If you want to experience horseback riding for the first time, a great and fun way to do it is a vacation. It’s a great way to experience the wonders of riding a horse but also the easiness of an already trained horse. Did you know that there are different styles of horseback riding?

1. Dressage

This a French term meaning training. This discipline is the basis for many of the other styles of riding. Dressage has multiple levels that include but not limited to walk, trot, halt and simple shapes. As the rider and horse move up, the levels become more difficult with extensions, med gates, flying lead changes, lateral work and the beginning of pirouettes.

2. Showjumping

A course is established with jumps set at a particular height. The height gradually progresses higher and contains direction changes. The course can contain as many or as few jumps that will fit in the available space. The jumps vary in difficulty with small cross poles to oxers through to Jokers and Parallel fences. The course is timed with penalties for faults or rail knockdowns.

3.Cross Country Riding

This event consists of galloping over a huge field, jumping logs, cantering through streams and down ditches. The jumps are placed further apart, numbered, and as the course progresses the fences change from easier logs to water jumps and ditches.

4. Eventing

It’s a combination of the three disciplines above, riders are judged in Dressage to demonstrate the training and capability of the horse rider. There is also a cross-country course, which tests stamina, fitness, and bravery. The final event is show jumping, this demonstrates the ability to come back to a controlled speed, performing tight turns, and stamina to complete the final leg of discipline.

5. Rodeo Riding

These riders dress in sponsored shirts, rodeo chaps, and a western saddle. The men normally bronc ride and rope, cutting cows and tagging steers. Both women and men barrel race, It is a cloverleaf pattern around 3 barrels, some areas require to be ridden on the right hand whereas others allow the rider choose. This event is a speed event and requires the skill to stay in the saddle as the horse gallops around one barrel to the next.

6. Western Pleasure

These horses are trained to be pleasure rides, having a straight line across the neck and working from the back end. This event is judged, both the rider and horse are observed and tested. The rider is expected to walk, jog and lope. The riders dress up for this event, glitzy outfits for the ladies and men wear trendy shirts with neckties or bolos.

7. Hunter Riding

The attire is English Jacket, breeches with tall field boots and often ride in an all-purpose or close contact saddle. English event horses are required to travel either a bit more upbeat pace, the rider and horse are judged in walk, trot, canter.

8. Trail Riding

Riders will ride alone or in groups, in open fields, woods, or mountains. This style of riding is great for a more relaxing ride, great for a retired event horse or an inexperienced rider.