There are many riding styles throughout the world. Some focus on tricks, jumping, endurance, dressage, barrel racing, timing ad possibly perfection. There are many positions, such as jockey, three-point, two-point and so on.
Relax Riding[]
Relaxed horse riding is like floating through nature on four hooves. Whether you’re meandering down a quiet trail or bonding with your horse in a gentle trot, the rhythm of movement and the fresh air can help melt away stress. It's not just about the ride—it's a mindful moment where your breath, posture, and connection with the horse all come together in peaceful harmony.
Two Point, Three Point and Jockey[]
During two and three point, the rider lifts themselves out of the saddle and leans forwards. Two point is slightly more than three. Two point is used for jumping, and it helps with the whole crest and release. The two positions must be practiced before jumping, otherwise the rider is in high risk of falling. In three point, the stirrups go up two holes, and in two point, they go up three. Jockey style is a highly exaggerated two point. The rider leans forwards as much as they can, and raise their stirrups.
English Riding[]
English riding involves jumping, dressage, eventing and endurance. This is one of the styles which is said to be harder than Western. English is not designed for comfort for the horse or rider, unlike Western. The maximum riding time for this type is around two hours.
Western Riding[]
Western riding is a riding style where horses and humans interact relaxed. Riding style is rooted in the Wild West cowboys in America during the 1700s and 1800s. It argues that the horse is a flight animal that sees man as a predator, and therefore it is the horse's condition mainly applies. In Western riding includes several branches and torque, where the horse and rider must cooperate.
Jumping[]
While jumping, the rider needs to be able to canter correctly and comfortably. When the horse is approaching the jump, the rider does a normal forward trot in upright position. As the horse takes off, the rider leans forward into a three point position to help the horse as much as possible, still pushing on by squeezing the horse. As the horse lands, the rider sits back into the normal positioning, meaning up straight. The rider must keep contact on the reins and keep pushing the horse, or the horse will refuse, badly jump or land or stop after the jump. If you're a first time jumper, it is safer to take horses out in paddocks, as it can make the horses slightly more forwards.
Dressage[]
Dressage is a harder part of riding. The horse and rider must go around the arena after revising a course. This can involve different things, such as the flying change, piaffe, speed changes, and so on. A bond for this is required. The rider and horse are judged on the quality of the gaits, memory and mainly diagonals. If the rider makes a fault, different amounts of points are deducted. Most commonly, the first time two points are deducted, the second time, four points, third time is eight and the fourth time results in disqualification.