Alright so, I'm starting riding again probably Mid to Late November, and I would like to try English. I've been working western for a little less than a year, and I'm not sure if I should stick to western until I get better and then go to English.

I rode bareback for some lessons when I went to horse riding lessons some time ago. If it helps any, when I rode bareback, I had to remember to keep my own balance when I rode. Since you've been away from riding for a while, yes l, I do believe it'd be a great idea for you to ride bareback for a while.

I definitely think your skills and confidence would grow tremendously trying different disciplines and riding as many horses as you can. Even riding bareback at a walk will help you out. I used to be terrified to ride bareback because my horse is a bit of a spaz, so I took to riding a calmer smoother horse and now I can swing right up bareback and go for a full blown gallop across the pasture bareback (something I once thought I would never be able to do). If you feel yourself getting nervous, it always helped me to walk for 10 strides, then trot 2, walk for 9, trot 3, and so on so that I was trotting one more stride than before. Eventually I was able to do it as a 10 strides trot and 2 lope, then before long I was loping circles without a glitch.

Yes, bareback is great. Improves your balance, your seat, your connect with your horse. I would also suggest watching others ride, watch videos of professionals or go watch a show near you. The more you watch the more you will notice the small movements they make, and eventually you will began to make them too. I also suggest for some in hand work, lunging, leading, try to play around with liberty. It can really boost your confidence and give you a break from just riding all the time. Also, if you are taking lessons, donÂ’t be afraid to ask to ride an easier horse. I find that it can really help you become more confident, which overall can help, even if it is for just one lesson.

Thank you, everyone so far!