Western riding
Western riding training for riders and horses
Western riding originates from the Spanish way of riding which was taken to America by the conquistadores. To this day much of the terminology in western riding has Spanish origin. Mexican vaqueros established western riding such as we know it today. Western riding is used by them, the Argentine gauchos and American cowboys as well. Throughout the years it has split into sport and practical western riding. In the sports version it develops different exercises and disciplines derived from the actual work with livestock.
Adgor Riding Complex has trained horses which can be used by those who wish to practice western riding in their training. The complex also offers horse training needed in western riding. The training is administered by a qualified instructor with a ten-year hands-on experience as a cowboy in the US. Riders’ training goes through different levels, with each new level available once the previous is complete. Each level can have different duration according to the riders’ progress. From the initial balance exercises and basic trailing skills, you move on to the next levels related to improving riding skills, roping, reining and other. Those who pass the highest level will be able to steer their horse and do all these tasks bareback and bridles. Horse training in western riding is conducted using natural horsemanship which takes into account personal qualities and develops the individual abilities of each horse and rider.
Western Saddles
At Adgor Riding Complex we work mostly with American western saddles which have proven their advantages over time. Their design and make correspond to the full-time work on rough terrain for 12-14 hours a day. For this reason the saddle tree is wider and distributes the rider’s weight over a larger area of the horse’s back. This helps avoid saddle sores and lesions on the horse’s back. Massive and sturdy horns are used when roping or when leading another horse. The fenders are wider, and the stirrups are adjusted for long rides, which makes them comfortable and safe for riders.
