Equestrian sports and recreational activities are the focus of this part of our web guide.
Also known as horseback riding or riding sports, equestrian sports include the disciplines of riding, driving, and vaulting.
There are two distinct styles of riding, Western and English. Western riding originates in the cowboy profession. The two styles are actually more alike than disparate. Western saddles have a prominent tree and a pommel with a knob on top, which was initially used for tying a lariat after a cowboy roped an animal. They have a deep seat, and the stirrups are wider than English riding saddles. Riders of Western horses keep a loose rein controlled by one hand. English saddles are smaller and lighter, allowing for close contact with the horse, and there is no saddle horn. English riding requires more core strength, balance, and coordination from the rider, who assumes a more forward-leaning position.
Equestrian sports and recreational activities have a rich history and offer horse enthusiasts diverse experiences. These activities, from competitive events to leisurely rides, celebrate the unique bond between humans and horses.
Two major equestrian disciplines are English and Western riding sports.
English riding is a style that emphasizes balance, control, and elegance. It includes dressage (which focuses on the horse's ability to perform a series of predetermined movements), show jumping (which involves jumping over a course of obstacles), and hunt seat (which, based on fox hunting, emphasizes the rider's position and the horse's form over fences).
Western riding is rooted in the tradition of American cowboys. It includes reining (which demonstrates the horse's ability to perform precise patterns of circles, spins, and stops), cutting (which involves separating a single cow from a herd and preventing it from returning), and barren racing (a timed event where riders navigate a cloverleaf pattern around barrels).
Horse racing is among the most popular and ancient equestrian sports. In flat racing, horses race on a flat, leveled track over a specified distance. Steeplechase involves racing over obstacles such as fences and ditches. In harness races, horses pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky while racing.
Para-equestrian sports allow athletes with disabilities to compete in equestrian events. These disciplines include para-dressage; similar to traditional dressage, it is adapted for riders with physical impairments. Para-driving involves driving a horse-drawn carriage with modifications for accessibility.
Haute École (High School) is a classical form of dressage that showcases the horse's advanced training and athleticism. It includes movements such as the piaffe, passage, and airs above the ground, demonstrating the horse's strength, balance, and precision.
Horse shows are competitive events where riders and horses participate in various classes and disciplines. These shows include show jumping, dressage, and eventings. In show jumping, riders guide their hoses over a series of obstacles within a set time. Dressage tests the horse and rider's ability to perform precise movements in harmony. Eventing is a combination of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
Harness sports involve horses pulling a vehicle, such as a cart or a carriage. These sports include combined driving, a triathlon of dressage, marathon, and obstacle driving; and roadster, in which horses race at a trot while pulling a lightweight sulky.
Several rodeo events involve horses. These include bronc riding, where riders attempt to stay on a bucking bronco; and roping, which consists of catching cattle with a lasso.
Polo is a team sport in which riders on horseback use mallets to hit a ball into the opposing team's goal. Also known as Chovgan, this is a traditional field sport and one of the world's oldest team sports, with a long history with aristocrats. Arena polo is an indoor variant with similar rules. It is played with three riders per team.
Beyond competitive sports, there are numerous recreational equestrian activities, such as trail riding and therapeutic riding.
Individuals involved in trail riding enjoy being out on a horse while exploring natural landscapes. This is a common activity for most horse owners, as well as a business where horses are rented for that purpose.
Therapeutic riding uses horseback riding as a form of therapy for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Other types of equine-assisted treatments are also used, some of which involve contact with horses that are short of riding.
Equestrian sports and recreational activities offer something for everyone, from the thrill of competition to the tranquility of a leisurely ride on horseback. There are other activities and sports that involve horses, and these would be appropriate for this category, as well.
Recommended Resources
The leading Arabian horse marketing company on the Internet and provides its clients with only the best in customer service and product design. The website features a farm directory that provides an array of Arabian horse farm with farm, stallions and contact information. The website also features breeding stallions open for breeding complete with breeding, pedigree and owner contact information. The website also features horses for sale, contains photos and videos and offers equine products.
https://www.arabhorse.com/
Founded in 1894, DRF provides news and data to horse racing enthusiasts throughout North America and the only newspaper and horse racing content provider in the United States dedicated solely to covering a single sport, with its companion website being heavily trafficked. DRF delivers statistics and horse racing content, including interactive past performances, proprietary handicapping tools, and access to DRF Bets, a mobile wagering platform. A shopping area is included.
