and keep him in place, which was really an accomplishment for me.

I may be just kind of using the western saddle as an excuse though- I do really have a desire to ride English, but I'm just too insecure at this point. I don't want to feel like I don't have an option to grab onto something if I have to.

**TDH** · 02-24-2006, 11:46 AM

I only ride western so I'll try to answer these for you, anyone feel free to correct me on them!

1. By all means use whatever bridle your horse is most comfortable with; if he's used to your English one, keep using it, nothing is "hurt" by doing it that way.

2. Um... what's a "flash"?

3. By no means do you HAVE to use a curb with a western bridle. Stick to your regular D-ring since that's what Jim is used to. You may want to use a cavesson in place of the noseband (unless that's what you meant by noseband) if you think it will help Jim listen to the bridle cues better. I used to do that with a paint gelding I had, I used a cavesson with a D-ring even though I rode Western. Remember when young horses are started on a bit, they're started with a snaffle of some sort (or should be!) and the type of bit varies from one trainer to the next.... so there's nothing wrong with using one while doing casual Western riding.

I would say, keep things as close as possible to what Jim is used to, it doesn't hurt to mix and match a little bit of the tack as you go. I'm guessing someone else here might be able to answer your No. 2 question a bit better!

PS. Wonderful to hear how you've been coming along with your riding, hope you continue to gain your confidence!

Charlies'_Angel · 02-24-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

2. Um... what's a "flash"?

I think it's something to keep the horse from chewing on his/her bit so much...I think...anyone correct me if I'm wrong.

(Edited to add:Flash: is used to help keep the horse's mouth closed and to keep the horse from crossing his jaw. A flash noseband may be used with a standing martingale when the martingale is attached to the cavesson piece. This noseband is usually seen at the lower levels of dressage, or in the dressage phase of eventing.)

JoAnn1978, sounds like you are making a lot of progress, keep it up.

The mixing of different tack shouldn't be problem at all if you're just kind of doing your own thing and what not. Like HoosierSuz said the only time you'll actually really need to have "matching" tack is when you are competing

.

-Alicia

ToveroMom · 02-24-2006, 12:38 PM

Keep the bridle he likes,keep the flash noseband and do what you like..that is what counts.

I used to ride in a bosal and with an english saddle..just tooting around

Rocking Horse · 02-24-2006, 01:41 PM

Do what works for you...

I ride in my English or Western saddle witha rope halter, a regular halter or a western headstall (bridle) witha Dor O ring snaffle too....

I was at a friends place, they have a big cattle operation and she was riding in a western saddle with an english bridle (took the cavesson off) and a D ring snaffle....

Whatever is good for you and Jim....

allison · 02-24-2006, 01:58 PM

I agree with everyone on this. When adjusting a horse to english tack, I'll mix and match a western bridle with an endlish saddle. Once the horse is comfortable with an english saddle, I'll switch the bridle. Or if some days I don't feel like lugging my big western saddle around, I'll get out my english one. Doesn't make a bit of difference as long as you're comfortable.
Sounds like you're doing well with everything you've got going, good job!

Valkyrie · 02-24-2006, 02:11 PM

Joann -- if you want to try the English saddle again, but still want something to hang on to, you could ride with a neck strap on Jim. Just use a spare stirrup leather around the base his neck so you have something to get a grip on. They're often used for students learning how to jump, or for anyone riding English who needs a little more security while his/her independent seat is developing.

sheri7785 · 02-24-2006, 04:13 PM

I do most of my conditioning in a Western saddle on all my English horses. It looks kind of funny to be doing something like Saddle seat or hunt seat in one, but my horses have never minded. In those circumstances I always mix and match tack so I can keep the horse in a bit they are comfortable with. My trainer got me hooked to doing most of my riding in a Western saddle when I'm not close to a show and it's helped me when the horse goes squirrely. Sounds like you and your horse are getting back on the right track.

WYJumper · 02-24-2006, 04:36 PM

You can also buy a leather grab strap (sometimes called a bucking strap) that goes on the front dee rings on the english saddle.

Good to hear you are doing well!

02-24-2006, 11:35 AM
JoAnn1978 Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 395	Mixing English and Western Tack- need advice Hello all! I am currently riding in a western saddle to try and get over my fear issues, and improve my seat while feeling more secure in the saddle. But- I'm using an English style snaffle bridle. I have a couple of questions for you guys. 1. I'm not showing or competing, just taking lessons and hacking out and trail riding. So I didn't know if it was still okay to use a western saddle and english snaffle bridle? 2. I know nothing about western tack, especially headstalls. I use a snaffle bridle, and I like the control that the noseband and flash give me. What kind of western bridle is comparable, or can give me the same amount of control? 3. If I were to switch to a western headstall, do I HAVE to use a curb bit? I don't want to. Can I continue to use my regular d-ring snaffle bit? (it's taken me a while to get Jim accustomed to using a metal D-ring as opposed to a rubber full cheek snaffle, I don't want to have to switch him again so soon). Sorry- I'm sure these are all silly questions. I'm so used to purchasing and using English tack, and I'm really not well versed on western style tack at all. Thanks for your help!

