English Riding Basics

English horseback riding originated in England. Hunting parties needed to get through brush and over obstacles to follow hunting dogs and quarry, and using horses was the answer. In modern American show rings, English disciplines are exhibitions of horse-rider teamwork and control. English riding is also used to teach horsemanship and balance to new riders.

  1. Rider Equipment

    • English riders' clothing is chosen for comfort and flexibility.

      English riders use specific leg- and footwear. Cotton or Lycra breeches and knee-high, thin socks go under short paddock boots or tall knee-length boots. Leather/suede half chaps layered on top of breeches are last, for gripping the horse. Helmets are essential, and riders use short crops when necessary.

    Horse Tack

    • English bridle bit and rein and thinner saddle make for extreme horse-rider contact.

      A quilted saddle pad goes under a hunt seat or all-purpose saddle. Close-contact hunt seat saddles are used for jumping; all-purpose saddles are used for arena flatwork. A girth cinches the saddle around the horse. Finally, a bridle with a circular rein and a nose band goes on its head.

    English Gaits

    • English trot and canter (photo) are called jog and lope in Western riding terms.

      Specific English gaits are trot and canter. Trotting involves moving, or posting, up and down in the saddle for arena flatwork or in the show ring. Cantering is a rolling gait faster than the trot, ridden by lifting out of the saddle, and used primarily for jumping.

    English Disciplines

    • English hunt seat jumping is considered the most extreme exhibition of equine athleticism.

      Hunt seat jumping is the primary discipline for English riders. Other show-ring disciplines are saddle seat and dressage, both showing off trotting leg action and grace of the horse. Additionally, eventing involves a three-phase competition, beginning with dressage and followed by cross-country jumping and show jumping.