There are so many different ways people ride and compete on horses. It would be best to start by explaining the 2 overarching categories of riding:
Both English and Western are the same level of difficulty to learn and are fun to ride! It all depends on what you and your horse enjoy doing.
There is a lot to know and learn in each discipline. This is just a basic breakdown! I may go more into depth individually in future posts.
 |
| From L to R: Barrel racing (western), Jumping (english) |
 |
| From L to R: Western saddle, English saddle |
English
English style riding came from the riding and training done in military cavalries in the 17th through 20th centuries (while similar styles were used centuries before, this is when it become more widely used and developed more into what we use today).
 |
| Horse Calvary, WWII |
As shown above, the English saddle is much smaller and lighter than the Western. This style of saddle is designed to maximize the mobility (the ability to move freely and easily) of both horse and rider. There are several different types of English saddles designed for different types of English riding, but that will be gone over in a different post. Today, we are focusing on the different styles of riding and not as much on the tack.
Unlike Western, English riding is done with two hands on the reins (known as direct or plow reining).
Cross Country
This discipline is an extreme style of jumping. Unlike Show Jumping, which occurs in a controlled controlled environment (an arena), cross country is competed on a long course over differing terrain. It can consist of anywhere from 15-40 solid jumps (varies depending on riding level) and includes things like hills, water crossings or jumps, and ditches. Cross country is ridden fast, often at a gallop, to meet the time requirements of the competition.
This is a mentally and physically challenging event. Not only must the horse and rider be in top physical shape to keep up their endurance and strength during the course, but they must be brave, trust in each other, and be smart about how and when to use their speed and power.
Dressage
Dressage is best explained as "ballet on horseback". It is all about how a horse and rider work together to execute maneuvers. The object is to have almost invisible communication with the horse and to be in harmony. It shows great obedience and training to have such a powerful animal perform such specific and controlled movements.
In competition, the horse and rider perform a memorized test and are given a score from 0-10 depending on how each well (or not) each movement was performed. The scores for each specific movement are then added up and turned into a percentage, which determines who placed highest.
 |
| Performing an extended trot |
 |
| Performing a lateral movement |
English Pleasure
This type of English riding is divided into 3 categories
- Hunt(er) seat
- Saddle seat
- Driving
These competitions (discussed in depth under their own categories) are all about having well behaved, enjoyable horses. Each class shows off the horse's obedience, manners, and pleasantness to ride. Gaits (each speed of the horse; walk, trot, canter) should be smooth and effortless.
Equitation Over Fences
First, you may want to see the section titled Equitation under the Both Disciplines heading.
Just like Equitation, Equitation over fences is judged solely on the rider. The judge looks at how the rider is positioned on the horse on the flat and over the jumps as well as how effectively the rider uses aids (natural aids: legs, hands, seat; mechanical aids: bit, crop) to communicate to the horse. The fences aren't as high as show jumping due to the class being more about finesse than speed.
Eventing
This is an exciting and intense English discipline! Eventing tests the horse and rider in various areas, both mentally and physically. It is a 1-3 day event that has 3 different parts, much like a triathlon. The 3 phases/parts are:
- Dressage
- Cross Country
- Show Jumping
I will not be further breaking down the aforementioned categories here as each are described in further detail in their own sections.
Fox Hunting
Fox hunting has been around for a long time, going back to atleast the 15th century. It was originally done out of necessity, to keep livestock safe from growing fox populations. Now, it is done as a competitive sport (though it is banned in some countries or has strict guidelines to follow due to laws being passed).
Fox hunting is done with a group of people on horseback and a group of hounds (several pairs). Just like the previous generations, fox hunting is still done wearing special clothes (known as a kit) and using the same procedures (as best as they can, obviously new laws must be followed and adjustments have been made).
The hunt is led by the master. The huntsman is in charge of the hounds. He uses special calls and a horn to communicate to the hounds. Several whippers-in help keep the hounds together. Other riders participate, but must follow the lead of the master, huntsman, and whippers-in.
The hunt starts when the hounds are told to start searching for the scent in the surrounding areas. The dogs will signal (by barking) when they find the fox. After the fox has been viewed, the hunt may end or the dogs may be given permission to kill (only where this is still legal; in some places, you may kill but you must shoot the animal instead of releasing the pack of hounds on it; in other places, it is illegal to kill during fox hunting, so dogs track a previously laid scent trail (known as drag hunting).
