Origins of Western Riding

NEARLY two and a half thousand years ago a Greek cavalry officer by the name of Xenophon described in writing what he regarded as the qualities of a well schooled horse. One that would move under weight transference, away from leg pressure, and be supple through its head, neck, shoulder, rib cage and hip. One that ultimately would be so light and responsive that it could be ridden one handed, and yet perform correctly enough that a man's life could depend on that horse working with his rider as a harmonious team. What words they were and, in nineteenth century America during the hey day of the cattle industry, they were never more true. Work on the ranches involved large herds and a few men who depended on horses that needed to be hard working, agile and manoeuvrable with an equitable temperament and able to thrive in the harsh environment. A cowboy's abilities were largely dictated by what his horse could do and for the most part he depended on his animal day and night. His horse was his team mate as well as a tool of his trade and their style of working together as a team needed to be safe and comfortable for both rider and horse. From those needs developed a style of riding which has descended down to today's western riding disciplines -a style which epitomises the softness and quality of the well trained horse. The empathy that horse and rider achieve are surely a style that Xenophon would immediately recognise and appreciate. It is a style that lends itself to a great many everyday riders -yet still poses exacting challenges to make it one of the most interesting yet practical disciplines that is on offer.

 

< Prev		Next >