Different Types of Horseback Riding

The uninitiated are often surprised to learn just how many unique horseback riding activities exist. Since the domestication of horses thousands of years ago, horseback riding has grown and burgeoned into many different styles practiced worldwide. Each type of horseback riding has its own origins, presentation and horse breed preference.

Dressage Riding

If you’ve seen horseback riding in the Olympics, you’ve seen dressage. Originating in Europe as an English riding style, the horse and its rider perform a series of movements from memory to showcase the horse’s athletic ability and attentiveness to its rider.

The horse breeds best suited for dressage include the Lipizzaner from Vienna and Austria and the Andalusians from Spain.

Reining

Also known as Western dressage, reining involves the rider and horse performing loops, spins and circles seamlessly at a lope and gallop reminiscent of a cowboy and their trusty stead. This riding style requires strict precision and control, so American Quarter, Appaloosas and Paints are optimal breeds.

Western Pleasure

As the name implies, western pleasure riding draws influence from Western culture. While dressage is more of a formal presentation of the rider’s connection to their horse, Western pleasure riding is to show how pleasant a horse’s riding is, whether they’re walking, jogging, loping or going backward.

The horse will be judged on their physical appearance, meaning proper grooming is critical. Though any type of horse can enter, light horse breeds are popular due to their lean and angular shape, so the American Paints and Appaloosas are common choices.

Show Jumping

An English-style horseback riding method that stems from country hunts. The horse is evaluated by their speed, how high they can jump over the fences and their mobility as they have to change directions in the stadium quickly. The rider with the least penalties and the fastest time is crowned the winner.

Horses with sturdy legs and tall builds are ideal for show jumping. As such, warmblood horses are usually used.

Eventing

Another English style of horseback riding, eventing is a combination of dressage, horse show jumping and cross country spread across three days (hence why it’s also known as three-day eventing).

Because this sport requires a significant amount of athletic and mental ability from a horse, a Hanoverian breed is an in-demand choice among eventing riders due to being easy to work with and natural jumpers.

Cutting

A form of rodeo riding that’s practical as well as performative. The riding style tests a horse’s capacity to single one cattle out of a herd and direct them to a designated spot. Cutting helps ranchers brand cattle or conduct a veterinary check-up. Because this riding style hinges on the horse’s intelligence and wisdom, Quarter and Cross Horses are favored.

Endurance

Becoming a sport in the 1950s, endurance riding assesses the rider and horse’s stamina, as they must traverse anywhere from 25 to 500 miles (with consistent safety check-ups every 25 miles). Arabian breeds are suitable because of their robust stamina levels.

Gymkhana

Gymkhana is an English-style horseback riding sport. It involves a timed obstacle race highlighting a horse’s speed, dexterity and power. Depending on the event, competitors either work individually or in a team. The riding style started in colonial times when those in the English military would spend Sundays enhancing their riding skills. The American Quarter Horse is a strong competitive breed option.

Barrel Racing

Started in 1931 in Texas, this Western rodeo style of riding is a women-only sport in which the rider and their horse run in a clover pattern around barrels in the fastest time possible without falling over. Thoroughbreds and the American Quarter horse are optimal options, as their natural athletic ability makes them ideal picks.

Racing

An event where horses and their riders compete in a show of speed, agility and skill. With horses being able to run up to 40 miles an hour, it’s a fast-paced riding style popular worldwide. Thoroughbred horses are an especially sought-after preference for racing.

Enjoy Horseback Riding in a Beautiful and Open Nature Preserve with a Ranger Ridge Membership

If you’re looking for a great community in Texas with a top-of-the-line Equestrian Center and easy access to horseback riding, Ranger Ride could be the perfect place for you. We offer a gorgeous nature and wildlife preserve that features 2,600 acres of Texas landscape where homeowners can retreat into nature and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.

With our equestrian membership, you and your horse can traverse over 30 miles of horse trails through creeks and mountains. Additionally, we offer horseback riding lessons, a dedicated stable with a tack room and a washroom. Reach out to us today to learn more about Ranger Ridge and our many equestrian-focused features.