In places where foxes are not common, coyotes may be chased/hunted instead
Hunt Seat
These classes may be shown on the flat or over fences. This style of class was adapted from the riding style of foxhunting. Rides are judged on being smooth, elegant, and without mistakes. Classes included in the hunt seat category include:
- Flat classes (horse judged on the flat)
- Pleasure classes (horse judged on how much of a pleasure he is to ride)
- Hunter classes (horse judged over fences)
- Equitation classes (rider is judged)
- In hand classes (horse is judged on conformation (build), movement, and soundness)
Hunter Hack
This is a type of English Pleasure class where riders are in hunt attire and tack (saddle/bridle). The class is mostly judged on the flat, but there are a few low fences. Horses are judged on having a consistent pace, good manners, and style over the jumps.
Mounted Archery
This is an old and new sport. Old in the sense that warriors through the centuries have been shooting from horseback, but new because it is a new competitive sport.
During mounted archery, a well trained horse will gallop a straight course (without the rider using reins) while the rider shoots at various targets.
Pleasure Driving
In this class, a single horse or a pair of horses are hooked up to a show cart (either a 2 or 4 wheel) and judged on pulling at the walk and trot (both regular and extended). Pleasure driving classes may include obstacles, be held on trails, or performed in an arena. Classes are judged on the performance and manners or the horse as well as the attire and skill of the driver.
The classes that include obstacles are also judged on speed and accuracy. The courses are set up similar to jump courses in a sense that there is a pattern that must be followed that include turns, combinations, and various obstacles that must be tackled (like going through a slim set of cones or over a bridge). Obstacle classes are won by having the fewest faults and the fastest time.
AKA pleasure driving on the flat is like hunters (all about style and performance) and pleasure driving with obstacles is like jumpers (all about speed and faults).
Polo
Polo is one of the only team sports in the equestrian world! It is a very tough sport that requires speed, balance, quick reflexes and decision making skills, and the ability to hit a tiny ball while on a moving horse. And oh yea...the other team is trying to prevent you from getting the ball. This sport is not about equitation (how the rider looks/perfect riding). It is about speed, power, and strategy. Here are the basics:
Polo is played in a period of time called a chukker, each which last 7 minutes and 30 seconds. After each chukker, the riders switch to new mounts that are fresh. More professional levels of polo players may switch horses every 3-4 minutes.
The game is played by 2 teams, each with 4 players and played over 6 chukkers. This means that atleast 48 horses are used during one game of polo!
True polo (also known as grass polo) is expensive, intense, and filled with lots of running (the field is about the length of 9 football fields). There is also arena polo, which occurs in a more confined space (in an arena) and is filled with less running and more hitting and defending (and is easier on the wallet).
Polo ponies must be very well trained horses who can handle the commotion and noise happening on and off the field as well as be quick and precise in their movements.
Racing (TB and QH)
In the English horse world, there are two main types of racing:
- Thoroughbred racing
- Quarter Horse racing
Both are similar, but there are enough differences that I feel the need to expound upon them. Both use 2-3yr old horses.
*Steeplechase is also a form of horse racing, but will be mentioned in it's own category
Thoroughbred Racing (known as Flat Racing in the UK)
This style of racing is the most popular. In this style of racing horses race between 1-3 miles on oval dirt or turf tracks. Not only do the jockeys have to be talented riders on fast horses, but they must be good at pacing, going through the mass of horses on the track, and saving enough energy to sprint across the finish line.
In thoroughbred racing, there is a short distance between when the horses leave the gate and when the timer starts called the "run-up". The purpose of the run-up is to allow the horses a running start. The time officially starts when the first horse crosses the line where the race distance officially begins.
In the UK, Flat Racing is split up into 2 separate categories:
- Conditions Racing
- Handicap Racing
In these races, horses with an advantage are given more weight to handicap the other horses (to even the playing field).
Quarter Horse Racing
While Thorougbreds (TBs) are fast, Quarter Horses (QHs) are actually faster over shorter distances. They are known as Quarter Horses because they are capable of running the fastest quarter mile than any other breed. When the race is longer, Thoroughbreds typically are faster.
