Horse riding

Horse riding is a serious sport that requires a great deal of body control as well as a certain sensitivity for the horse's disposition. Being a recreational rider, I spend most of my time in open terrain, where I use the three basic paces (walking, trotting and galloping). However, there are several different riding disciplines that are used in horse shows a lot.

Here is an overview:

• Western riding: Originated as the riding style of cowboys at work in the American West.
• Dressage: Fosters and refines the natural predispositions of a horse through gymnastic exercises, with the aim of getting the horse to execute a task precisely on cue.
• Equestrian vaulting: Gymnastics on the back of a galloping horse.
• Showjumping: Horse and rider have to overcome an obstacle course with as few mistakes as possible.
• Eventing: Comprises dressage, cross-country and showjumping. Eventing has its roots in the military as a cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding.
• Drag hunting: Riders follow a group of dogs chasing a scent that has been laid over a terrain before the hunt.
• Trail riding: Involves long rides on natural trails and roads.
• Endurance riding: A race to cover a long-distance haul as quickly as possible.