https://www.drf.com/
EC is Canada's largest equestrian connection, focusing on the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) equestrian disciplines of dressage, eventing, and hunter/jumper. While its focus is on the Canadian equestrian scene, it also offers coverage for international events and competitions, including news, results, show and clinic dates, and other equestrian content. Clinics, shows, and a directory of equestrian products are set forth, as well as an online discussion forum.
http://www.equestrianconnection.com/
The Equibase Company LLC is a partnership formed in 1990 between subsidiaries of The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America, which serves as the Thoroughbred industry's official racing database. Its history, management, industry services, and strategic partners are featured, along with past performance (PP) data, picks, race lens, entries, results, leaders, horsemen, and other information and data available only to subscribers.
https://www.equibase.com/
Specializing in horse racing, the website offers a large amount of information categorized into different sections that may be browsed. This includes a section on the general aspects of horse racing, a history of the sport, a beginner's guide, terminology, and online betting, as well as a section with reviews of various race tracks around the world, and discussions of horse racing in different countries, betting tips and advice, special interest content, and contacts.
https://www.equinepost.com/
FreeRein Horse Riding Holidays
Offering horse riding in Wales, the service provides self-guided, guided, and learn-to-ride horse-riding opportunities. Its packages include a 3-day learn-to-ride and trail riding packages ranging from two to four days, some guided and others unguided. Descriptions, photographs, the level of riding experience and fitness required, group sizes, information about the horses, tack, and riding equipment, and itineraries are discussed. Dates, prices, and online booking are available.
https://www.free-rein.co.uk/
Often referred to as the "bible" of the English equestrian world, Horse & Hound is a popular equestrian magazine in the United Kingdom. The magazine has been published weekly since 1984 and covers a wide range of horse sports, news, and events, as well as veterinary advice, horse care tips, and listings for horses available for sale. It also hosts exclusive opinions from the most respected names in the industry and celebrates equestrian life through interviews and features for readers to enjoy.
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/
Published in Dallas, Texas, Horse Illustrated is dedicated to everything equestrian. Published monthly, the magazine covers a wide range of equestrian topics, including horse health, training tips for both English and Western riders, and engaging lifestyle features for horse enthusiasts, as well as illustrated breed profiles, informative articles, and information about horse ownership. A weekly newsletter is also available, and the website includes a shopping area and contact data.
https://www.horseillustrated.com/
The Kentucky Derby is an annual American horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It features three-year-old Thoroughbreds racing a distance of 1.25 miles. The race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Derby began in 1875 and is a major event for horse racing enthusiasts and others who enjoy the festivities surrounding it. The horses, wagers, and ticket sales are available online, along with a web store.
https://www.kentuckyderby.com/
National Thoroughbred Racing Association
With offices in Lexington, Kentucky, and Rye Brook, New York, the NTRA is a broad coalition of American horse racing interests, including leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, and affiliated horse racing associations. The NTRA was formed in 1998. Its mission, board of directors, staff, membership levels and information, and employment opportunities are posted, along with a calendar of events, player ratings, and legislative information.
http://www.ntra.com/
Created in 1870, Pimlico is a thoroughbred horse racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes. Pimlico was owned by the Stronach Group from 2011 to 2024, when ownership was transferred to the state-run Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. The site provides racing information, a race calendar, live streaming, race videos, race programs, stakes histories, a track overview, track records, wagering information, maps, and directions.
http://www.pimlico.com/
Located in Interlochen, Michigan, Tannenwalk Trakehner is a breeding farm specializing in Trakehner horses, a type of European warmblood known for their elegance, athleticism, and versatility. The business sells Trakehner sport horses, including foals from imported German and American bloodlines. The farm focuses on producing horses with excellent conformation, movement, and ability, suitable for various disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, and eventing.
http://atrakehner.com/
Situated on 120 acres of mountain pastureland with hundreds of miles of wooded trails and lake vistas, Westwind Ranch regularly rides its horses, including its show horses for sale. This produces horses that are equally comfortable on the trail as in the show ring. Online videos feature select geldings and mares, and DVD videos are available on request. Horses for sale, stallion services, training, and lessons are highlighted, along with contacts and links to related resources.
http://www.westwindpasos.com/
Based in Norway, the World of Show Jumping began as a sketch on a piece of paper in 2010 and is still owned by the three Scandinavians who founded it, plus one other, as well as photographers and reporters. With a focus on international showjumping, the website provides daily news, in-depth coverage of significant events, exclusive interviews, and other on-topic content, including several photographs. Auctions, a calendar of events, riders and grooms, news, and exclusive content is provided.
http://worldofshowjumping.com
