Western-style Riding

As long as Westerlands has existed, horses have been integral to the place.

So, it feels logical that we’re able to offer a Western-style riding experience now. We’re so excited! But exactly what is Western riding? Well - simply-put, it’s a style that evolved predominantly in the Americas linked originally to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, and then evolved through generations of rugged American cowboys as the great rush westwards occurred.

Long days in the saddle. Tricky terrain. Herding cattle via lasso. All these factors combined to a requirement for comfortable, easy to manage saddles and tack: the rider had to be able to sit deep in the saddle while he or she kept just one hand on the reins, the other reserved for lasso work. Horses had to be relied upon to be responsive to the lightest of rein touches, and also to use their instincts to follow cattle whilst avoiding them when necessary. To work as one with the rider with the utmost levels of trust between the two.

So we thought this approach would be perfect as we sought to welcome more riders to Westerlands and to have a look around this beautiful place! In the last few weeks we’ve been training the horses, getting their bespoke saddles fitted, making sure we have the best tack, clearing a new yard and dusting down our chaps, all in the hope of welcoming you for a visit. So if you’d like to have a go, whether you’re a relative novice or a hardened, John Wayne-style veteran, please get in touch and we can jointly work out how to give you a really memorable ride! Please note that we’ll need to see you ride before we head off on an excursion….. but we can sort that all out…. if you’d like to know more just visit our horse riding page.