Cantle Seat Pommel Skirt Nail head Flap Panel Stirrup leather keeper Stirrup leathers Stirrup bar D-ring (below skirt) Stirrup iron Knee roll Comstock/Stockbyte/Thinkstock Figure 10-22. English riding and showing occurs with the use of an English saddle, like this one. There are many different modifications that can be made based on the specific use of the saddle. Can you think about how a dressage saddle might differ from a saddle used for jumping? After studying the image, visit www.g-wlearning.com to test your knowledge. Horse Showing Over the course of history, horsemen have tried to hone and compare their riding and fighting skills through show competitions. Think back to the times of jousting knights in armor where men competed for honor and position, as well as monetary compensation. Today’s equestrians compete to show their horse training and handling skills, as well as the quality of their animals. Some equestrians train to reach one of the ultimate competitions, the Olympics. Horse shows may be breed association championship shows or open to horses of any breed. There are also horse shows for different age and skill levels for both horses and riders. Many different associations sponsor horse shows. Almost anywhere in the country, you are certain to find a show that will match both your own and your horse’s skill level and desired discipline. Horse shows encompass both structural and performance disciplines. Horses are shown at halter based on their conformation to breed standards and based on specific criteria while performing. Some equitation events involve the judging of the rider’s ability other events are based more on the horse’s ability. As you can see, there are horse-based events for every level of interest and skill. The two widely recognized horsemanship disciplines in which horses are shown are English riding and western riding. English Riding In English riding, horses are ridden in an English saddle, Figure 10-22. One of the biggest differences between English and western riding is the use of the posting trot. This action requires the rider to rise up and down in rhythm with the two-beat gait of the trot. There are also differences in how the reins are held English riding is completed exclusively with two hands on the reins. Some events in English riding are based on the skills horses and riders used for fox hunting in the English countryside. Horse show events using English riding include: „ Dressage „ Hunter under saddle „ Hunt seat equitation „ Working hunter Stadium and cross-country jumping are also events considered to be within the English riding discipline, Figure 10-23. In addition, there are also classes in which the horses are judged on their ability to pull a carriage. 542 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.