I don't know where you are based but I suggest you get to a clinic as a spectator in the first instance. You will learn so much and your questions have a great many answers! Mendip Stud in Somerset hold many clinics with many different clinicians all of whom would give great advice. Oakridge Quarter Horses based in Lincs area has Lee Rutter who is often holding clinics all over the country, Borland Quarter Horses based in the Midlands, Shane Borland is also often giving clinics all over the country, Bruce Lawrence, Bob Mayhew and there are many more.
Re Books and DVDs, there are so many, depending on the discipline you are interested in, Dave Dellin is great, Andrea Fappani's DVDs are fantastic, I know they are specialist competitors, but they offer advice that is relevant in all western areas. The Western Horseman books are very good. I am not sure how much they cost but they are definitely worth every penny.
Keep your eye on all the website, they will have the clinic dates. There is a WES clinic at Moreton Morrell near Warwick in April which is always a good one, so if you are able, go and have a listen.
Good luck

Thanks for that, yes I was thinking of going to the Moreton Morrell WES clinic, but having never been to a clinic before I wasn't sure if it was just for people with a horse or whether spectators could watch!
I'll go and look at up and coming events now!

Ok - i am novice too. but with regards to asking to go forward, i cluck too. once for walk (accompanied by a small bump if i am ignored) twice for jog (again accompanied by bump if i am ignored) and kiss to lope (must admit i'm not sure what you are meant to do with your leg but my horse goes). i also allow forward with my hands if asking to move forward. then i let my legs sit still. but i admit i am often confused as to what i'm meant to be doing sometimes.

Are you having lessons? an instructor will help. As will watching. When is the WES moreton morrell clinic? i might try and watch too - see what i can learn! (i end up having to go to such places alone though as i dont really have any western friends!)

Morton Morrell is the first weekend of April 4-6th
Spectators are certainly welcome and there are all levels there. It is smaller this year, but I am looking forward to it. I find it really gets me in the 'show' mood for the upcoming season. See you there!

i might come for a nosey then if i can! always interested to learn.

You'll be made very, very welcome. Don't hesitate to collar one of us participants or the organisers if you have any questions.
And hopefully Janet Weston will be there if you want to drive her mad with tack questions!