I had the most fantastic day on saturday, 3 friends and I went western horse riding at Longleat for 2 1/2 hours, lovely horses,  great scenery, but am I paying for it now, I ,feel as if i have been trampled on, every part of me aches and trying to walk  ouch! I do ride now and again but this sort of riding is completely different, roll on next march so i can suffer it all over again.

thats sounds fab! I'd love to go cattle ranching in america.....need to lose weight and save up first though! I'd have to stow the dogs away-i couldn't leae them for a week. I'm bad enough after a day!!!!

nicola

I'd love to try western :) My legs are aching from riding my very wiiiiiide Irish Draught mare yesterday - I haven't ridden her for 6 months. I am dying LOL

:D I have been to the Western riding centre at Longleat a few times now. I went out on the day hacks they do, where they stop off at the pub for lunch. I love Western riding - it is so comfortable.

A friend of mine used to train western horses for competion for himself and clients, i rode his top mare once and i had her spinning and stopping and going sideways, everything. The only problem was that I was just trying to go in a straight line across a field!! :D

I have been riding 'English' for years at quite a high level, but this mare was sooo responsive to seat and leg aids that a simple shift in balance from me had her doing all the fancy 'cowboy' stuff!

Made me realise that maybe I could do with a lesson to brush-up my flatwork!!

In my defence i could say that it was the different saddle/leg position that did it but i wouldn't make excuses would i................?!!