Horse riding
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Horse riding is a popular sport in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Horses are ridden in events such as jumping, dressage, stock work, and pleasure riding.
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[edit] Show Jumping
Show Jumping is where a rider rides a horse over a set course of horse jumps. There are many types of horse jumps such as the double oxer, triple oxer, gaits, stone wall, cross bars, cavalvettis, and cross country jumps.
Not every type of horse can jump well, just like not all horses are able to do well at horse racing or farm work. Light weight horses, like the Thoroughbred or Arabian, are mainly used in racing, dressage and jumping. They are horses that are quick to learn new things and act quickly when people give them commands. All these qualities are necessary to win races or show jumping contests.
A horse used to pull a wagon is bigger and heavier than a Thoroughbred. The hoofs are also much larger than a racing horse. Large horses are calm, trustworthy and good-natured. Types of heavy horses are: Belgians, Shires, Clydesdale, Friesian horse, and Gypsy Vanners. Also a beginner is able to communicate with these well tempered horses.
Most horses seen in horse show competitions such as show jumping are a mixture of the two types of horses described before. This includes horse breeds such as the Morgan and Quarter Horse.
[edit] Dressage
Dressage is an event where horses do not jump, but must be very obedient to their riders. There is usually a set pattern they must complete. Letters are placed around a arena to show where the rider must go. Dressage champions must show no movements between the body of the rider and the horse. It must be done gracefully, look effortless and seem as though both horse and rider are one team. Dessage consists of many different paces in the riding. Also in dressage the horse and rider can beform a freestyle, which is also know as "Dancing on Horseback". (Also in western riding there are freestyles in the reining catorgory) Dessage riders usally were tight pants called breeches, a blouse, a top coat and a top hat.
[edit] Stock work
Stock work began when horses were ridden on a ranch to round up cows, sheep, or other animals. Today, horse shows also have competitions for horses to show these skills.
[edit] Pleasure riding
Pleasure riding is riding for enjoyment, not for awards. People ride horses on trails in the forest, along quiet roads, or in an arena near their homes or barns.
