Anyone can learn to ride Western style. Many people find it is easier than learning to ride with an ordinary English saddle as the design of the saddle offers more support, and the horse is trained to use smoother paces which are easier to sit to.
These days Western riding is not just something which happens on a ranch in America. It has developed into many different styles for sport, competition, work and leisure all over the world.
Valley Farm has a selection of Western saddles to suit different sizes of rider. We offer an introduction to Western riding for everybody, adults or children. It doesn't matter if you have never ridden a horse before or experienced in other riding disciplines. Our gentle horses will have you feeling confident in a short time.
We are also happy for you to bring your own horses to us for lessons, provided they come from a disease free yard. We have plenty of space for parking horseboxes.
What is Western Riding?
Western is a style of riding which evolved from the ranching and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors. The equipment and style have changed slightly over time to meet the needs of the cowboy as a result of the working cattle ranches during the 19th century. The work required skill, speed, maneuverability and refined training, which are still similar to the Spanish style of riding and Classical Dressage.
In general, it is a disciplined, relaxed way of going in order to make hours in the saddle as comfortable as possible for both the horse and the rider. The horse is not ridden 'on the bit' with a tight rein, but is encouraged to carry itself in balance and is guided by small rein, leg and body movements. A goal is to prioritize partnership between horse and rider, so that as a team they are able to take on any tasks and cross any country together, while looking out for each others welfare.
Novice horses are generally worked using two hands with a snaffle or bitless bridle, known as a bosel. As the horses and riders become more advanced in their education it is usual to ride with only one hand on the reins of a curb bridle. Riding with looser reins or neck reining teaches subtle, effective communication.
Whether sorting cattle, competing at shows or riding for leisure, modern Western horses need to be calm, obedient and versitile. Any breed of horse can be trained for Western but the most popular are Quarter horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Arabians, Morgans, Mustangs, Warmbloods and Thououghbreds
In much the same way as there are dozens of different sports that riders can take part in using English tack, there are many different Western disciplines, which use slightly different types of tack and equipment and require slightly different riding styles. Some are exciting speed events, and others require high levels of trust between horse and rider in order to perform complicated moves. Some require working with cattle, but many do not.
You can find more in-depth information about the history and different disciplines involved in Western riding online, but here are a few examples of modern western riding disciplines: Halter class, Arena Trail class, Reining, Cutting, Team Penning, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Working Equitation, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Ranch Sorting, Working Cow Horse, Mounted shooting, Western Dressage, Cowboy Dressage, Showmanship, Versatility, Ranch Riding, Extreme Cowboy Challenge, Extreme Trail, Rodeo events such as saddle bronc, bareback riding, bull riding, team roping, tie-down roping, streer wrestling, breakaway roping and various games and races such as flag race, bareback dollar, egg and spoon, relay race, ribbon race, sack roping, scurry, big T, key hole race
As you progress you may be interested in joining one of the UK western association such as Western Equestrian Society (WES), Western Horseman's Association UK (WHA) or United Kingdom Barrel Horse Association (UKBHA)
Western Saddles
The western saddle appears larger and heavier than the English. It is so designed in order to spread the riders weight more evenly over the horses back. Originally horses, like the cowboys that rode them, were expected to work long hours, so small saddles which might create pressure on the horses back were not practical.
Many people find that riding with a western saddle is more comfortable than with an English saddle. It is important that you find a saddle that fits you well, as western saddles are designed to offer you more support than English saddles, this means that you can sit in one for longer without becoming saddle sore. We have lots of styles and sizes of western saddle to choose from, so you are sure to find one to suit you.
From time to time we have western saddles for sale, so please ask Sarah if you are thinking of buying a western saddle for your own horse.
Trail Rides (Trekking)
One hour trails around our farm tracks and through our woods are a popular choice for those with some riding ability. Others may prefer instruction followed by a short trail ride out, or you can book a walkout where a coach will walk on foot while leading a horse or pony round the farm tracks. Great for aspiring little cowboys and cowgirls, but also for adults who enjoy the comfort of a western saddle and the security of a coach walking beside to offer assistance.
Lessons
If you are about to go on a ranch holiday in the States, we can teach you the basics before you go. In just a few lessons, we can teach you the basic principles of mounting and dismounting, neck reining, backing up, sidepass, roll backs, and teach you about the saddlery so you can be well prepared.
We have a regular group lesson on Thursdays. Private or shared private lessons can be arranged at other times. Lessons can be with your own horse or one of ours.
We regularly include Western riding have-a-go sessions as part of our pony days and residential camps.
Camargue Gardian-style
A traditional one-handed style of working equitation used by the cattle herders (Gardians) in southern France, characterised by its association with the Camargue horse and black Camargue cattle, similar to American ranching. Riders work one handed and are taught to stay balanced and use their legs and body for stability as they manage cattle, which involves activities like abrivados (herding bulls). This style requires a secure Camargue Style saddle and often includes the use of a trident, a long wooden stick with a three-pronged iron head, for directing the bulls. We do not offer cattle work, but can teach you the necessary skills and provide the experience of riding in a Camargue Saddle which is similar to a traditional Spanish or medieval saddle.
Weight Limit
Please note we have a 12 stone weight limit for riders using our horses.
Competitions
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of western competitions, clinics and fun games events. You may also be interested in our non affiliated, fun Working Equitation training and competitions.
Corporate Groups
Corporate groups can try Western Riding and/or calf roping (with our friendly wooden calf) in our floodlit Indoor School. Our Corporate Entertainment page has more details.
Birthday Parities
We are able to offer western riding as an option for children's birthday parties, where they have a go at roping using a static horse and cow as well as playing western games with two of our patient ponies. Please contact us if this is an option you would like to book.
Can I use a western saddle to ride in the normal English lessons?
If you prefer to use a western saddle for any of our English lessons / hacks or comptitions, this can be arranged. Simply make sure you inform the office when you book in that you would like a western saddle, there is a small surcharge to the price of the English lesson.
Hats
Please note that unless you are riding your own horse, and are over 18, for insurance purposes hard hats to the required standard must be worn for all types of riding. We have hats available to borrow.
Natural Horsemanship
It is possible to book ground work sessions with you horse or one of ours if you would like to improve your foundation training skills.
More
If you would like to meet us and our horses before booking a lesson, please call 01728 746916 to book and appointment. There are also several photos and videos on our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFarmOnline.co.uk/videos/550820985395027/
updated July 2026
