The name ‘English’ does suggest origin in a specific country, but the English horse riding style is one of the 2 most popular universal riding styles, along with the Western riding style. English style riding can be seen in lots of variations, but there are certain elementary factors that are shared by all variations, and these factors clearly distinguish this form of riding from Western or other riding styles.

Potentially the 1st and most clearly obvious distinguishing factor is the saddle. Whatever purpose the horse is being used for, if it is being ridden in the English style, it’ll have an English saddle. This saddle is rather flat; it doesn’t have the deepness of seat that typicalizes the Western saddle. It also lacks a saddle horn. The English saddle is meant to allow full freedom of movement to the pony, no matter the discipline it is engaged with. You can see this for yourself if you should watch a horse engaged in English riding: it’ll go thru varied activities like classic dressage and racing, activities that demand a lot of freedom of movement.

English riding comprises assorted sub-styles, all identified by the need for both hands to be on the reins. This technique permits better control over the pony and switches the focus from horse to rider. Riders using the English style will rise and sit during trots in tune with the horse’s rhythm, while riders using the Western style will stay put in their saddles.

Lots of folks consider English riding the ideal setting to showcase a horse’s inherent power and grace, and this can be easily seen in all of the events using the style. Just consider dressage, which is a way of coaching and competing. Riders always use an English saddle at dressage, which is a riding form that gives maximum exposure to the horse’s riding potential. Dressage is designed to showcase equine precision in response to rider cues. The English riding style is also employed in show jumping events, where horses are timed as they progress over a series of obstacles. Polo is another sport that uses English riding; this sport is extraordinarily demanding on precision timing and coordinated movements from both rider and pony.

The discussion about which horse breeds are far more suited for which riding style does not appear to have any end, I actually feel it is a pointless discussion. I’m absolutely sure any riding style is suitable for all horse breeds. It all depends on the coaching. Most professionals prefer that horses trained for particular disciplines also be trained using only one riding style, and I am in compete agreement with this approach because it helps better focus. A pony schooled in a specific style will be more responsive to cues concerned in that style; contradictory styles would achieve nothing aside from confusing the horse.

If you are looking for to settle on what style would work for you, try both out and see which feels more comfortable. Think about your intended disciplines, and do a little research to see what would be better for your particular purposes.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers go here