With so many different types of horse riding activities to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new riders to decide which one they would like to try. There are so many different types of horse events and competitions out there, it can be hard to know where to begin and what might be the best fit for you. But once you understand the basics of each sport and what they entail, it won’t be so daunting any longer. Events such as equestrian sports are incredibly rewarding and can be a wonderful way to meet new people and make new friends while also challenging yourself both mentally and physically. Depending on your skill level and experience, there are many different events to chose from. The most common types of horse events are eventing, hunt seat, reining, and trail riding. Each of these sports has its own set of rules and regulations that make it unique from the others. In this post we’ll discuss some of the most popular eventing horse riding competitions available today so that you can decide which one is right for you! If you’re wondering which one is right for you, start with these 3 questions: What are your goals with horse riding? What are your current skills and abilities? What is your comfort level with the different types of events?
What is eventing?
As the name suggests, eventing is a combination of many different types of horse riding with the specific goal of completing a course in a given time frame. Depending on the level of competition, courses can range anywhere from 100 meters to 10 kilometers, and the time frame can be anywhere from 30 seconds to several hours.
What is trail riding?
Trail riding or trail riding classes are a type of horse riding competition that can take place on private or public trails. Trail riding is a great way to get out in the fresh air and enjoy nature, but it can also be a very challenging sport that requires a high level of skill and experience. Trail riding is typically broken down into two different styles: Endurance trail riding, which is a timed event where the rider rides a set distance and time without stopping, and trail-style trail riding, which is a more informal event where the rider and horse complete a set distance according to their own pace.
What is event hunt seat?
Event hunt seat is a competitive horse riding event that is generally held at a high level of competition. The hunt seat rider rides in a sidesaddle fashion, which means they must use a special saddle and bridle that sits on the rider’s body in a more reclined position. The rider is required to use both their legs and a whip to guide and control the horse. This type of riding is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is also a very rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge.
What is reining?
Reining is a type of horse competition where a rider rides a horse at a break-neck speed and then performs a series of tricks that require expert timing and skill. The tricks can vary from one rider to another, but they are usually based around spinning the horse in a figure-8 pattern or spinning the horse in a reverse direction. Reining is a very technical sport that requires a great deal of skill, but the rewards are worth it when you see your horse performing the amazing tricks you’ve been working on for months!
What is the horse show?
The horse show is the most traditional type of competition where the rider rides their horse in a specific event based on the rules of that specific competition. Events vary greatly, but there are a few common events that are present at almost every horse show:
Show jumping - The rider rides their horse over a course of jumps that are placed at specific distances. The goal is to collect the most points by successfully jumping over the course.
Riddeno - This event is similar to show jumping, but the jumps are smaller and the course is shorter. Riddeno is a great event for younger riders that aren’t quite ready for the intensity of show jumping yet.
Reining/Western Barrels - This event is similar to reining, but the rider performs the tricks in the arena instead of on a course.
Endurance - This event is a timed event where the rider and horse must complete a set distance as quickly as possible, without stopping.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of event horse riding competitions available. It can be difficult to pick which event is right for you, but if you keep these questions in mind it will make it a lot easier. Are you looking to challenge yourself and your horse? Are you interested in improving your riding skills? Do you want to meet new people who share your passion for horses? If so, you can’t go wrong by signing up for a horse event!