Welcome
Western Riding for Everyone
We hold Western and Natural Horsemanship Events in Surrey, fun-filled clinics with lovely horses, people, and instructors.
Western Riding
Western-Riding.co.uk was founded in 2022 with the aim of promoting and fostering Western Riding in the South East, particularly in Surrey, where there was a noticeable absence of related activities.
Inspired by various equestrian disciplines such as Natural Horsemanship, Parelli, Western, Trec, and Dressage, we have not developed a specific method but rather prioritize the comfort and well-being of both our horses and ourselves.
With the invaluable support of a dedicated yard owner and a team of fellow equestrians, we initially began with small-scale events. Over time, our endeavours have evolved into a well-recognised and closely-knit community of individuals who share our passion. For more information, please visit our Facebook page, "Western at Whitewoods."
Our location in Surrey serves as a hub, attracting participants from neighbouring regions including Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, and occasionally even from as far afield as Hampshire.
Discover Western Riding
Many of us have a notion of Western-style riding, often shaped by what we've seen in Hollywood movies. However, Western riding has a captivating history rooted in practicality. Its primary purpose was to perform a crucial job: moving livestock across diverse terrains.
Contrary to the perception of fast-paced action, the work in Western riding is mostly deliberate and unhurried. This deliberate pace is essential to ensure that the livestock arrives in good condition, preserving their value.
Despite the deliberate approach, both the horse and rider need to be nimble and quick. Their agility is crucial for tasks such as keeping the herd together, sorting cattle, and even lassoing them with ropes. It's from this necessity for speed and agility that we see the various Western riding disciplines we have today."
Western horses must prioritize comfort and reliability. For ranchers and cowboys, it's crucial that their horses are not only comfortable to ride but also dependable in various work-related situations. Ranchers often need their horses to remain steady and patient, even when they dismount to handle tasks or when they use their horse for roping cattle.
In this work-focused style of equitation, micromanaging the horse's every move is impractical. Cowboys require the freedom to use their hands for other essential tasks, such as roping cattle. This is where neck reining comes into play. Neck reining involves riding with a loose rein using just one hand, while the rein lightly touches the horse's neck to indicate the desired direction. The horse primarily responds to the rider's body weight shifts and leg cues, making it easier for the rider to multitask and maintain control.
While there are some similarities between Western and English riding, Western riding's emphasis on comfort, reliability, and the practicality of neck reining sets it apart and makes it well-suited for the demands of ranch work and cattle handling.