This document provides an overview of horseback riding (equestrianism) including definitions, types of riding styles (English and Western), common equestrian sports and events within those styles, horse breeds typically used, and how the subculture is portrayed in mainstream media. It also notes a misunderstanding outsiders often have that riding is simply getting on a horse and letting it do what it wants, when in reality it requires subtle cues and corrections from the rider to guide the horse through movements.

1. HORSEBACK RIDING (EQUESTRIANISM)

2. DEFINITION use of horses for practical working purposes, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sports. The sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements Many horse people describe it as “the art of keeping a horse between you and the ground”

3. What draws people to horseback riding? Recreation Sport/competition Love of animals Ranch work Mary King (olympic rider) describes why she likes riding horses (starts at 1:23) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqz12jHAdFU Another cheesey horse video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JXhXLpY-iA

4. Terms English- style of riding originating in Europe Show jumping-Show jumping is an equestrian event where each horse-rider combination must clear a number (on average 15 to 20) of obstacles on a set course and within a specified time. Dressage-A French word meaning 'training'. It is the act of training a horse perform the requested movements in a relaxed, balanced, obedient and willing manner. Cross country- riding across natural terrain (i.e. trails and fields) jumping a set course of obstacles within a specified time. Eventing- a competition that consists of all three of the events listed above Types of horses usually used in English events… Thoroughbred- breed of horse known for its speed and athleticism Warmblood- any horse that is a cross between an Arabian or Throuroghbred and and draft horse

5. Terms Western- style of riding originating in the Western United States Working cow horse- event where the horse has to sort cattle much like it would have to do on the ranch Reining- the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops Barrel racing-a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a clover-leaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. Pole bending-horse and rider run down the center of the arena, turn around, and weave in between six equally spaced poles (down and back) and then race to the out gate. It is a timed event with the goal being not to knock over poles. Over fences- jumping over obstacles On the flat- not jumping, just walking, trotting, and cantering, or performing other manuevers that do not require jumping

6. How is the subculture portrayed in mainstream media? Equestrian sports are included in and broadcasted during the olympics Horse racing is show on television Other events like Rolex and the World Equestrian games are covered on ESPN

7. Aspects that are misunderstood or unfairly characterized by outsiders? People often think that you just get on a horse and it tells you what to do. However it is very rare that horse willingly does what you want it to all the time. Riding a horse is the art of small inconspicuous corrections making it appear that horse is obeying the riders every command.

8. video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqz12jHAdFU

9. Bibliography http://www.wordwebonline.com/en/HORSEBACKRIDING http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equestrianism http://www.jumping.eu/horse-glossary-c.html http://www.horseandriderclub.com/company/terms-horses/a-glossary-of-horse-terminology.html Are we supposed to document youtube videos?