New to Western riding? Start here
Western riding grew up on the ranches of the American West, and today it has a home in Britain on every kind of horse. Here is what it is, why riders are choosing it, and how to take your first step with WES.
What is Western riding?
Western riding comes from the ranches of the American West, with roots in the horsemanship the Spanish brought to the Americas. Cowboys spent long days in the saddle over rough ground, often with a rope in one hand, so they needed horses they could steer with the other. That gave us the things that still define western riding today:
- Neck reining. The horse turns from the light touch of the rein against its neck, so you can ride with one hand.
- A deep, secure seat and a relaxed, upright position.
- A light rein. Western horses are trained to respond to seat, weight and the lightest of contact rather than a constant feel on the mouth.
- The western saddle. Larger than an English saddle, it spreads the rider's weight over more of the horse's back, which is why it is so comfortable for long days out.
Why riders are choosing western
Comfort
A secure seat and a saddle built for long days make riding a pleasure, for you and your horse.
Photo: Fae Loudoun Photography
Partnership
Western horsemanship is about a calm, willing horse that responds to light cues. Our first value is "Respect the Ride, Respect Each Other, Respect the Horse", and welfare always comes first.
Photo: Alison James
A welcoming community
WES is member-led and volunteer-run. You will find encouragement rather than criticism, and you are welcome at events in any of our 13 areas, not just your own.
Photo: Alison JamesFind your area
Something for every level
From first lesson to National Show, every step forward counts. If you cannot get to an event, our online sessions, such as WES TV's Ask a WES Pro replays, bring the knowledge to you.
Photo: Fae Loudoun PhotographyWES TV
Riders are joining fast
- 190+New riders joined WES in the last year
- TwiceAs many new riders as two years before
- 542Members today
- 13Areas, and a welcome in every one
Nearly half of today's members have joined in the last two years.
Western riding in Great Britain
The western scene here is varied and welcoming. At WES shows you will find classes for every taste: Horsemanship and Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Trail, Ranch Riding, Reining and more, with novice, youth and Little Britches classes alongside the open ones. Many riders never compete at all, and spend their time at clinics, on trail rides or logging hours towards our Trail Awards.
Any horse can go western. Our members ride Highland ponies, Welsh ponies and cobs, traditional cobs, Haflingers, Arabians and Thoroughbreds as well as the western breeds, and native ponies have become a familiar sight in the western show ring.
Your first four steps
Find your area
Great Britain is divided into 13 WES areas, each with its own reps, events and Facebook group. Find your area and say hello: your area rep is your first port of call.
Find a WES Professional
Our approved instructors, trainers and coaches teach safe, correct western riding at every level. A lesson or two is the best way to try western on your own horse.
Come to an event
Watch a show, join a clinic or come on a trail ride. See what is on.
Join WES
Adult, youth and family memberships are available, and Little Britches under 10 join free. Join WES. Membership does not include insurance: you will need your own public liability cover to ride at WES events.
Coming up
Watch a show, join a clinic or come on a trail ride.
Every western rider started somewhere
We would love to help you take your first step.