History of Horseback Riding

"Wherever man has left his footprints in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization, we find the hoofprint of a horse beside it." ~ John Trotwood Moore

In the modern world, where technology-based speed transport facilities are available, we often forget that there was a time when horses were being used as a mode of transportation. In bygone days, horses were an integral part of everyday life, be it for trading, transportation or warfare. Horse riding requires skill and proficiency. The skill of riding horse is referred to as equestrianism. This term covers the use of horse for working purposes and recreational activities.

History of Horseback Riding

The exact time as to when man started riding a horse is controversial. Indirect evidence shows that man started using a horse around 6000 BC. However, it is believed that horseback riding may have begun in about 4500 BC. Let's take a look at the evidences available that will help in understanding the history of horseback riding.

Horse drawings existed as early as 3000 BC. Horse-pulled chariot drawings seen in caves, can also be traced to the Bronze Age. However, the earliest record of horse riding found in a tomb in Egypt is believed to date around 1600 BC. In those times, Egyptians mostly used chariot horses for warfare purposes.

There are many controversies regarding the identity of the first people to ride a horse. The Brahmins of India claim to be the first horse riders. According to the history of Chinese culture, they started riding horses as early as 4000 BC and started breeding horses in 1000 BC. Evidences have shown that in eastern Mediterranean, the Assyrians were the first to use horses as beasts of burden.

During the medieval period (from 5th to 15th century), horses were categorized by their usage, not by their breed. For example, the chargers were used for warfare and the carthorses were used for pulling carts.

The ancient culture of horseback riding has contributed a lot to the current styles of horse riding, namely, the Western and the English riding styles. The basic elements of both styles are very similar to each other; only the purpose and equipment are different.

It is believed that the Western style of riding originated in the mid 1600s, in northern Mexico and southwestern United States. In this style of horseback riding, there is no communication between the rider and the horse. Mostly, the cowboys and cowgirls ride horses for work purposes such as to tend and rope cattle. Thus, the rider wears clothes meant for protection, like long-sleeve shirts, hats and boots. Deep-seated saddles, very different from the ones used in the English style, are used in Western style riding.

The English riding style, on the other hand, originated in Europe and was brought to United States. It is regarded as the traditional way of horseback riding, in which there is proper communication between the rider and the horse. In the English riding style, the appearance of the rider is given preference and the saddle used is lightweight with a flat seat.

In 1908 Olympics, equestrian games such as polo and fox hunting were included. Nowadays, one can opt for horse racing for recreation or exercise. According to many people, bareback horse riding (riding a horse without saddle) is a good option for beginners as well as experienced riders. Apart from being a great exercise, riding a horse on its bareback is a useful means to learn how to maintain proper balance.