QH racing is similar to TB racing, just not as widely watched. These races are shorter, usually between 110-310 yards (310yds = quarter mile). Unlike Thoroughbred racing, QH racing does not have a run-up period before the time starts because Quarter Horses are quicker and more explosive out of the gate.
Fun fact: the triple crown of QH racing is one of the richest horse races in the world! It pays out more than TB racing at $3 million (split between the winners)!
Saddle Seat
This is a style of English riding that is for showcasing horses with a high stepping trot. Unlike other English disciplines, saddle seat riders sit back more in the saddle, behind the horse's center of balance (this enables the rider to better encourage the horse to use high stepping action). The rider's hands are also carried higher than in other disciplines.
Due to the positioning of the rider behind the horse's center of balance, the saddle for this style of riding is different from other english saddles. The horse's typically compete in double bridles (a bridle with 2 bits and 4 reins. Riders wear clothes a little different from other English competitions, similar to a men's business suit.
Show Jumping
Unlike hunter classes over fences, jumping classes are all about speed! Hunters are judged on style, equitation, and horse manners, but jumpers are simply judged on time and faults. Show jumping has more jumps and they are higher and more difficult than the hunter courses.
Steeplechase
This is a form of horse racing that involves jumping fences. The horses raced are Thoroughbreds that are older than those racing on the flat. There are a lot of variations to steeplechasing depending on what country you are in. In the United States, the 2 main types of steeplechase races that are held are:
- Hurdle Races
- Timber Races
Hurdle Races
The obstacles in hurdle races are plastic or synthetic and can be "brushed" over. They reach a height of 52 inches. The horses who compete in these races are trained to jump in stride, which allows them to maintain their speed between obstacles. When not possible (as always lining up in a perfect stride before a jump can be challenging), the horses are also taught to jump out of stride, though this slows down their speed drastically. These races are run over 2-3 miles. It is more common (especially in the US to see this style of steeplechase racing).
Timber Races
Timber Races are raced over solid wood obstacles that can reach up to 5 feet. These races are longer than hurdle races, being held over 3-4 miles. Like in hurdle racing, the horses do their best to jump and land in stride so they can keep up their speed. Unlike hurdle racing, if a horse hits a jump in timber racing, it may drive the horse to a complete stop. Also unlike hurdle racing, horses are trained to jump with an arc as to be able to jump over the more demanding obstacles.
Western
Western Style riding came from the Spanish Conquistadors and then evolved to what the working cowboy needed to successfully ranch. While the original style of western riding revolved around work (there are still many horse run working ranches today), it is more common for western riding to be focused more on competition.
Unlike the English saddle, the Western saddle has a horn in the front and a high pommel (front) and cantle (back) that help hold the rider in the seat. It is designed for long hours in the saddle and therefore, is more comfortable for the rider than an English saddle.
Like English, there are many different types of Western styles of riding.
Barrel Racing
Barrel racing is a rodeo event, and therefore, is all about speed! There are 3 barrels set up in a traingle that are run in what is known as a cloverleaf pattern. The pattern can be started on the R or L side. The time starts and stops as soon as the horse and rider cross the eye (electronic timer). If a barrel is knocked, a 5 second penalty is added to the time. A fast ride (on an official pattern) is 15 seconds, but may range between 13-30 seconds depending on the level of the horse/rider and the size of the pattern.
Professionally (and collegiate), this is an event only for woman, however, at the lower levels, anyone can compete.
Breakaway Roping
This is a rodeo event where a calf is roped and then the rope is dropped instead of tied. This is a timed event, so the fastest time wins. To make sure the calf gets a head start, in front of the box (where the horse and rider start) is a rope called the barrier. The barrier is released when the calf runs out of the chute, pulling it. If the barrier is broken (crossed before it is released) a 10 second time penalty is added to the score.
Once the barrier is released and the team has roped the calf, the horse stops, allowing the rope to be pulled off of the saddle (it is held by a string). The clock stops when the end of the rope hits the ground. While more common for women, anyone can compete in this event.
Cutting
This is a competition that shows that horse's ability to work cattle. Both the horse and the rider are judged on how they work the cow, their athletic ability, herd control, and if the rider has to cue the horse to work the cattle or not.
Each horse and rider are given 2 1/2 minutes to show the judges what they can do. The object if for the horse to cut a single cow out of a herd and prevent it from getting back to the herd. The team starts with a base score of 70, gaining or losing points depending on their performance (ending scores typically range from 60-80).
