English Riding Tips

English riding is a style of horseback riding that allows as much freedom of movement as possible for the horse. It also establishes contact between the horse and rider using pressure on the bit, signals from a crop or whip and cues from the rider's legs and feet. The English saddle is flat and lightweight. It is designed to maximize physical communication between the horse and rider.



It requires skill and training to ride a horse, and new riders are encouraged to learn with an experienced trainer.

  1. Riding Safety

    • Many skills are needed in English riding; therefore, it is highly recommended to start out with an experienced trainer for riding lessons to help guide you through each of the steps of how to dress, how to sit and how to control and take care of the horse.

      It is not a good idea to wear jeans while riding English style. They can slip on the saddle and you may lose some of the control you need to ride safely. Instead, riding breeches are best because they are designed for riding and grip to the saddle to help you control your placement.

      Do not start riding with a new or green horse. It is best to work with a horse that has a history of working with other riders so it is more confident. Your instructor will already have a feel for what to expect with the behavior of the horse you are riding.

      If your horse does not like riding through water, have a friend or another rider take a calm horse through water while you and your horse watch. You could try to slowly walk your horse through the water if it's not too deep.

    Body Angles

    • It is very important when riding English style to train your body to work with the horse. Each body movement is a cue for the horse to perform a specific way.

      The number one rule for all horseback riders is to keep your heels down. It will help make you more secure and less likely to get your foot caught in the stirrup, which could spook the horse.

      Your head and shoulders should be kept up while you sit straight or slightly lean back to put you in a secure position.

      Try to keep your body motions consistent so that each time you go around a corner or jump with your horse you are in the same exact body position as you were the previous time you took a corner or jumped.

      The eight parts of your body that you must learn how to control by either squeezing toward the horse or releasing from the horse at any given time are your back, elbows, wrists, knees, neck, hips, ankles and shoulders.

      When you are riding on a flat surface, your back should be slightly curved with your rear sticking out. When jumping fences, your back should be completely straight with your elbows at 90 degree angles.

      Knees are always at a 120 degree angle and your ankles should remain the same. Your toes should be elevated and the heels of your feet should remain as far down as possible at all times.

    Jumping

    • English riders put all their weight on the balls of their feet when in jumping position. It is helpful to lift yourself out of the saddle slightly and lean forward while keeping your back straight. Stay in this position while the horse is in the air and then go back to your normal riding position upon landing. You also can hold onto the horse's mane as you jump, and it will not hurt the horse.

      While jumping English style, shorten your stirrups to two holes.

      Keep your horse interested by changing his view. Take him to different areas to practice jumping, so he's not doing the same jump over and over.

      If your horse refuses to jump, put leg pressure on whichever side he sways while avoiding the jump.