Dressage

            Dressage is like ballet for horses.  It is the most beautiful style of horseback riding there is.  In dressage shows the rider and the horse perform a test for the judge.  The horse and rider have to have perfect position and do every move correctly to do well.

Show Jumping

            Show Jumping is another commonly seen style.  In show jumping the horse and rider go fast and jump very high obstacles.  Sometimes the jumps can reach up to six feet tall.  The only way to win is to complete the course in the fastest time without knocking down any poles.

Hunter

            Hunter is another style or horseback riding.  It is also jumping but much different than show jumping.  You do not jump as high or go around the course as fast as show jumping.  It is a much slower pace where looks matter.  When being judged you and your horse have to have good posture the entire time.

Three Day Eventing

            Three day eventing is a style of horseback riding that consists of three different styles.  It takes a period of two to three days to complete.  The styles are dressage, show jumping, and cross-country.  Also, the rider must use the same horse the entire time.  It is difficult because the horse and rider must be skilled in all three styles.

Racing

            Racing is a popular sport to watch among many people.  The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular ones in the United States.  People come from all around and bid on the horse they think will win.  With the small jockeys (the people who ride the horses) to the huge horses, it is an exciting thing to see.

Barrel Racing

            Barrel Racing is a popular western game.  It consists of two or three large barrels.  The horse and rider are timed at how fast they can get around the barrels.  The fastest time wins.  It is exciting to watch the horses fly around the barrels making very sharp turns.