How do you get started in western? Some hints and tips aimed at those who would like to have a go.
Because western riding is not as widespread in the UK as in other countries it can be difficult initially to find out much about it. However with a bit of perserverence you will usually find there are more of us out there than you think! Many people ask the question "I would like to have a go at western, where can I learn?" Well there might not be a western riding school just down the road that you can go to but where there is a will ......
Where do I go to learn western?
The website www.wes-uk.com has a full list of WES approved instructors many of whom give lessons on fully trained school masters. In this area we have Bruce Lawrence near Malvern, Lisa John in Camarthenshire, Thea Lloyd in Ceredigion and Brian Sinnett in Gloucestershire who are all experienced Instructors (contact details are on the website).
Is western easy?
Well if you would like to do western because it looks easy you might be disappointed! Just like any discipline it requires a certain amount of concentration and effort to learn the basics. How far you take it depends on you. It is very different to english riding and you will need help to get started, but the very fact that it is so different is what got a lot of us hooked in the first place!
Can I go and watch some western riders?
You can learn a lot from watching people. Like every other discipline you will see good and bad riders so do not be put off if the first one you watch is not to your liking. At shows it is a good idea to watch riders in the warm-up arena and watch them training and schooling their horses. If you cannot join in at a clinic or training event go along and watch and see how much information you will pick up. Check out the Events page on this website which includes clinics. Why not pop along and meet everyone? You will find WES members are very friendly and willing to offer advice.
Will I need to spend a lot of money on tack and equipment?
To compete you will need a western saddle - prices range from £500 to upwards of £4,000. Synthetic saddles can be bought for less and are perfectly acceptable. English tack is allowed for attending clinics and practice sessions. The cost of your outfit will also vary but you will need a smart, clean pair of jeans and a shirt. It is quite easy to put together a nice show outfit without spending a fortune, although once you get bitten by the bug there are infinite possibilities. Decent second hand saddles are widely available. Check out the western retailers (more on this further down) and classified ads on the various websites. However be careful about buying secondhand saddlery on the internet as the quality can be appalling. Also note that western saddles need to fit the horse well.
I would not feel safe riding without a safety helmet?
Well, the good news is you don't have to! We ask all riders participating in clinics to wear safety helmets. At shows, all riders must wear either helmet or stetson whilst mounted. All youth riders under the age of 14 must wear helmets at all times. Anyone can wear a helmet whilst competing if they choose to do so and will not be penalised in any way.
Where would I buy western tack and equipment?
We have an excellent selection of western retailers in the UK and they are all very helpful and always willing to advise. The bigger western shows usually have the best selection of trade stands in one location. The western Magazines and websites carry adverts for the retailers.
Magazines and websites
All of the main western associations and breed societies produce their own Newsletters for members. WES produces a quarterly magazine "WES NEWS". There is also an independent bi-monthly magazine called "Western Horse UK" (available in W H Smiths) which covers a variety of western disciplines with contributions from various sources plus adverts from a lot of the main western retailers. There are various magazines in the USA which you can subscribe to which are not very expensive. Horse and Rider is quite a good one http://www.horseandrider.com/
Similarly, all of the western associations have websites. Additionally, there is a very useful website www.westernriding.co.uk which includes a western forum, plus classified adverts and video clips. The forum can be a very good way of finding out whether there are any other western riders in your local area and also asking for advice.
How safe is western?
Well I guess that nothing that involves a horse can claim to be totally safe. But WES is justifiably proud of it's commitment to safety. WES has a dedicated Health and Safety Officer and great efforts are made to ensure safety of riders, spectators and officials at all events. Show Seminars are run by the Society to ensure that show organisers are aware of their responsibilities. Our events do not include much high speed work and there is no jumping involved. Various obstacles are used in Trail Classes but there are strict rules on what can be used.
Where will it lead me?
How to join WES
If after reading this you would like to join WES please see membership form