Choosing a riding style or discipline is a crucial decision for anyone interested in horse riding.
The discipline you choose will not only determine the type of horse you ride, but also the type of saddle, equipment, and riding techniques you’ll use.
It can also influence the types of competitions or activities you participate in, as well as the type of training and conditioning your horse will need.
With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which discipline is right for you.
However, by exploring the different options and considering your own interests, goals, and riding experience, you can make an informed decision.
One important factor to consider is your riding experience.
If you’re a beginner, it’s important to choose a discipline that’s appropriate for your skill level and allows you to develop the fundamental riding skills you’ll need in the future.
For example, dressage or western riding can be great choices for beginners, as they emphasize proper position, balance, and control.
Another factor to consider is your goals.
If you’re interested in competing in equestrian sports, you’ll need to choose a discipline that’s recognized in competitions and that you can train and compete in.
Some disciplines, such as jumping and eventing, are popular in competitions and require a high level of athleticism and skill from both the horse and rider.
Your personal interests can also play a role in choosing a discipline.
If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring new environments, trail riding or endurance riding may be a good fit for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured and technical approach to riding, dressage or jumping may be more suitable.
It’s also important to consider the type of horse you’ll be riding.
Different riding disciplines require different types of horses with different skills and temperaments.
For example, a horse that’s suited for jumping may not be suited for dressage or western riding.
With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
In this blog post, I wanted to go over some of the most popular riding styles and provide an overview of each one.
Dressage
Dressage is a highly technical riding discipline that focuses on developing a horse’s balance, suppleness, and responsiveness to the rider’s aids.
In dressage, the rider and horse work together to perform a series of movements that require precision and coordination.
Dressage can be rewarding for riders who enjoy the process of training and developing a horse’s physical and mental abilities.
Equestrian jumping
Jumping is a fast-paced and exhilarating riding discipline that involves riding a horse over a series of obstacles, such as fences and poles.
It requires a high level of control, accuracy, and athleticism from both the rider and the horse.
Jumping can be a great choice for riders who enjoy the challenge of mastering a difficult course and the rush of adrenaline that comes with it.
Western riding
Western riding is a style that evolved from the working cattle ranches of the American West.
It typically involves riding a horse with a Western saddle and a single rein, and emphasizes the use of leg and seat cues to communicate with the horse.
Western riding can be a good choice for riders who prefer a more relaxed and leisurely pace, or who are interested in pursuing activities such as trail riding or ranch work.
Read more about western riding.
Trail riding
Trail riding is a leisure activity that involves riding a horse on trails or through natural landscapes.
It emphasizes a relaxed pace and often involves navigating obstacles such as rocks, streams, and steep terrain.
Trail riding can be a good choice for riders who enjoy being out in nature and exploring new environments.
Endurance riding
Endurance riding is a long-distance riding discipline that involves covering 80 to 160 kilometres (50 to 100 miles) in a single day.
It requires both the horse and rider to be in excellent physical condition and emphasises the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, and conditioning.
Endurance riding can be a great choice for riders who enjoy the challenge of long-distance riding and the opportunity to bond with their horse.
Read more about endurance riding.
Eventing
Eventing is a three-phase riding discipline that includes dressage, cross-country jumping, and stadium jumping.
It requires a high level of athleticism and skill from both the horse and rider, as well as a strong bond between the two.
Eventing can be a good choice for riders who enjoy the variety of different challenges and the opportunity to test their skills in different contexts.
Ultimately, the decision of which discipline to pursue is a personal one.
It’s important to take your time, do your research, and consider all the factors that will influence your decision.
There’s no right or wrong answer here.
It’s all about what you find exciting and meaningful, what you want to work on with your horse, and what your horse is well suited to!
Often, you can be limited by what’s available in your immediate area, and might have to consider longer travel to train in a different style.
By choosing a discipline that suits your interests, goals, and riding experience, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits that horse riding has to offer.
