Equestrianism

Equestrianism (Horse riding) is a popular sport in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Horses are used in many different competitions.

A horse being ridden by a man in a show

Show Jumping

Show Jumping is where a rider rides a horse over a set course of horse jumps while being timed. The horse and rider must also try not to knock down any of the jumps and at the fastest time otherwise the rider will get faults and/or time penalties. There are many types of horse jumps such as the double oxer, triple oxer, gates, stone wall, cross rails, Cavalettis, tiger traps, liverpool, corner,wood jumps and other cross country jumps.

Not every type of horse can jump well, just like not all horses are able to do well at horse racing or farm work. Most horses seen in show jumping competitions are warm blood horses like Hanoverians. The riding is popular since 1900.

Dressage

Dressage is an event where horses do not jump, but must be very obedient to their riders. There is usually a sequence that the horse and rider must complete. Letters are placed around an arena to show where movements should happen. In dressage the horse and rider can also perform a freestyle, which is also known as "Dancing on Horseback". (Also in western riding there are freestyles in the reining category) Dressage riders usually wear tight pants called breeches, as well as a blouse, a top coat and a top hat. The moves the horse performs are very graceful and fun to watch.

Eventing

Eventing combines Dressage, Showjumping, and the horse version of Cross Country (horses are scored on how fast they complete all of the solid jumps on a course with different types of footing) into one sport. This Combined Training is based on the old military tests of the cavalry where the rider's life depended on the horse listening to what the rider told it to do.

Stock work

Stock work began when horses were ridden on a ranch to round up cows, sheep, or other animals. Today, horse shows also have competitions for horses to show these skills. Like Cutting, Reining, Barrel Racing, Cattle Penning, Calf Roping, Pole Bending, etc.

Driving

Driving in the horse world means that a horse is pulling a type of wagon. It knows where to go by a person sitting on the wagon that tells them which direction they should turn. A horse used to pull a wagon is usually bigger and heavier than most other horses. The hooves are also much larger than a racing horse. Large horses are calm, trustworthy and good-natured. Types of heavy horses are: Belgians, Shires, Clydesdale, Friesian horse, and Gypsy Vanners. Also a beginner is able to communicate with these well tempered horses.

Pleasure riding

Pleasure riding is riding for enjoyment, not for awards. People ride horses on trails in the forest, along quiet roads, or in an arena near their homes or barns. Horse back riding lessons could be considered "Pleasure Riding". Pleasure riding can be called trail riding. Pleasure riding does not have to be for any specific reason, just for fun and enjoyment. Riding in a horse carriage may also be for pleasure.

Racing

Racing tests the speed of a horse. Different breeds do different types of races. The most popular type in the U.S. is Thoroughbred racing, where only horses of this breed can participate in galloping around a track. There are also endurance races, trotting races and steeplechases (horses galloping around a track with jumps).