Archive for the ‘Equestrian’ Category

For the equestrian rider, horseback riding or equestrianism, is outlined as the practice of riding on horseback. This refers to the skill of riding or driving horses/ponies (the equine). Horses are ridden for practical working purposes as well as for therapeutic purposes. They are also used in competitive sports and recreational activities.

Horses are often domesticated and are used as working animals. They are used by the police, farmers to pull carts, a form of travel and even entertainment purposes such as sport or on a circus. Many techniques are used for training a pony, dependent on what the pony will be used for.

Horses are also used in many specific ways. They are now fully integrated in competitive sports like show jumping, equestrian driving, endurance riding, rodeo amongst others. They are also part of more recreational activities like fox hunting or hacking and have been so for many hundreds of years.

There are many varieties of horseback riding, but the two most popular in the world today are English riding and Western riding. Already well established in America, Western Riding is fast taking the World by storm. One of its most crowd pleasing disciplines, the fast and exciting reining, is now approved by the FEI and included in the World Equestrian Games. It is also hoped that reining will be included in the 2012 Olympics. English riding is an equestrian discipline with many different styles and the horse wear such as tack and saddle equestrian are distinctly different, definitely a lot stricter with regards to what is expected. However, at the most basic level, most versions require an equestrian rider to use both hands on the reins, rather than just one hand, as is seen in western riding.

Horseback riding was often used for farm work, transport and unfortunately even warfare. Now however, it is being used by licensed medical pros to treat different incapacities, may it be physical, emotional, social or cognitive.

People who have emotional, social or mental incapacity learn how to build a relationship by interacting with horses. The trust and faithfulness that these horses demonstrate, are a catalyst in the individuals recovery, allowing them to grow this trust to become a more developed part of their characteristic .

It is important for the would be equestrian rider to develop a bond and an understanding with the horse first, as the removal of any fear beforehand is essential in the prevention of any possible future problems such as kick outs.

S T Holmes is an equestrian rider from the UK and help beginners learn how to ride and more experienced riders learn advanced techniques.

See also saddle equestrian [http://www.equestrianriders.co.uk/index.php?/horse-wear/saddle-equestrian/] to learn more about the equine world.

Author: S T Holmes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Clothing for Equestrian competition is as much about functionality as it is for display. It is meant to be comfortable, practical and safe. Basic competition clothing for equestrian events involves the wearing of a suitable hat to protect the head; a jacket and waistcoat to provide body safety for the torso; and boots, breeches and jodhpurs to take care of the legs and feet. However, clothing can differ for different events. This can range from a tweed hacking jacket to a black, blue, green or red show jacket for showing, show jumping, dressage and eventing; or top hat and tails for dressage and top level eventing. The jackets you wear will also depend on the level you have reached for the sports event in which you intend to participate.

Equestrian competition includes different events and demands different skills from the riders.
Hence competition clothing is also of various kinds suitable for each event.

Riding hat or Helmet

A riding hat or helmet is the most important part of competition clothing. It protects the rider when falling. A riding hat has a strong shield and a soft lining for absorbing shocks in falls. It is advised to wear the hat not only for riding but also for training the horse. Hats should be replaced at least every three or four years. This is because its capacity to safeguard the head it is worn upon reduces with use. Riding hats are of two kinds:

Classic velvet hat with a hard peak, which is traditional and is available in different colours like brown, black or navy blue.

Jockey cap with no peak, which is also known as a skull cap. This was first worn by jockeys in the sport of horse racing but is also becoming popular for leisure and equestrian competition.

Jackets

Riding jackets in equestrian competitions should be fitted and not restrict the free movement of the arms. As you would expect, different jackets are available for men and women riders. Most jackets have a vent at the back that helps it to lie smoothly at the back and sit neatly over the back of the saddle. Broadly, there are three different kinds of jackets:

Hacking Jacket, which is a tweed style jacket in various colours navy, brown and green Hunting Jacket, which could also be a tweed style jacket or plain black or navy it could also be a red jacket meant for hunt masters.

Show Jacket, which is a single-coloured jacket, often black or navy blue.

Trousers

Riding trousers should be close fitting around the lower leg with some protection or reinforcement around the inside knee. Riding trousers are of two kinds:

Breeches that come down to half the calf which can be worn with long riding boots only Jodhpurs that end at the ankles and can be worn with short boots as well as long riding boots.

Gloves

As a part of competition clothing, a rider should own a good pair of original gloves as well as an everyday general pair of gloves:

Original leather gloves are to be worn while riding for competition.

