The Art of Horseback Riding

An Artefact

by

Sara Colenutt

Stamina

Mobility

Power

Freedom

Grace

Wisdom

Nobility

Loyalty

Introduction

I find it hard to describe the experience of horse riding in a way that does it sufficient justice, but would suffice to say that it is one of the

most awesome experiences in life, and being at one with nature sets it apart from any other

sport!

My experience around horses has not always been harmonious. As a child I became friends with a girl who lived on a farm and owned her

own horse. Unfortunately the friendship proved to be short-lived after she invited me

to her farm to ride her horse and did everything in her power to ensure that I was

thrown off; which she oddly found highly amusing! Thankfully I wasn’t hurt but the

experience left me with no desire to ride or even go near a horse again.

However twenty years on with a child mad about horses, I booked a riding lesson at a local riding

school. Unfortunately none of my daughters’ friends shared her passion for horses, so it was left to me to keep her company. I will never forget the moment I tentatively got on a horse again; wishing the lesson

was over before it had even begun….

Seven years on and I have never looked back. I love riding and now ride because I want to rather than

have to! My favourite experience has to be cantering because it is so exhilarating; the air rushing past you, the sheer power of the horse

beneath you and the rhythmic sound of the horses hooves beating against the ground; makes for an

awe-inspiring experience. There is truly nothing else like it!

This presentation considers the benefits of horse riding and briefly outlines the history and culture of riding throughout the ages. It

also identifies some interesting facts and information about horses and learning to ride.

There is still so much I have to learn about horses, but I am a true horse riding ‘convert’

and have discovered a passion for horses that I would love to share. I Hope that you enjoy this

presentation and that it will go some way to convince you to at least give horse riding a try!

Keep Fit the Fun way – Horse Riding!

Are you feeling like a couch potato, sitting at the computer for far too long or finding the stress of a

hectic workload becoming a problem?

The answer is simple – get some exercise! Exercise is like ‘brain training’ and is one of the best ways to cheer yourself up and improve your wellbeing.

Sport has always played a huge part in popular culture and helps us to stay fit and healthy. The problem is that many of us soon tire of the gym or

are put off by injury. Well there is an exercise that is neither boring or painful, horse riding!

Did you know ……….

That sitting on a walking horse works the same muscles as walking but without the

legs having to support any weight.

Riding offers a total body workout that improves and increases fitness. It is known

to improve balance, co-ordination and muscle tone.

Evidence suggests that horse riding improves self esteem and relieves stress; it will almost certainly boost your morale and

help you forget your worries!

Is Horse Riding for You?

There is absolutely no reason why not! Contrary to popular belief, horse riding is no longer exclusive to the middle or upper classes –

anyone aged between 5 – 75 years old can do it!

Horse riding is now more affordable than ever and you do not have to own a horse to be able to ride. There are now many riding

schools to choose from, most of which are available locally. The British Horse Society (BHS) provides an exhaustive list of

approved local riding schools http://bhs.101test1.co.uk/Content/Edu-where-to-ride.asp?

page=Approvals&area=6

There are also many equestrian centres that specifically cater for those with special needs or mobility difficulties; many of which also offer various riding therapies. The Riding for the Disabled Association provides further information at http://www.rda.org.uk/

“Horseback riding is a recreational and therapeutic activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages and abilities. As a sport, it provides the rider with the opportunity to master the skills necessary to confidently control and steer the horse through various patterns and obstacles. Horseback riding is also

a means to access and explore the great outdoors. For most individuals with disabilities, horseback riding is generally categorized into two types -

therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Both types of riding benefit the rider."        The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

The Benefits of Horse Riding

The Physical Benefits

Horse riding is a great way of keeping fit and beginners perfecting their riding techniques will

particularly feel the benefits; discovering muscles that they did not know existed.

Riding is especially good for correcting posture and will build muscle tone on those hard to reach

places like the inner thighs and bottom. It has also been known to improve conditions such as arthritis, strengthen the immune system and is particularly

beneficial for the disabled and less mobile.

The Benefits of Horse Riding - Continued

The Psychological Benefits

Physical activity is know to be therapeutic and improve self esteem. Chemicals

released from the brain during exercise (i.e. serotonin and endorphins) are known to have strong effects on mood and help to

reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression.

