Popular Riding Sports Explained

Hunter Jumper shows are divided into hunters, equitation, and jumpers. Hunters are judged on manners, way of going, and conformation. Jumpers have more power and energy than hunters and are judged on jumping ability over a timed course. Equitation classes judge the rider’s position and overall effectiveness.

Learn More On the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Website

Polo is a team sport played on a grass field that consists of four riders. The objective is to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled mallet

Learn More On the United States Polo Association Website

Eventing is an Olympic sport where a horse and rider teams compete over three days in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country.

Learn More On the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Webpage

Dressage means training in French. It is an Olympic sport where a horse responds to subtle aides from the rider to perform a series of movements in a standard arena.

Learn More On the United States Dressage Federation (USEF) Western Webpage

Saddle Seat riding is an English riding sport with energetic and high-stepping horses that are smooth and comfortable to ride. The rider sits toward the back in the saddle and carries the hands higher than in other riding sports.

Learn More On the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) USA Saddle Seat Webpage

Western Pleasure is a western style competition where the horses appear to be a pleasure to ride and very smooth and collected with minimal rein contact.

Learn More On the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Western Webpage