Almost every sport season comes to an end. Athletes are often asked, what

they will people do when their favorite sport ends, or how will they keep themselves

busy. Have they ever wished there was a sport that lasted all year around? Well the

answer is yes, there is; Horseback riding! No matter the season, anyone can find a

competition to participate in. Plus, there are such a wide variety of fields any rider

can take up within it! If you want to learn more about horses, you may read articles on sites like All About Horses.

Western Riding

Believe it or not, western riding is something most people are already familiar with.

Everybody knows what a rodeo is!  Well, all of those cowboys and cowgirls are

riding in western saddles, thus making them western riders. If someone chooses

western riding, there are many things they can do. One of the more popular forms of

western riding is barrel racing. Barrel racing is a sport where three barrels are set

up in a triangular shape, and the rider has to gallop their horse in a circle around

each one, and the fasted time wins. Another option could be western pleasure.

Western pleasure is a competition where the rider goes around a ring at different

speeds as gracefully as they can in order to get the highest score

possible. If a person plans on starting western riding, they will need a western

saddle, any equipment necessary for each specific competition, and a safety helmet.

If anyone is looking for a sport full of excitement and galloping, western riding is it!

English Riding

English riding is a style that most people are not familiar with. The difference

between english riding and western riding is in the saddles. The saddles differ in

shape and in usability. A very popular form of english riding is jumping, which needs

an english saddle because of its unique shape that allows a horse to jump higher

then a western saddle does. Jumping can be done at any speed except walking

speed, although most jumping competitions do not require horses to be galloping.

Another form of english riding is called cross country. Cross country is a competition

that involves lots of jumping, and is normally done while galloping. An english rider

will need an english saddle, any equipment necessary for each competition , and a

safety helmet. People that want a sport full of flying through the air at incredible

speeds should definitely consider english riding!

Costs

Yes, it is true that horseback riding is a more expensive and requires more

commitment then others. Paying for necessary equipment and spending long hours

at the barn practicing and caring for horses can get difficult. But the joy and

happiness it brings will make it all worth it. Many people think that in order to be a

horseback rider, it is necessary to spend money on buying a horse. However, that is

not necessarily true! Many stables, such as C-Line Stables, Flying A Riding Academy,

and Cozy Quarters Farm, will let people rent a horse for as little as $30 an hour. This

is a great deal compared to the thousands of dollars it can cost to own one each year.

No matter which style a rider chooses, horseback riding will give a pleasant

experience that anyone can enjoy!