Horse riding is not a sport for the faint of heart or those who are nervous about their ability to ride. While there are different levels of ability among horse riders, anyone who is interested in learning how to ride will likely feel some apprehension at the beginning of their journey. Luckily, there are a number of different types of riding that suit different levels of experience and comfort. For example, if you’re feeling a bit nervous or intimidated by the idea of being on the back of a horse for the first time, you might consider a lesson on the basics of Western-style riding. If you have more experience but feel like you could use some pointers on how to improve your skills, you might want to consider taking an introductory course in English-style riding. Finally, if you’re already an experienced rider but want to brush up on some advanced skills, you might want to consider taking a course in eventing. Whatever your riding experience is, there’s likely someone who can teach you from beginner to expert level nearby. So whether you dream of galloping across the prairie or just want to cruise around the park trails with your friends, this list of common types of horse riding will give you some ideas about which classes might be right for you.
Western-Style Riding
Western-style riding is most commonly practiced in the United States and Canada. This type of riding involves a Western horse that is bred for stamina, strength, and agility. A Western rider sits firmly in the center of the horse’s body with their legs spread slightly wider than their shoulders. Traditionally, Western-style riders wear a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans, although this isn’t a rule or expectation of the sport. Western-style riding can be done on either English or Western saddles, and the most common breeds used are the American Quarter Horse and the American Paint Horse. The best way to get started on this type of riding is to take a lesson with an instructor to learn the basics and make sure that you are comfortably in the saddle before heading out on your own.
English-Style Riding
English-style riding is most commonly practiced in Western Europe, particularly in England, Ireland, and France. This type of riding is most commonly associated with the riding schools that are commonly found at public parks and riding stables. The horse used for English-style riding is usually a horse that is bred for endurance, agility, and speed. English-style riders sit slightly forward in the saddle with their legs spread just as they are in Western-style riding, but their legs are shorter and they use a special type of saddle called a side saddle. The best way to get started on this type of riding is to take a lesson with an instructor to learn the basics and make sure that you are comfortably in the saddle before heading out on your own.
Ranch-Style Riding
Ranch-style riding is a hybrid of Western-style riding and English-style riding that is most commonly practiced in the Western United States. This type of riding is most commonly associated with large-scale commercial horse operations, and the horses used are bred to be calm and relaxed in a wide variety of situations. A ranch-style rider sits slightly forward in the saddle with their legs spread slightly wider than their shoulders. The best way to get started on this type of riding is to take a lesson with an instructor to learn the basics and make sure that you are comfortably in the saddle before heading out on your own.
Horse Showing
Horse showing is a competition in which owners and trainers of show horses attempt to win prizes based on the conformation, performance, and condition of their equine. Horse owners often use lessons and practices to improve their horse’s conformation and performance, but the majority of horse owners do not compete in horse shows. The horse used in horse showing is often specially bred for this purpose and is well-suited to the high-intensity and performance-oriented nature of the sport. The best way to get started on this type of riding is to take a lesson with an instructor to learn the basics and make sure that you are comfortably in the saddle before heading out on your own.
Eventing
Eventing is a type of horse riding that involves cross-training at the same time as both riding and driving. This sport is most commonly practiced in Western Europe and North America, and the horse used for eventing is bred for both endurance and speed. Riders sit slightly forward in the saddle with their legs spread wide. The best way to get started on this type of riding is to take a lesson with an instructor to learn the basics and make sure that you are comfortably in the saddle before heading out on your own.
Conclusion
The world of horse riding can be a wide and varied place, and there are many different types of riding that you can choose from based on your interests and experience level. If you’re looking to learn how to ride, it can be helpful to find a riding instructor or a group of fellow learners to help you get started. If you’re currently a rider, it can also be helpful to occasionally take a few lessons from time to time to stay sharp and refreshed.