Western riding is considered a style of horse riding which has evolved from the ranching and welfare traditions which were brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, as well as both equipment and riding style which evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. At the time, American cowboys had to work long hours in the saddle and often over rough terrain, sometimes having to rope a cattle using a lariat, also known as a lasso.[1] Because of the necessity to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other, western horses were trained to neck rein, that is, to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. Horses were also trained to exercise a certain degree of independence in using their natural instincts to follow the movements of a cow, thus a riding style developed that emphasized a deep, secure seat, and training methods encouraged a horse to be responsive on very light rein contact.

When you saddle up for your western horseback riding, you want to be able to trot off with confidence in yourself and in your equine partner. These helpful horseback riding tips will help you know how to mount a horse, what to wear, and some essential exercises that will certainly help you improve your horse-riding experience. 

Tip #1: Wear Proper Clothing

Safety starts with your clothing! The best attire for riding horses is a pair of comfortable pants and a great pair of boots. Your pants need to be durable but with enough stretch that you can move easily in them, and your boots should have a short heel. As you ride the heel will help your foot remain secure in the stirrups as you ride. You wear any closed-toe shoe, but a boot with heel will help you maintain proper form more easily.

Avoid any clothing or accessories which may dangle and get tangled in either horse or equipment. Scarves and necklaces that could get caught in the reigns are a major safety risk and have been known to spook a horse if they blow in the wind.

Consider dressing in layers if you plan to be outdoors, and riding gloves if the weather is cold. A helmet is always a good idea for expert and beginner riders alike.

Tip #2: Relax Before You Ride

We’ve all been told that horses feed off our energy, so why ride when we’re tense? If you’re tense, your horse will feel it.”  Take a few deep breaths and ask any questions you have about your ride or lesson before you greet your horse for the day.

You can set up ground poles to ride over to encourage you and your horse to think. If you’re going too fast, set the poles closer and think “slower.” 

Tip #3:  Show Affection the Right Way

Make sure to talk to, pet and enjoy the company of your equine companion. Talk to him and become friends. Your horse will get to know the sound of your voice and he can recognize when you’re approaching from the other end of the barn. Let him know you are excited to see him. Horses know their name, don’t be afraid to talk to him and call him by name. If you are riding a horse, you are unfamiliar with, or meeting a new horse for the first time, remember to approach with caution. Over-exuberance can make a horse shy away. To introduce yourself for the first time: Speak softly. Extend your arm in greeting. Offer the horse the back of your hand to sniff. Watch his signals to see his reaction-if he touches you with his nose, he’s ready for you to pet him.

Tip #4: Mount with Confidence

Remember that your horse is likely trained to be mounted from the left side. If you’re nervous at all, remember to breathe deeply and don’t be ashamed to ask someone to hold your horse for you while you mount.

Lift your left foot into the left stirrup.

Hold the reins in your left hand.

Use your strength to lift your right leg up and over the horse’s back.

Be careful to settle yourself slowly, and avoid “plopping” down into the saddle.

Tip #5: Ride in The “Pro” Position

So, what is the pro position in horseback riding, you ask? Well, you want to mimic the look of a real cowboy when you are riding. Western riding is supposed to be relaxed and comfortable for both you and your horse.

Sit up straight but let your weight be distributed deeply in the saddle. Allow your hips to move with the movement of your horse. Keep your back relaxed.  Relax your arms and hold the reins gently. Remember to remain centered in the saddle.

Exercise: Whether you’re guilty of arching your back or you just need to improve your balance. The experts recommend two English-riding techniques: riding in a two-point position and posting at the trot.

A two-point is a more forward jumping position where your seat is elevated out of the saddle with your weight in your heels. This exercise is a little challenging, but really works on the rider’s balance. You should focus on creating a straight line from your ear to your shoulder, through your hip and down to the back of your heel. Let gravity pull your heels down.

While trotting, posting is when the rider rises in the saddle in time with the horse’s stride. In western disciplines, riders often like to post during training to teach their horses to move out.  A good practice is timing, balance and learning to feel the horse’s legs moving underneath you while riding.

Another helpful exercise to correct your seat is to ride without stirrups. Instead of letting your legs hang loose, though, focus on that alignment from ear to heel. Sit down on your pockets, have a slight bend in the knees, and relax your thighs. Avoid leaning forward and gripping with your knees.

Tip #6: Hold your reins in the Western style

Western- style riding dictates that you hold the reins in one hand only. This allows your horse to have a more relaxed control of his own head, and lets you relax your arms a bit too.

To be successful, you will hold both reins in one hand. When you want to signal your horse to turn simply move your hand slightly forward and, in the direction, you wish your horse to go. You can adjust your body slightly in that direction as well to give your horse a clear command.

Tip #7: Use Your Tools Properly

It is important to have the correct tack and equipment when you begin riding. The right horseback riding gear is essential for success. You want to ensure that your saddle is properly fitted to your horse and that your stirrups are the correct length. Additionally, the type of bit you are using matters, as does the length of reins.

Tip #8: Eyes Up

You’ve heard, “Look where you want your horse to go,” but how often do you actually do that? Though it might seem like overused advice, there’s a great deal of substance behind it. The simple act of looking down can be throwing off your ride. 

So, keep your eyes up! Not only does it help to look where you’re going, but it also helps your balance, which helps your horse’s balance. The more correct you are, the more correctly your horse is going to travel. Riders most often look down at the horse’s shoulder when asking for a lead or when making a turn.

Exercise: To help counteract leaning,  a good suggestion is putting a little extra weight in the outside stirrup and keeping your eyes up. You know your horse is underneath you, so feel what he is doing instead of looking.

Tip #9: Ride with Your Legs

Many riders’ resort to their hands to pull and control the horse instead of guiding them with leg pressure.

Horses move away from pressure, but riders seem to want to balance their horses off their hands and drive straight from the bit. There are a lot of horses that are really heavy in their front end because they can’t get off their own shoulders.

Exercise: When you correct your horsemanship, you should see a change in your horse’s way of going.

Try these exercises to teach yourself to use more leg and less hand:

Set four or five barrels (you can use cones if you don’t have barrels) at 15-foot intervals and cue your horse to weave through from a leg-yield. Leg-yield to the right, allow your horse three or four steps straight past the barrel, then leg-yield left. This exercise will teach the horse to move off your leg instead of leaning into the bit and dropping his shoulder.

Do pivots at the walk to isolate the shoulder. Start at a walk along the rail, and then ask for a 90-degree turn using your leg. Return to a place down the rail and repeat. Once your horse is consistently moving off your leg for the 90-degree turn, try 180-degree turns. After several lessons, ask for a 270 and then 360.

You must slow down to get it! People want the results now, but the horse says, ‘You have to teach me.’ The horse knows how to do anything you want, but you have to learn to communicate it.

Tip 10: Have Fun!

The most important part of horsemanship, truly, is having fun. Western horseback riding should be fun and relaxing for you and your horse. As a beginner, you may feel overwhelmed, this is completely normal and will fade with practice. We were all beginners once. Enjoy getting to know your horse and embrace the learning process!

References: 

https://www.horseillustrated.com/western-horse-training-10-ways-to-improve-your-western-riding

https://uswhip.com/blog/7-western-horseback-riding-tips-for-beginners/