Guest Blog - The Vaquero Cob

Finding My Way Back to Horsemanship

When I began my journey with Issy ten years ago, we were the picture of traditional English riding—long boots, dressage saddle, and matchy-matchy sets to rival the next rider. But when things started to unravel between us and our connection faded, I felt called back to my horsemanship roots. That’s when I decided to strip everything back and focus on groundwork.

With just a simple Rope Halter, we began rebuilding from the ground up. What started as a few quiet sessions turned into a deep exploration of communication—and soon, the western world came calling. Before I knew it, I was in a western saddle, donning cowboy boots and a Stetson, feeling more at home than ever.

The “Am I English or Western?” Phase

I found myself stuck between two worlds. Was I an English rider? A western one? Eventually, it dawned on me: it didn’t matter. It wasn’t about the tack, the hat, or the style. What truly mattered was how I was communicating with Issy. The groundwork, the relationship, the feel—it was all the same, no matter what we wore.

People Will Always Have Opinions

As I moved between disciplines, people began to question our choices. I felt the judgment for not looking “right” for the part. But what they didn’t see was what lay beneath the surface—the training, the partnership, the connection.

Our horses don’t care whether we’re wearing Carhartt or LeMieux. As long as they’re comfortable, happy, and understood, that’s all that truly matters.

Good Horsemanship Is Universal

That’s when it clicked: good horsemanship has nothing to do with style or discipline.

Whether I’m riding in a dressage saddle with western boots or schooling in cowboy gear with an English bridle, the foundation stays the same—respect, trust, and communication.

For me, going back to that simple groundwork tool marked the beginning of this journey. It became a reminder that I didn’t have to fit in any box. We’ve done it all—dressage, cross-country, western riding, horseback archery. But Issy hasn’t changed, and neither have I.

You Don’t Have to Choose Just One Discipline

We’re often pressured to label ourselves: dressage rider, eventer, reiner. But why choose? You can be all of those things if you want to.

There’s no rule saying you can’t rein one day and piaffe the next.

What matters is the depth of your training and the strength of your connection.

A Personal Reminder

My Rope Halter serves as a gentle reminder whenever I start to feel like I have to prove something or fit a mould. It brings me back to the heart of why I ride—to build a partnership with my horse, not to impress anyone else.

We all deserve a piece of equipment that grounds us. For me, it’s what I reach for when I want to just be with my horse—whether we’re hacking, schooling, or simply spending time together.

It reminds me: we’re not defined by disciplines, only by what we do with our horses.

Final Thoughts: Be Bold. Be You.

So don’t stress about what you’re wearing or what tack you use.

Be brave, be bold, and most importantly—be you.

As long as your horse thinks you’re cool, nothing else matters.

Because at the end of the day, good horsemanship is what really counts.

Written by Seraya Sigsworth — The Vaquero Cob