Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Riding Style Classic (English) Page

Riding Disciplines - Classic (English) Overview

Classic (English) riding is an equestrian riding style with many different disciplines. These disciplines at the most basic level, require riders to use classic dressage as its foundation. Riders also frequently "post" to the trot (rising and sitting in rhythm with each stride) in many circumstances; though there are also times English riders may sit the trot. There are many variations in English riding (See list below), but all feature a flat English Saddle (Click here to see an Dressage Saddle) - (Click here to see a Hunter Jumper Saddle) without the deep seat, high cantle or saddle horn seen on neither a Western Saddle nor the knee pads seen on an Australian Stock Saddle. Saddles within the various Classic (English) disciplines are all designed to allow the horse the freedom to move in the most optimal manner for a given task, ranging from Dressage to Jumpers to Horse Racing. Classic (English) Bridles also vary in style based on discipline, but most feature some type of cavesson noseband as well as closed reins, buckled together at the ends, that prevent them from dropping on the ground if a rider becomes unseated. Clothing for riders in competition is usually based on traditional needs from which a specific style of riding developed, but most standards require, as a minimum, boots; breeches or jodhpurs; a shirt with some form of tie; a hat, cap, or equestrian helmet; and a jacket. (Click here for more information about English riding attire)

Classic (English) Riding Disciplines: