Western or European style saddles, what's the difference in riding styles.?

Western: The reins are held in one hand, and keep loose. The aids are only ever given when telling the horse to directly do something different, as opposed to english riding, where a consistent contact and feel is always given. The Saddle has two girths instead of one, (I think in western riding they're called cinches or something) and is big, leather and heavy, with a large 'horn' on the front, which kinda looks like the joystick on your game boy.

English: The reins are held in both hands, and a light, allowing contact is kept of the horses mouth. The horse, when being ridden properly, has a slight arch in his neck, his face is vertical/slightly infront of the vertical, and he is said to be *on the bit.* You should feel that the horse is listening to you, and that at the slightest touch would respond to your command. The saddle has one girth, is considerably lighter, and is without the big horn.

Both doesn't really suit all horses, but most horses, with proper training, can do both but most only really excell in one or the other.

EDIT: Thank you

Wow, Girl on the Pony....that was the most unbiased, simple, clear description I have ever read, especially on yahoo answers! I'd give you several thumbs up if possible :). Different advanced styles of western riding differ on the "aids only used when telling the horse to do something different," but for lower levels and casual riding, that is a very clear way of putting it. I do expect my western horse to be listening for the slightest command, too, and be collected, but I get your point.