Everyday general riding gloves are worn whilst hacking, schooling, training and yard duties they are usually made from cotton, crochet, artificial leather and breathable materials.

Riding boots

Riding boots in equestrian competition are of two types:

Jodhpur boots with a lace or zip design at the front that cover the ankles and are comfortable.

Long riding boots that cover the legs and which are in various styles available to suit all riding disciplines.

Besides these, there are body protectors that are worn on top of the clothes. They are made from shock absorbing material. The BETA Level 3 standard is recommended so that you are able to compete in all competitions and in different levels. Body Protectors will help to reduce the impact in case of falling and if a horse kicks.

You should take proper care of your competition clothing, whether it is the daily wear or the one meant for the show. Your show attire should be clean, pressed and spotless. Your attire should adhere to the competition you intend to participate in. In the initial stage you need not get all the equestrian competition clothing, the riding hat, body protector and boots are the most important. However, later as you progress to be a experienced rider or competitor, you need to have access to all the required competition clothing. Clothing should always fit well and be comfortable.

It is vital to know about all the types of dress from the beginning, even if you can’t afford to buy it all at once, because each item is designed to bring you safety when you need it most. Since equestrian competition clothing is specially designed for both the safety and comfort of the rider, these clothes are a necessary expense when you start to take your riding seriously. However, for your daily chores and work in the yard you should still keep wearing your favourite hard-wearing and inexpensive clothing. You don’t have to look like you’re competing all the time!

Author: Sajith Joseph
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Imagine donning your equestrian riding apparel, your riding helmet, and your horse riding boots and sitting astride one of those sleek, gentle giants for the very first time. The perspective is amazing and the communication that occurs between you and your horse can be an incredible experience. However, being the large, powerful animals that they are, horses can be dangerous. It is important to receive a solid education in the basics of horsemanship to ensure that you develop good equestrian riding habits and that your lessons are safe and enjoyable. That is also why the proper equestrian riding apparel, helmet, and horse riding boots are at least as important as finding the best trainer.

There are countless resources and guides available to help you find the best barn and trainer for your style of riding and your experience level. For the novice rider, information about equestrian riding lessons can be found through riding schools and riding camps, nearby barns, horse associations, the local 4H/FFA office or club, large animal veterinarians, and your community Parks and Recreation office. If you have never ridden before, there are several points that you must keep in mind when using these resources to select a barn for your equestrian riding lessons.

Community Resources and Guides

Your community Parks and Recreation publication can be an excellent place to start since they screen all of their participants prior to endorsing them. When riding horses, safety must come first, last and always. This is not a time for cutting corners or accepting less than the best. The riding habits you will develop initially will stay with you. It is far better to learn how to ride properly the first time rather than having to spend years trying to unlearn incorrect and unsafe riding habits.

Your local tack shop, 4H and FFA clubs can also provide you with the names of reputable trainers. The phone book can give you a large selection of names and phone numbers, but you will have to work harder to determine which of these barns offers the best instruction, the safest conditions, and the best value for your money.

Professional Resources and Guides

Horseback riding, horse shows, and horse breeding are big business. You can take advantage of the plethora of associations, organizations and publications available to help you select the best barn and trainer for your equestrian riding lessons. Many horse-related associations are breed specific. Thoroughbreds are the most popular horses used in English riding, although you will also find Arabians, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Friesians, Hanoverians, and several others. You can also find riding lesson information through regional organizations, veterinary associations, and equestrian magazines.

Using either community or professional resources and guides will help you select a number of possible trainers and barns to choose from. The next step in selecting the best trainer for your riding lessons is to compare what they have to offer and the price you will have to pay. Most important, you should go and look at the barns themselves and see the trainer in action. Again, safety is paramount. There are specific criteria you can use to help you find the very best trainer.

Making Your Choice

Once you have narrowed down your selection of barns and trainers, you must actually go to each barn before making your choice. Any barn that appears unsafe, unclean or chaotic should be avoided. Observe the trainer as they give lessons. Are they friendly, supportive and calm or are they agitated, critical and loud? Do they require you to wear an approved riding helmet, appropriate equestrian riding apparel, and horse riding boots? If not, leave immediately. Proper equestrian riding apparel, an authorized helmet, and sturdy horse riding boots are crucial to your safety.

