The Basics of the English Discipline

The Basics Many of the sports in the English riding tradition have their roots in ancient European military horsemanship. Because of this heritage, the English discipline is very popular in European countries, but has also gained a steady and growing following in the United States, as well. English riding is an elegant and, at times, very exciting discipline. The Basic Equipment English riders use a nearly flat saddle with no horn and a low-profile pommel and cantle. Split reins are utilized, with one rein held in each of the rider's hands. A breastplate must be attached to the saddle to keep it from shifting in any sport which involves jumping. Fundamentals of the English Discipline The foundation of riding in the English discipline is learning the horse's gaits. Walk, trot and canter are the three speeds at which the horse moves. As a major distinction in English riding, the rider will post the trot, meaning she will stand in the stirrups while the horse trots. This maneuver is meant to make the ride smoother for the rider due to the bounce the horse creates while suspended in the air during its stride. To properly sit in the saddle for English riding, the rider's hips and pubic bone form a triangle which provides balance and leverage. The weight of the rider's body should be allowed to fall down into the stirrups so that the rider's heel rests lower than the stirrup iron. The beginner dressage rider's leg should be at about a 45 degree angle in the stirrup for correct positioning. Align the shoulders, hips and knees in a straight line. Draw the leg back so that the rider's toes are hidden under the knees. Arm and hand position should be in a straight line from the elbow to the wrist to the horse's mouth. English Riding Sports Dressage is the most popular English sport in the United States. This sport involves progressive training of the horse to develop its natural athletic movement. Dressage horses possess a willingness to perform and are beautiful to watch in motion. There are many competitive levels of dressage, based on the rider's and horse's abilities. Hunt seat denotes the forward riding position utilized in jumping fences. The horse's movement, as well as the rider's form, is judged in this sport. This sport most closely resembles the English sport of fox hunting. Saddle seat is the sport in which a horse's extravagant gaits and high trotting ability are showcased. Horses with an upright and high head carriage and animated gaits, such as the American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse and Arabian are often seen in this sport. Polo is perhaps the most well known of English horseback sports. It is a team sport with the goal being to hit a ball with a long mallet into the opposing team's goal.