Western riders don't use steady leg pressure like english riders do. Tapping your legs against their sides asks for speed, not a squeeze. So basically you just give tiny little light kicks in rhythm to ask for a jog (which very well may need to be collected back into, they don't just start out jogging, they could start out in a forward trot the same way any horse can.) And for lope, outside leg back the same way as english, and the same idea. Little tiny taps. 2. Rein movement is key. Push your hands forward for faster, back towards you for slower. Not with contact, they will feel it if they are in a western bit. And I'm sure you get the basic idea of neck reining. If you really can't steer them, and you're not comfortable and don't have a western trainer, then pop a snaffle in their mouth. It might be awkward, but ride the way you do in english and you won't have to worry about seriously hurting them if you know how to steer with a snaffle (which you should if you're hacking on your own, just qualifying.) 3. Post if you want to. Bouncy trot/jog? If you cant balance well sitting, post. Doesn't hurt anything. 4. Don't lean back the whole time, even though it feels like you want to. Keep an upright and supple seat, regardless of the saddle. It will unbalance you AND your horse if you push your leg forward and your upper body back constantly for a more "cowboy" position. XD Trust me, I learned the hard way.
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