Equestrian riding apparel consists of breeches that fit snuggly and a riding shirt that allows freedom of movement without risking getting snagged. Horse riding boots will protect your toes from heavy hooves and they will keep your foot in the proper stirrup position. Approved rising helmets are mandatory. There are plenty of resources for purchasing your equestrian riding apparel and horse riding boots. You can drive to your local tack shop or, for added convenience and a wider selection; you can make your purchases online through a reputable retailer.

Choose a trainer who will provide you with a safe and enjoyable opportunity to develop good basic skills and who requires you to wear the appropriate equestrian riding apparel, horse riding boots, and an authorized riding helmet for years of safe, enjoyable and productive riding.

Author: Anne Coyle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The high heat and humidity of summer in the show ring can leave you looking wilted and performing less than your best. Instead of the fresh, crisp, elegant look you were striving for, you and your horse can lose that winning edge. The right equestrian riding apparel makes all the difference in how well you ride and how good you look in the show ring.

Of course, looking and feeling your best doesn’t start in the show ring. As athletes, you and your horse must train regularly, stay hydrated and eat properly. Assuming you have done all of the necessary homework, it is then up to you to acquire the proper equestrian riding apparel to ensure that you and your horse leave the ring as winners.

Show Clothes & Dressage Essentials

The components of classic equestrian show clothes can vary somewhat, according to your riding specialty. Hunt seat is slightly more casual than dressage, but both require elegance and classiness about them that expresses the cool, calm confidence the judges are looking for in the show ring. Regardless of the brand of your show shirt or show jacket, be sure that they are clean and neatly pressed.

Show coats should be dark or a shade of beige or gray, while show breeches are always light colored, usually white, tan or beige. Brands such as Tuffrider, Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman are all safe bets. Equine Athletics, Equine Couture and The Tailored Sportsman offer fine show shirts. Ladies should wear a ratcatcher and choker or stock tie while the gentlemen wear button-down shirts with a tie or stock tie. Your Tuffrider tall boots will either be field or dress style and always black. Black gloves will add a touch of elegance to your overall presentation. Additionally, you must wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet with a harness. Colors are usually black or charcoal-hued.

Details Make The Difference

Once you are dressed in your equestrian riding apparel, you need to take a second look and ask yourself what details could be added to your equestrian show clothes to make you stand out in the judge’s eyes as the next Champion. Little touches, such as discrete make-up, neatly coiffed and beribboned hair or a crop that matches your gloves may not seem like important components of your equestrian show clothes, but the subconscious mind picks up many more details than the conscious mind is aware of, and judge’s minds are quite discerning. These little touches can mean the difference between winning and placing second or third.

Cleanliness, neatness, style and decorum are all important aspects of the way you present yourself in the show ring. Be sure to bring extras of your equestrian show clothes, just in case something becomes dirty or torn. It is always a good idea to protect your equestrian riding apparel prior to entering the ring. One big horse sneeze and your immaculate presentation may look more like a barn brawl. Baggy T-shirts pulled over the top of everything can save you frantic moments of stress and grief just prior to entering the show ring.

Online Shopping For Show Clothes

There are many online equestrian riding apparel providers to choose from. To ensure that you receive the best service possible while shopping for your equestrian show clothes, look for interactive and informational services, extensive search and delivery options, easy to read sizing charts and products made with high quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

Your online supplier should provide you with information regarding the fabric, fit and style of your purchases. Online shopping offers the convenience of shopping from home, but be sure to stick with well known and highly respected equestrian riding apparel brands to ensure your satisfaction.

Looking And Performing Your Best

When you look good, you feel good, in or out of the show ring. When you look and feel good, and you carry yourself better with shoulders back, chin tucked and elbows in, giving you overall a better riding position as well basic good posture. Wearing high quality equestrian riding apparel will make you feel more comfortable, look and ride better and earn you higher points in the show ring.

You can be the greatest rider in the world and still do poorly in the ring if you are not dressed in the appropriate equestrian riding apparel. Each item of equestrian apparel should be carefully considered for its fit, look and feel. It is far better to pay a bit extra for something well made. Quality equestrian show clothing will help you to feel, look and perform your very best.

First impressions are powerful tools in your show arena. When you enter the ring, the judge will observe the overall image you and your horse create. The judge will look for neatness, balance, elegance and controlled athleticism. You can add to this crucial first impression by carefully considering each piece of equestrian riding apparel and riding equipment you will be using. Purchasing high quality equestrian show clothes and ensuring that you look your best in the show ring will significantly increase your likelihood of placing at the top of your class.

Author: Anne Coyle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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