About Horseback Riding

History

• The history of horseback riding dates back as early as the 14th century. Up until this point, horses were wild and rarely ridden. During medieval times, horses were used mainly for work and warfare. They were not categorized by their breed, but rather their purpose. The palfreys were used for riding, the chargers were used for warfare and the cart horses were used as a means of pulling work carts. They were also ridden for transportation and trading purposes. Horseback riding made traveling from one spot to another for the trade and selling of goods much faster.

Significance

• For centuries, horses were ridden for a multitude of purposes. In the medieval times, they were used for fighting and in the sport of jousting. Through the years, horseback riding has often been used as a means of travel and hunting. In the United States, soldiers in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars rode on horseback into battle and also used horseback riding as a means of getting messages quickly to their camps. Early settlers were dependent upon their horses for many uses: to cultivate their fields, for harvest, for transportation, and to lessen the burden of any other heavy tasks.

Function

• The function of horseback riding in today's society is quite different from even 2 hundred years ago. Competitions and sports play a large role in horseback riding today. Rodeo events include barrel racing, pole bending, steer wrestling and team roping. There is also the sport of jumping in which the rider and their horse complete an obstacle course. However, in western states horses are still used as a means of work. They are an important asset to the rancher in rounding up his cattle. But perhaps the most important use for horseback riding today is leisure. There are many resorts and vacation getaways that advertise horseback riding as an activity guests can participate in. Organized trail rides are enjoyed by many horse owners.

Types

• There are three basic types of horseback riding. The first is called Western. This is a good riding style for those who will be taking long rides or for those who will be riding on trails. The western saddle adds a measure of comfort and security that the English saddle does not. The next riding style is English, which uses an English saddle. The English saddle is a lighter saddle and the stirrups are thinner than those on the Western saddle. The English style of riding is most commonly used during competitions and sporting events such as jumping or polo competitions. Another riding style is bareback. As the name implies, this is done without a saddle, by holding onto the horse's mane for security, or with the use of reins. This style is good for both experienced and inexperienced riders, as a means of learning the art of balancing and stability, and to enjoy the horse in its natural form.

Warning

• Be sure to always wear a helmet and protective vest when riding. These will help decrease the risk of serious head or spine injuries should a fall occur. There are more serious injuries from horseback riding every year than there are motorcycle accidents. If you feel the horse beginning to get anxious, or it kicks and attempts to throw you, it is better for you to jump off one side than get thrown. To lessen the chances of this happening, get to know your horse and its tendancies. The more you bond with your horse, the safer and happier both of you will be.