Points are lost if the rider has to direct the horse with the rein or spurs to work the cow, they scatter the herd while trying to single out a cow, the horse bites or kicks the cattle, or if the cow gets back to the herd. Points are earned if they have "eye appeal" (good riding; a still hand on the reins, which indicates that the horse is doing the work), good herd work (don't scatter or upset the herd while separating a cow), and set up the cow well before they work it.
Horsemanship
Western Horsemanship classes are judged on how well the horse and rider complete a set, memorized pattern. The point of the class is to show the rider's ability execute each maneuver with smoothness, good equitation (riding position), and confidence. Half of the final score is based on the overall appearance of the horse and rider and the other half is based on their performance on the pattern. Faults are given for things such as sloppy clothes, breaking of a gait, backing crooked, and resistance when cued. Each pattern will ask the horse to perform each gait (walk, jog, lope), stop, and back up. Horse and rider teams may also be asked to perform things such as a pivot, extended walk or jog, serpentines, figure eights, or a side pass.
Mounted Shooting
While cowboy mounted shooting has been around for awhile, it is newer as a competitive sport (just like mounted archery). In mounted shooting, a horse and rider team ride through a predetermined pattern, shooting at targets (the pattern is typically 10 targets). The competitor with the fastest time and least missed targets wins. Penalties can be acquired for things like knocking over a target stand, messing up the pattern, or knocking over barrels. A typical time is 15-35 seconds.
Each rider has 2 single action revolvers filled with 5 blank cartridges. The cartridges are filled with powder that can break a balloon up to 15ft. Live rounds are never used in competition. Youth are allowed to do mounted shooting, however, for safety reasons the rules are a little different. The youth compete the same mounted shooting patterns but use hollywood cap pistols to shoot the targets. Then, they shoot the real single action revolver with blanks at balloons while on the ground (not mounted) and with their parents by their side.
Ranch Conformation
For a horse to show in this class, it must be shown in atleast one other Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) class. This is a halter class where the handler exhibits the horse at a walk and a trot. Horses are judged for balance and muscling.
Ranch Cow Work
This is a type of VRH (Versatility Ranch Horse) class. There are 2 categories:
- Limited Ranch Cow Work
- Ranch Cow Work
Limited Ranch Cow Work is for youth and amateur riders and has 4 parts: boxing the cow, setting up and driving the cow down the fence, boxing the cow, and driving the cow back down the other side of the fence. During this category, riders are given 1 minute and 30 seconds to complete their cow work.
Ranch Work has 3 different parts: boxing the cow, fence work, and roping or circling. The rider is given 3 minutes to complete their cow work.
Ranch Reining
While similar to reining, ranch reining is not the same thing! Unlike NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) reining, VRH (Versatility Ranch Horse) reining is not all about perfecting the movements. The judges care more about the willingness of the horse than perfectly performing the moves since Versatility Ranch Horses don't specialize in reining. This style of reining is more about performing the type of movements a good ranch horse needs.
Also unlike NRHA style reining, ranch reining doesn't highlight the sliding stop. While it may still be performed, it will not be nearly as dramatic or long as a working ranch horse doesn't need to be able to perform a sliding stop. Contact is also allowed (and expected) in VRH style reining because the horse will need more direction with the reins than an NRHA style reiner.
Ranch Riding
This is a western competition where the horse is judged on moving at a working speed while being easy to maneuver and completing tasks. The class is meant to simulate riding outside of the arena and reflect the attitude and capabilities of a working horse.
There are set patterns that riders must ride which can include riding at any of the gaits in any order (walk, trot, lope), going over poles, lead changes (switching which foot goes first in the lope), spinds, backing up, collection, extension, side passing, and opening and closing gates.
Ranch Sorting
Ranch sorting evolved from cattle ranchers and their need to separate cows from the herd to brand, give medication, and trailer.
Though also involving working cattle, sorting is much different from cutting. In cutting, only 1 cow is cut by a single person and held away from the herd. In sorting, there is a herd of 11 cows labeled 0-9 (and 1 blank cow) in a round pen. In an adjacent roundpen, a team of 2 riders start the clock as they cross the line between the 2 pens (the start line).
When the timer starts, the team is given a number. Whatever number they get, they must cut out of the herd and get it into the other pen. Then, they continue sorting the cows to the other pen in consecutive order.
