Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a serious sport that requires a great deal of body control as well as a certain sensitivity for the horse's disposition. As a recreational rider I spend most of my time in open terrain, where I use the three basic paces (walking, trotting and galloping). Generally speaking, there are several different riding disciplines that I will explain to you in this section.

Here is an overview:

  • Western riding: Originated as the riding style of cowboys at work in the West.
  • Dressage: Fosters and refines the natural predispositions of a horse through gymnastic exercises with the aim of getting the horse to execute a task precisely on cue.
  • Equestrian vaulting: Gymnastics on the back of a galloping horse.
  • Show jumping: Horse and rider have to overcome an obstacle course with as few mistakes as possible.
  • Eventing: Comprises dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Eventing has its roots in the military as a cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding.
  • Drag hunting: Riders follow a group of dogs chasing a scent that has been laid over a terrain before the hunt.
  • Trail riding: Involves long rides on natural trails and roads.
  • Endurance riding: A race to cover a long-distance haul as quickly as possible.