02-24-2006, 11:41 AM
HoosierSuz Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 382	You're fine. As long as you're not competing, you can use whatever you want. And you can use a western headstall with a snaffle bit, but for now, you don't need to change anything. How are things coming along? Have you ridden lately?

02-24-2006, 11:45 AM
JoAnn1978 Weanling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 395	Everything's going GREAT! I mean- I still have not gotten the gumption to go into a long distance trot yet. But I'm feeling like I really want to, which is better than I've done in a while. The first couple of weeks I had to FORCE myself to get in the saddle. I mean cold sweat, nauseous fear- but after a lot of ground work, and a lot of playing on the ground, I've been able to get up and ride at a walk during lessons and even on my own. So I'm making some huge progress, and I feel great about it! Jim even spooked a little last week when a horse threw another rider off- but I was able to stay calm, and keep him in place, which was really an accomplishment for me. I may be just kind of using the western saddle as an excuse though- I do really have a desire to ride English, but I'm just too insecure at this point. I don't want to feel like I don't have an option to grab onto something if I have to.

02-24-2006, 11:46 AM
TDH Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,227	I only ride western so I'll try to answer these for you, anyone feel free to correct me on them! 1. By all means use whatever bridle your horse is most comfortable with; if he's used to your English one, keep using it, nothing is "hurt" by doing it that way. 2. Um... what's a "flash"? 3. By no means do you HAVE to use a curb with a western bridle. Stick to your regular D-ring since that's what Jim is used to. You may want to use a cavesson in place of the noseband (unless that's what you meant by noseband) if you think it will help Jim listen to the bridle cues better. I used to do that with a paint gelding I had, I used a cavesson with a D-ring even though I rode Western. Remember when young horses are started on a bit, they're started with a snaffle of some sort (or should be!) and the type of bit varies from one trainer to the next.... so there's nothing wrong with using one while doing casual Western riding. I would say, keep things as close as possible to what Jim is used to, it doesn't hurt to mix and match a little bit of the tack as you go. I'm guessing someone else here might be able to answer your No. 2 question a bit better! PS. Wonderful to hear how you've been coming along with your riding, hope you continue to gain your confidence! __________________ "If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

02-24-2006, 12:38 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 17,059	Keep the bridle he likes,keep the flash noseband and do what you like..that is what counts. I used to ride in a bosal and with an english saddle..just tooting around __________________

02-24-2006, 01:41 PM
Rocking Horse Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 2,388	Do what works for you... I ride in my English or Western saddle witha rope halter, a regular halter or a western headstall (bridle) witha Dor O ring snaffle too.... I was at a friends place, they have a big cattle operation and she was riding in a western saddle with an english bridle (took the cavesson off) and a D ring snaffle.... Whatever is good for you and Jim.... __________________ http://www.horsetopia.com/2year.gif ~ Too many freaks, not enough circuses ~

02-24-2006, 01:58 PM
allison Started Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kenosha, WI. Posts: 2,225	I agree with everyone on this. When adjusting a horse to english tack, I'll mix and match a western bridle with an endlish saddle. Once the horse is comfortable with an english saddle, I'll switch the bridle. Or if some days I don't feel like lugging my big western saddle around, I'll get out my english one. Doesn't make a bit of difference as long as you're comfortable. Sounds like you're doing well with everything you've got going, good job! __________________ Horses & Horsepower www.freewebs.com/mustangali_/ "...just like computers refuse to understand how I'm feeling today"

02-24-2006, 02:11 PM
Valkyrie Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 864	Joann -- if you want to try the English saddle again, but still want something to hang on to, you could ride with a neck strap on Jim. Just use a spare stirrup leather around the base his neck so you have something to get a grip on. They're often used for students learning how to jump, or for anyone riding English who needs a little more security while his/her independent seat is developing. __________________ \"The Horse. Here is nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, Beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet no slave\" - Ronald Duncan

02-24-2006, 04:13 PM
sheri7785 Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 1,073	I do most of my conditioning in a Western saddle on all my English horses. It looks kind of funny to be doing something like Saddle seat or hunt seat in one, but my horses have never minded. In those circumstances I always mix and match tack so I can keep the horse in a bit they are comfortable with. My trainer got me hooked to doing most of my riding in a Western saddle when I'm not close to a show and it's helped me when the horse goes squirrely. Sounds like you and your horse are getting back on the right track.

02-24-2006, 04:36 PM
WYJumper Product Reviews & Conf. Clinic Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Least Populated State Posts: 1,342	You can also buy a leather grab strap (sometimes called a bucking strap) that goes on the front dee rings on the english saddle. Good to hear you are doing well! __________________ Steph