About a year and a half ago I perchased a 12 year old gelding Appaloosa. His previous owner told me that he was used in 4-H. My daughter has been riding him western for the past 1 1/2 years but now she would like to ride him english. She is really attached to him and doesn't want to sell him and the only other horse we have is my mare Appy but she would be too much for my daughter to handle. So, I don't now how to start re-training him to go english. Can you even re-train a horse from western to english? How should it be done? HELP!!!

honkymcgoo

Very simple. A good western horse should be able to extend his jog and carry himself in a slightly upright, motivated frame instead of a long-and-low western frame. Put an english saddle on him, one that fits well, and change him over to a kimberwicke, or english curb bit if he's using a western curb bit.

If you're not a trainer I would suggest going to a trainer for this, but if the horse is an excellently trained western horse he should be able to do both just fine.

Treeny

Most Horses can learn both, Its easier to go from english to western because you can take an english horse and use different techniqes to keep the head down and slow down trot exc.
From western to english is just a matter of playing around with different tec and time, the horsewill realize that hes being asked to pick up trot and that he is allowed to have head up a bit, that is if the horse was trained proper western riding. The stearing is usually not hard for a horse to learn both plow and neck. Just put the English sadle on and bridle and practice and time. No need to sell him that is all in the fun of having a horse trying new things and the
satisfaction of the out come, You guys should try it on your own get some books and tapes and ask around work with him, you will feel more rewarded in the end if you take on the challenge on your own and win. If your daughter is young and is not capable of the task at hand then yes get a trainer.

polly2794

Your horse will learn to recognize the difference in bits. Try a simple snaffle, not too thin or sharp, and encourage him with your leg to step out and take the bit. In western, he stays behind the curb bit. In english, you want him on the bit, trusting your hand and feeling free to stretch his legs. When you post, learn to flex your elbows so your hands do not go up and down, which only agitates his mouth. Keep a steady feel on the bit to stay in contact.
And pet him when he responds as you like.
Horses are smart and enjoy learning new things. Make your cues clear and use the same cue to request the same response every time. Good luck with your horse!