For example, if the number my team got was 7, I would sort cow 7 into the pen, then go to 8,9,10,0,1....
During this, the blank, unnumbered cow must stay in the original pen. The team that sorts the most cows with the fastest time wins.
If any part of a cow crosses the line between the pens out of turn, the team is disqualified. Also unlike cutting, in sorting a rider must direct the horse to what cow to sort out.
Ranch Trail
The purpose of this class is to show the willingness of the horse to perform tasks that could be asked of him while performing ranch work. There is a set pattern that involves 7 obstacles and all 3 gaits (walk, jog, lope).
While obstacles may differ, there are 3 obstacles that must be present at every ranch trail event:
- opening, passing through, and closing a gate
- dragging a log
- dismount, ground tie, drop your bridle, re-bridle, pick up all 4 feet, and remount
Other obstacles may include tasks such as crossing water, crossing a bridge, opening and closing a mailbox, sidepassing over logs, and roping a stationary steer.
Horses are judged on their manners and responsiveness, as well as their (and the rider's) ability to successfully navigate the course.
Reining
Reining can be compared to dressage in english riding in which both include delicate movements that should be performed without hesitation and with almost invisible aids from the rider. But unlike dressage, reining is to show off the athletic ability of a ranch horse.
The horse and rider perform a memorized pattern, performing movements such as slow circles, large circles, flying lead changes, spins, rollbacks, and sliding stops.
They team starts with a score of 70 (like cutting) and gain or lose points based on their performance. At each maneuver (7-8 per pattern), points can be earned or lost depending on how well they executed them. The judges look for finesse, smoothness, quickness, and willingness.
Rodeo
Rodeo is a widely popular western sport. It is probably what you imagine when you think of a cowboy. Consisting of 7 events (only 7 are professional, but there are more that are collegiate or amateur), rodeo is all about speed!
Rodeo events are split into 2 categories: timed events & roughstock events.
Timed events are ran against the clock. Not only do the riders in each event need to execute their movements well (such as throwing a rope or turning a barrel), but they need to be faster than everyone else to win. In this category is:
- Barrel Racing
- Breakaway (not pro)
- Calf or tie-down roping
- Goat tying (not pro)
- Pole bending (not pro)
- Steer Wresting
Roughstock events are judged on the performance of both the rider and the animal. While the rules differ slightly in each roughstock event, the same basic rules apply. A rider must stay on for 8 seconds to qualify for a score and if the rider's free hand touches anything they are disqualified. Events in this category include:
- Bareback bronc riding
- Saddle bronc riding
- Team roping
- Bull riding
Team Roping
This is one of the only sports in rodeo that is done as a team of 2 riders (and the only one where both riders are judged; steer wrestling has 2 riders working together, but only the rider wrestling the steer is judged).
In this roping event, there are 2 riders: a header and a heeler. It is the header's job to rope the steer's head/horns, quickly dally the rope around the saddle horn, and turn the steer so the heeler can do his job. The heeler then catches the heels of the steer and both riders turn toward each other and pull the rope taught. The timer ends once the rope is pulled tight and both riders are facing the steer.
Just like other roping events, both riders start in what is known as the box, the header on the L side of the steer in the chute and the heeler on the R. Once the riders signal that they are ready, the chute is opened and the steer runs out, releasing the barrier (a rope in front of the box that allows the steer to get a head start). If the barrier is broken by the header rather than pulled by the steer, a 10 second penalty is added to the time.
There are only 3 legal head catches that a header can make in team roping. He can catch the head with the rope around both horns, around 1 horn (known as a half head), or around the steer's neck. All other catches are illegal and result in a disqualification. If the heeler catches only 1 leg, a 5 second time penalty is awarded.
Times range between 3-15 seconds, with professionals averaging 4-8 seconds.
Tie Down/Calf Roping
Tie down roping (also known as calf roping) is also a timed rodeo event. But it has a twist, after roping the calf, the rider must jump off of his horse, flip the calf over, and tie 3 of it's legs together with a piggin' string (a short rope that is carried in the cowboy's mouth during the run).
Just like all other roping events, the rider starts in the box and has to wait for the calf to release the barrier before starting their run. The rider makes a legal head catch (the only one in calf roping is around the neck) and the well trained horse stops and pulls the rope taught while the rider jumps off and runs to tie flip and tie the calf. If the calf is already down when the cowboy gets to it, he must get the calf back up and flip him down again.
