A List of Styles of Horseback Riding & Their Descriptions

Whether you want to run, jump, wrangle or wander, there is a horseback riding style to suit you. Equitation evolved from different times and regions throughout history. This evolution has helped create many styles of riding, each with its own purposes, saddle types and sports.

  1. Western

    • Western riding sports such as barrel racing hone ranching skills.

      Western riding dates back to the 1700s, when Spanish vaqueros, or cowboys, designed a saddle specifically for ranch work. Western saddles have a horn in the front for knotting ropes when roping cattle, as well as a high cantle and wide skirt for carrying cargo. Western riding activities include roping, barrel racing, herding and gaming. Western saddles are also a favorite trail-riding saddle, due to their comfortable seat and long stirrups.

    English

    • Cross-country riding is similar to foxhunting.

      Modern English riding has its roots in British cavalry and foxhunting. Because hunting requires jumping, cavalry saddles were redesigned with a low pommel and cantle, and large forward kneeflaps to allow for the range of motion necessary when jumping. Foxhunting has inspired many of today's English sports such as cross-country and hunter/jumper. Other English riding disciplines include dressage and saddleseat.

    Bareback

    • Bareback riding is a fun way to enjoy time with your horse. Because bareback riding involves no stirrups or saddle seat, riders must rely solely on balance to keep themselves on their horse. Some riding shows offer bareback classes, where riders are judged on their ability to balance well and maintain proper position.

    Sidesaddle

    • As the Chronicle of the Horse website notes, women likely rode astride (with a leg on each side) until the 15th century, when the sidesaddle gained acceptance. Sidesaddles have two horns that help secure the rider's skirt-clad legs, and a wider seat to accommodate the sideways position. The shape of the saddle allows women to perform many of the same tasks as a forward-facing saddle would, including jumping. At many sidesaddle shows, riders wear historical costumes to showcase the discipline's rich history.