Western saddles were developed to be comfortable
and practical and to aid in tasks such as
roping. The rope could be secured around the horn of the saddle to
enable control of the beast. Western riding is essentially a matter of
calmness and simplicity, and a relaxed type of horse is favoured -
particularly the Quarter horse and the Appaloosa. The Western
rider uses a loose rein - often utilising a hackamore or a bosal and
neck-reining is used. Western
riding has an enormous following in the US with a wide range of events
available, and is also very popular in Australia for leisure - the
Australian stockman still favours the stock saddle and the Australian
sports of camp drafting and roping. It is just starting to become
popular in the UK.
|