The time stops after the calf is tied and the cowboy throws his hands into the air. Then the cowboy gets back onto his horse and waits 6 seconds to see if his tie will hold. If it doesn't, he is disqualified. Professional times average around 7 seconds.
Skijoring
Skijoring is a unique equestrian sport in many ways. For one, it is only done in the winter! Without snow, this event is unable to compete.
In this event, a horse and rider team pull a skier down a track. The course may either be straight or curved, ranging anywhere from 600 to 1200 ft in length. The skier holds onto a rope (up to 33ft in length for a straight course and up to 50ft in length for a curved course) that is attached to the back of a western saddle by a carabiner and harness.
This is a timed event! The clock starts when the horse and rider cross the starting line. The horse gallops down the track at full speed, pulling the skier behind. The skier's job is to navigate jumps and cross the finish line with atleast 1 ski on and 1 hand on the rope.
Also on the course are stands with rings on them. They are shoulder height and for the skier to try to put their hand throw and stack them on their arms while racing. Penalties are given for missing or dropping a ring (2 seconds each) or missing a jump (5 seconds each).
The times are converted into points to better keep track of season standings. Each division (pro, open, youth, etc) is awarded a different amount of points. The fastest time is awarded the most points, with the next place earning a little less, and so on and so forth.
Steer Wrestling
This is a rodeo timed event. In this event, partners work together to give the bulldogger (steer wrestler) the best chance at clocking a fast time. As with other roping events, the bulldogger starts in the box on horseback. He must wait to start after the steer until the steer leaves the chute and releases the barrier. Crossing the barrier before it is pulled results in a 10 second time penalty.
Once the barrier is released, the bulldogger runs alongside the steer as best as he can. When the time is right, he slides off the right side of his horse, grabbing the steer's horns. The cowboy's R arm hooks around the steer's R arm and vice versa (L around L). Using the leverage of his body, the cowboy then slows the steer and wrestles him to the ground.
The timer stops when the steer is on his side with all 4 feet pointing in the same direction.
The bulldogger has a partner, known as a hazer, who helps him get a good catch. While not part of the score, the hazer runs along the other side of the steer during the run and help keeps him straight for his partner. Without the hazer, the cow could run all over the place, making it impossible for the bulldogger to jump off of his horse while holding on to the steer.
Though not part of the standings, it is common for the hazer to get 1/4th of the payout due to his importance in the event.
Team Penning
Team penning is similar to ranch sorting in that it is a team of riders separating numbered cows and sorting them to another pen. In penning, there are 3 horse and rider teams and 30 head of numbered cattle (numbered 0-9). The team is assigned a number and races against the clock to cut the steers with their number out of the herd.
The team has 60 seconds to move 1-3 steers into a holding pen at the other end of the arena, while keeping the rest of the herd on the other end. The team is only allowed 1 "trash cow" (steer that has the wrong number) and cannot have more than 3 steers separated out.
Though this is a timed event, the team with the most steers will win every time, no matter what the time was (3 steers always beats 2 and 2 always beats 1).
Versatility Ranch Horse
The classes in this category allow the horse and rider to show off their ranching abilities. There are 5 different classes:
- Ranch Riding
- Ranch Trail
- Ranch Reining
- Ranch Cow Work
- Ranch Conformation
Western Dressage
While similar to English style dressage, there are some differences such as Western style tack and clothing. Western Dressage has all of the same movements as the English style (such as a leg yield, piaffe, or half pass), except that Western Dressage can also ask for a turn on the forehand or hindquarters.
Western Dressage may be ridden with either one (neck reining; western style) or two hands (direct reining; English style) depending on if a snaffle or a curb bit is used. The horse and rider team perform a memorized test of 7 different movements. The class is scored the same as in English, a score 0-10 is given to each movement and then averaged into a percentage, but horses are evaluated on conformation and movement of the western style horse.
Western Pleasure
Western Pleasure is a Western show class that shows the horse's manners, calmness, pleasureableness to ride, smoothness, and ability to perform slow gaits (walk, jog, lope). The rider is expected to have loose contact with the horse and ride by neck reining. In this class, horse and rider teams perform all 3 gaits going both directions, as well as a stop and backing up.
