Why Horseback Riding?
Did you know that horseback riding is not only great for your physical health, but your emotional health too? There are a variety of ways to enjoy horses; riding trails can become one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have. Not only do you get to enjoy being outdoors in all four seasons, you'll also bond with one of nature's most magnificent creatures – we dare you not to fall in love with your horse. And, learning to ride opens all sorts of doors to non-competitive and competitive events throughout the year; it can quickly become one of the most enjoyable and rewarding, lifelong physical activities.
About the Sport
GENERAL HORSEBACK RIDING
You may think riding a horse isn’t much different than going on a ride at an amusement park. But in reality, a one-hour ride can burn the same amount of calories as a 30-minute jog (six miles per hour) or cycle (nine miles per hour), and provide an overall body work-out second to none. The beauty of horseback riding is that it can be a life-long pursuit – it is one of those sports for which age is not a barrier. You choose how competitive or non-competitive you want to be, you can make it part of your tourism experience, a summer camp program, a local club or you can be a volunteer helping people with disabilities learn to ride.
There are many inexpensive and fun ways to get and stay involved with horses and horseback riding. It isn’t necessary to own your own horse and the cost of equipment you’ll need is relatively inexpensive compared to most sports. You will need a properly fitted riding helmet, comfortable slacks with no raised seams on the inner- leg, and boots or shoes with at least a half-inch heel, but no greater than two inches. As you progress, depending on the type of riding you choose, you may wish to invest in appropriate riding attire to increase your comfort in the saddle.
Types of Riding
There are many different types of riding to choose from, be it trail riding and western games, to jumping or dressage. Take your time and browse the internet to investigate what appeals to you and then visit your nearby English or Western riding stable or tack store! (Tack is what we call riding equipment)
The following is a variety of the different types of riding you can do:
Hunter Seat Equitation or Hunter Jumper
Show Jumping (This is the choice of Canada’s equestrian legend, Ian Millar)
Cross-country
Dressage
Western Pleasure
Western Games
Trail Riding
Endurance Riding
Vaulting
The Skills
Horseback riding as a sport develops a lot of skills and muscle groups – just ask a rider who successfully gets their horse to jump a four-foot fence or a rider who races their horse around a series of poles. Not unlike swimming, horseback riding is an all around muscle toning activity for the body; hardly any muscle goes unused and it is an excellent way to strengthen your core.
When you ride, you will develop:
- Improved balance and muscle strength
- Improved coordination, faster reflexes and increased motor planning
- Increased range of motion of joints
- Improved respiration and circulation
- Stimulated sensory integration
- Improved visual-spatial perception
- Improved hand-eye coordination
- Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
Athlete Profile
IAN MILLAR
Ian Millar is the most successful competitor in the history of Canadian show jumping. First named to the Canadian Equestrian Team in 1971, he has represented Canada in 97 Nations' Cup competitions. He is an eight-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion and holds the North American record for grand prix and derby wins.
In 1997, Millar became the only rider in the world to win the World Cup League standings for a record 10th time. Millar has competed in over 168 World Cup Qualifying competitions, winning on 32 occasions. Millar has also competed in 12 World Cup Finals, tying him with Mario Deslaurier as the Canadian with the most World Cup Final starts.
In 1986, Millar was awarded the Order of Canada, and, in 1989 he was named Ontario's Male Athlete of the Year. In 1996, both Millar and his horse, ‘Big Ben‘, were inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, making Big Ben the second non-human to be inducted, the other being thoroughbred racing legend Northern Dancer.
Ian lives with his family on a horse farm near Perth, Ontario.
History
The exact time when humans began riding horses is unknown. It’s believed that horseback riding may have begun around 4500 BC. The ancient culture of horseback riding has contributed a great deal to the current styles of riding, namely the Western and the English riding styles. The basic elements of both styles are very similar to each other; only the purpose and equipment are different.
It is believed that the Western style of riding originated in the mid-1600s, in northern Mexico and southwestern United States. In this style of riding, cowboys and cowgirls use horses to work large ranches, roping, herding and driving cattle. The Western rider wears clothes meant for protection, such as long-sleeve shirts, hats and boots. The deep-seated Western saddle is designed for work, with a large horn for roping and tie downs for saddle bags and other gear.
On the other hand, the English riding style originated in Europe and was brought to North America. With the English riding style, the appearance of the rider is given preference and the saddle used is lightweight with a flat seat.
Equestrian games, such as polo and fox hunting, became part of the Olympic Games in 1908. They are no longer Olympic disciplines and have been replaced by dressage, jumping, eventing, endurance races, and reining. Other equestrian pursuits, such as tent pegging, vaulting, and mounted games (this list is not exhaustive) are often competed internationally as well.
Contact Info
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HORSEBACK RIDING
Ontario Equestrian Federation
9120 Leslie Street, Suite 203
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3J9
(905) 709-6545
horse@horse.on.ca
www.horse.on.ca
