Riding horse

A riding horse or a saddle horse is a horse used by mounted horse riders for recreation or transportation.

"Saddle horse" redirects here. For the horse breed sometimes called a "saddle horse", see American Saddlebred.
For horse riding activities generally, see Equestrianism. For the UK horse show class, see Riding horse (horse show).
An Arabian, an example of a light riding horse
A Lusitano, an example of a heavier-bodied riding horse

It is unclear exactly when horses were first ridden because early domestication did not create noticeable physical changes in the horse. However, there is strong circumstantial evidence that horse were ridden by people of the Botai culture during the Copper Age, circa 3600-3100 BCE.[1] The earliest evidence suggesting horses were ridden dates to about 3500 BCE, where evidence from horse skulls found at site in Kazakhstan indicated that they had worn some type of bit. Wear facets of 3 mm or more were found on seven horse premolars in two sites, Botai and Kozhai 1, dated about 3500–3000 BCE.[2][3] It is theorized that people herding animals first rode horses for this purpose, presumably bareback, and probably used soft materials such as rope or possibly bone to create rudimentary bridles and hackamores.[4] However, the earliest definitive evidence of horses being ridden dates to art and textual evidence dating to about 2000-1500 BCE.[5]

Many different horse breeds and types are suitable for riding, and body type varies widely depending on the equestrianism work they are asked to perform and the equitation style of the rider.

There are several different styles in horseback riding that require different breeds. Styles include English and Western, which each have different skills and disciplines within them. English includes jumping, dressage, equitation, and hunter while Western includes barrel racing, pole bending, roping, and reining.[6] Each discipline also requires different equipment and attire. Along with that, there are some breeds that are better for each discipline.

For English hunter and jumper riding, it's best to have a Belgian Warmblood, Dutch Warmblood, Hanoverian, Holsteiner, or an Oldenburger.[7] These two styles of riding are very similar for the demands of the horse, the biggest difference between the two styles is the rules involved, therefore the same breeds can be suitable for either.[8] For English dressage, it's best to have an Andalusian, Hanoverian, Oldenburg, Danish Warmblood, or a Lusitano.[9] For English equitation, a Morgan horse is best,[10] however, many other breeds can be suitable. The most important qualities in an equitation horse are a happiness to do the job, a steady mindset, and good movement.[11] Many horses can fit these qualities, thus there is not just one specific set of breeds that are best for equitation.

For Western barrel racing, pole bending, and reining, it's best to have a Thoroughbred, Paint Horse, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, or a Grade Horse. These horses are smaller, fast, and agile, making them the best horse for the job.[12] These events are usually found in rodeos, where the same breed of horse can complete different tasks. For Western pole bending, it's best to have a horse that can also complete cattle work. These are warmbloods, Quarter horses, appaloosas, palominos, fox trotters and paints.[13]

See also

References
  1. "WHAT WE THEORIZE - WHEN AND WHERE DOMESTICATION OCCURRED". International Museum of the Horse. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  2. Anthony, David W.; Telegin, Dimitri; Brown, Dorcas (1991). "The origin of horseback riding". Scientific American. 265 (6): 94–100. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican1291-94.
  3. Anthony, David W.; Brown, Dorcas (2000). "Eneolithic horse exploitation in the Eurasian steppes: diet, ritual and riding". Antiquity. 74: 75–86.
  4. "THE SOFT BIT AND BRIDLE". International Museum of the Horse. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  5. "EARLY ATTEMPTS AT RIDING: OVERVIEW". International Museum of the Horse. Missing or empty |url= (help)
  6. “English Vs Western: What Is Right For You?” COWGIRL Magazine, 15 May 2019, https://cowgirlmagazine.com/english-vs-western/.
  7. “Best Show Jumping Horse Breeds.” HIPICO Santa Fe, 27 July 2017, https://www.hipicosantafe.com/best-show-jumping-horse-breeds/.
  8. “Hunter Jumper Horses - Horse Breeds & Info.” Hunter Jumper Horses -Horse Breeds, https://www.artbycrane.com/horse_breeds/light_horse_breeds/hunter_jumper_horses.html.
  9. Top Five Dressage Breeds, http://horsebreedsinfo.com/Top-Five-Dressage-Breeds.html.
  10. https://www.equestrian-escapes.com/10-Of-The-World’s-Best-Horse-Breeds/
  11. Malenfant, Dallys. “Equitation Horses: How to Choose the Right One.” Saddle & Bridle, 26 Oct. 2016, https://www.saddleandbridle.com/articles/learn/311-picking-the-perfect-equitation-horse.
  12. LaShauna. “Top 5 Horse Breeds for Barrel Racing.” PetHelpful, PetHelpful, 7 Aug. 2019, https://pethelpful.com/horses/Top-5-horse-breeds-for-barrel-racing.
  13. “What’s Involved in Reining Equestrian Events: Cutting, Sliding, Spins and More.” Reining Equestrian Event Basics: Freestyle, Cutting and Spins, http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/horsereining.shtml.
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