The judge is looking for things such as smoothness, responsiveness to light aids, collection, continuous cadence, and proper head carriage. Points are taken off for things like excessive speed or slowness, breaking gait, loping on the wrong lead, stumbling, or a choppy stride.
Western Riding
The western Riding Class is judged on a combination of skills and techniques from trail class, reining, and equitation. Horses are judged on manners, responsiveness, quality of gaits (walk, jog, lope), and ability to change leads at the lope (known as a flying lead change).
The horse and rider team performs a memorized pattern and is scored from 0-100, with 70 being an average score. Each specific manuever or movement is judged (or given faults) based on performance. Points are given for things like collection, smoothness, even cadence, and light contact. Faults are given for things such as being uncollected, anticipating signals, and stumbling.
Working Cow Horse (also known as Reined Cow Horse)
During this competition, a horse and rider team perform reining work and cow work, testing skills that show the horse's ability to perform ranch work. During the cow working phase, the horse has to hold a single cow at one end of the arena, making one turn in each direction along the fence and circling the cow in both directions.
The horse is judged on manners, cow sense, smoothness, and ease of reining. The flat work is similar to reining, but instead of being showy, it is to show off the ability of the horse to perform useful ranch style riding.
Both
Competitive Trail Class (obstacles)
Though typically done in Western style tack at higher level shows, Trail classes can be done English or Western. They are a fun way to challenge a horse and rider team to face challenges such as bridges, crossing water, opening mailboxes, and opening gates. Horses will always be asked to go through all 3 gaits (walk, trot/jog, canter/lope) Each horse and rider team are judged on how they accomplish each task.
Endurance Riding
Endurance riding is racing anywhere from 25-100 miles. A lot of people compete in this competition just to experience the nice trails, but for those who show up to win, you must ride at a fast pace to beat the clock (the winner is whichever horse crosses the finish line first). Any style of tack (saddle and bridle) may be worn. Horse health is a priority, so each horse is checked by a vet before, during, and after each race. During stops on the trail, if the horse doesn't pulse down (get their pulse withing a specific range in a certain amount of time), the horse will be pulled out of the competition for safety. During these rides, you must bring food and water for yourself and your horse to keep you both fueled enough to continue.
Equitation
Equitation is done in both English and Western style competitions. It is the only class judged solely on the rider. Judges look at the rider's position, decision making, and riding style. Points are gained or detracted based on the ride, however, different amounts may be added or subtracted based on if the judge thinks it was the horse or the rider's fault. In the English world, equitation can be on the flat or over fences.
Gymkhana/O-Mok-See
Gymkhana or O-Mok-See events are fun, fast paced games done on horseback. The rider can be in English or Western style tack (saddle and bridle). Each event or game is a memorized pattern and is timed. The fastest horse and rider team at each event wins. Games can include things such as barrel racing, pole bending, figure eight races, flag race, hangman race, ribbon race or egg and spoon race.
Halter (performance and showmanship)
Halter classes are shown on the ground and can be done both English (in a bridle) and Western (in a fancy show halter). There are 2 different halter classes: performance and showmanship
Performance Halter classes are judged on horse conformation and how well they reflect their specific breed (in things such as head carriage and behavior).
Showmanship is a little bit different. This in hand class is mostly about the handler's ability to showcase their horse. The handler is judged on how they handle and present their horse performing a memorized pattern. Each pattern will ask the horse and handler team to walk, trot/jog, stop, back up, and moving with the judge while they look at the horse's quarters.
 |
| Performance Halter |
 |
| Showmanship |
Trail Riding
Trail riding can be put into 2 distinct groups: pleasure trail riding and competitive trail riding
Trail riding for pleasure is a popular past time for many equestrians, English and Western alike. It is a good way to take time off from the pressures of competitive riding and just enjoy time with your horse. Trail riding can be done on hiking trails, pastures, or even dirt roads. The distance can range from a mile down the road to several days, miles of trails, and even camping.
Competitive trail riding is also popular. Each Horse and rider team ride a trail that can range from 20 miles to over a hundred miles. Unlike endurance riding, competitive trail riding isn't about speed. Your ride is timed and judged for your ability to work well with your horse by a horsemanship judge. A vet judges your horses's physical fitness, soundness, and overall health. Each level (novice, competitive/pleasure, and open ride) ride different distances over different amounts of time (can be a few hours, one day, or several days). Horse and rider teams may also encounter different obstacles that they will be judged on.
