ABSTRACT
The "Western" horse is considered to be a horse of any type, breed or cross identified with western US It is generally associated with ranching and the ability, skills, and disposition needed to perform as a ranch horse. The western seat or stock seat describes the position of the rider in the saddle. The horse and rider must be trained to function as a unit in good form or a collected manner. The "English" horse may be of any type, breed, or cross identified with the style of equitation and activities that originated in England. It is associated with the style of horsemanship used in riding in the hunt, riding gaited horses, and performing in events typical of English-type horse shows. The training helps the horse and rider understand the principles and terms of equitation and their implication—impulsion, horse elevation (front), flexion and suppleness, and breaking at the pole.
