Western versus English

(from the horse's perspective)

You know, I was originally trained the way it is more common around here. Tight reins, strict discipline and my riders heals constantly pushing mi sides. Some horses probably prefer this style, but personally, I think it sucks. Why does my rider think, he has to control my every step? I can walk by myself, and if I wanted to, I could use my physical strength against him or her and there wouldn't be a thing they could do about it. Fact is, I have control. My feeder, the girl I've been working for for the last 16 years, saw that straight away. I am not the type that can walk stiff necked, with hands pulling my sensitive mouth while pretending to be relaxed.
I got retrained, in Western style. What that means is, I walk along on long reins in a totally relaxed way. Whats even better: my rider is relaxed, too. She leans back and her heals don't even touch me. When she wants to turn right, she sends a soft request with the reins touching my neck, slightly pointing to the right. And I choose to turn right.
Its such a friendly way. It feels like my rider is my friend who wants to go for a walk with me, rather than my master telling me what to do and how to do it. I feel free; I go where I want to go, because my rider asked me to. No strain on my mouth, no more aching neck muscles, no more master-slave hierarchy.
One of the best parts is, we often use what they call a Hackamore, a bridle without mouth piece. So I can actually nibble some grass on the way, because there is no bite in my mouth stopping me from chewing properly.
If youve got any questions on how to train your horse western style, you will have to ask my owner.