Working equitation
Working Equitation (WE) is a newer competition in the United States (has been done internationally for decades). This style of riding can be done in English or Western tack (saddle and bridle) as the point is to showcase different international styles of riding. The competition has 4 parts or phases: working dressage, ease of handling obstacles, speed at obstacles, and cattle handling (usually only found in higher level events). Below I will explain each phase of the competition in more detail.
Working dressage phase-each horse and rider team performs a memorized pattern and are judged on movement, willingness, and equitation (dressage)
Ease of handling obstacles phase-horse and rider teams face 8-15 different obstacles meant to simulate different ranch work tasks performed around the world. Obstacles may include things such as bridges, gates, placing a pole in a drum, and skewering a ring with a pole. (trail class)
Speed phase-this phase is a timed event where each horse and rider team navigates a course while aiming for both speed and accuracy (gymkhana/o-mok-see)
Cow phase-like in team penning, 2 horse and rider teams work together to sort and pen a cow. This phase still isn't widely offered at all WE events (team penning)
Other Disciplines (don't fit into English/Western categories)
Combined Driving
Combined driving is like eventing (check above under English riding) for drivers. There are 3 phases: driven dressage, cone course, and a marathon phase. Drivers may use a single horse, a pair of horses, or a team of 4 horses to complete the competition.
The driven dressage phase is all about harmony between the horse(s) and the driver. Judges look for things such as obedience, suppleness, and ease of movement.
The cone course is a timed phase where the horse(s) and driver team navigates a tough course of narrowly set pairs of cones without knocking them with their wheels.
The marathon phase tests the horse's fitness and agility along with the driver's ability as they complete a course full of obstacles such as water, sharp turns, and steep hills. And all of this is done while racing against the clock.
The overall winner in combined driving is whomever accumulates the least amount of penalty points over all 3 phases.
Harness Racing
This is a form of horse racing where a Standardbred horse (specific breed) pulls a driver on a cart (known as a sulky). While done in different ways in different parts of the world, in North America, Harness Racing is done on a 1 mile track and the horses can run at 2 different gaits: a trot or a pace (unlike Thoroughbred racing which is done on the flat and at the gallop).
Though either pacing or trotting may be done, it is more common for a harness racing horse to pace. Pacing is a special gait that Standardbreds are bred to perform and is when the legs on the same side of the body are moving in unison. The horses that pace in these races wear straps around their legs (known as hobbles) that help them maintain their gait. For trotting horses, they don't need hobbles since the gait is more natural for them, however, some choose to wear trotting hobbles to help them maintain their rhythm (during trotting, the legs move in unison in diagonal pairs).
While it may sound boring to watch a race that isn't done at the gallop, harness racing horses are fast! They typically race at speeds between 25-30mph! And unlike Thoroughbred racing, harness racing horses can range in age from 2-15, so there are a variety of experience levels in the horses.
Trick Riding
Trick riding is a little more "crazy" than vaulting and is not for the faint of heart. While no longer a competitive sport (due to riders performing more and more dangerous tricks to win), trick riding can be seen at a lot rodeos in between the events (known as a specialty act).
Trick riders perform a variety of stunts on a galloping horse, to me, making them one of the bravest of equestrians. Unlike vaulting, there is no one on the ground helping to control and guide a trick riding horse. Often, there will be a ribbon to help guide the horse at a gallop around the arena. A special saddle is worn by the horse that has different holds for the rider to better perform tricks. Some of the stunts include things such as standing on the horse, hanging upside or sideways off of the horse, spinning around the horse, or roman riding (riding while standing one 2 horses; one foot is on the back of each horse).
 |
| Hippodrome |
 |
| Roman Riding |
Vaulting
Vaulting is a unique equestrian sport. It is best described as gymnastics on horseback. Unlike trick riding, vaulting is performed in a controlled environment (usually an enclosed arena) with a handler on the ground holding a lunge line attached to the horse while the horse continuously canters in a circle.
Vaulters perform a series of tricks on the cantering horse and are judged on their flexibility, balance, and execution of each move. Performers are also judged on technical difficulty and artistic expression during freestyle routines. Each performance much needs to have moves that face each direction of the horse (4) and covers each part of the horse (from the neck to the croup). Competitions can be done as individuals or a team.