“When riding a horse, we leave our fear, troubles, and sadness behind on the ground.” Juli Carlson 

The Benefits of Horse Riding - Continued

Communal benefits

Horse riding is a social activity attracting groups of riders of all ages

and ability.

Many equestrian centres offer group riding lessons for riders of similar

ability which provides a great opportunity to socialise with

likeminded people.

Horse Facts

• You can tell how old a horse is by counting its teeth.

• The height of a horse is measured in hands; each hand is equivalent to 4 inches.

• The average life span of a horse is between 20- 25 years, though some horses have been known to live a lot longer.

• There are more than 300 different breeds of horse.

• The male horse is referred to as a ‘stallion’, the female is a ‘mare’. A small horse is called a ‘pony’ and a newborn is called a ‘foal’.

• Horses are intelligent creatures that communicate through their senses: eyes, ears and nostrils. A horse with flared nostrils and pinned back ears should be approached with caution!

The history of Horse Riding

A Brief Look at the Horse Through the Ages

New BeginningsFrom war horse to work horse, race horse to school horse; horses have played an important and influential role in human culture

and civilization throughout history. The horse is one of the greatest surviving animals of our time .

Sixty million years ago saw the creation of the horse; ‘Eohippus’

or ‘Dawn Horse’ as it was also known. It stood approximately 12 inches high and had four toes.

48 Million years later the ancestor

of the horse we recognise today, the ‘Pliohippus’ evolved. As different cultures developed, it adapted itself to its environment and migrated from North to South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Eohippus

New Beginnings - Continued

In the early days there were only three distinct types of horse: the Forest, the

Tarpan and the Asian Wild (more commonly known as the Przewalski).

The Przewalski horse was never domesticated and is now an endangered species.

Przewalski’s Horse

New Beginnings – Continued

Though opinions differ, it is widely considered that horses became domesticated and used as a means of

transport circa 3000BC. It is also said that around this time, tribesmen in Eurasia started breeding horses as

cattle for their meat and milk.

The first people believed to have ridden horses were nomadic tribesmen, but it is often said that true

equestrian culture started in the Middle East; home to the most noble of horse breeds, the Arab.

“The history of mankind is carried on the back of the horse”

The Classical Period

The Greeks had a passion for horses and Classical Greece saw the dawn of the greatest equestrian partnership in history; Alexander the Great and his

mighty stallion ‘Bucephalus’, they rode for thousands of miles and fought

many battles together, in order create a powerful empire.

The Ancient Romans

The Ancient Romans were responsible for many of the foundation breeds of horses that exist today. They were

also one of the first to recognise horses as pack animals and used them as such to pull wagons and

chariots.

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages (5th to the 16th century) saw many equestrian professions transpire when the likes of Knights, Blacksmiths,

Marshall's, Constable’s, Saddle Makers and Farrier’s came to

pass.

The Renaissance Period

The Renaissance Period (14th to 17th Century) saw the creation of classical

riding and the opening of the first important riding academy in Europe;

the ‘Haute Ecole’ . The founder of the academy was Federico Grisone.

The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution (1800s) saw a boom in horse culture. Horses were used to transport heavy

vehicles such as barges and trains and pit ponies were sent down to work the mines. Horses were also heavily used in agriculture, to work the land.

During this time the famous yet short lived Pony Express postal delivery service was also

established. Horseback riders travelled long distances ‘relay style’ to deliver messages across

rough terrain and country; covering distances of up to 2,000 miles. After only eighteen months this service was superseded by the Transcontinental

Telegraph.

The Conquistadors

During the 1800s tradition derived from Spanish Settlers or

Conquistadors as they are more commonly known, lead the Native

Americans to ride horses in herds to hunt for buffalo. This gave rise to the well know tradition of cattle ranching

and cowboy culture.

A Brief look at the Horse Through the Ages - Continued

It was only when society became more industrialised that horses were used for entertainment, sport and recreation and were

finally recognised as man’s companion.

A Brief look at the Horse Through the Ages - Continued

Some cultures regard the horse as a prime food source. This culture dates

back as far as the Stone Age and even as late as the 1930’s horse meat

was still being eaten in Britain.

Though some cultures still consider the horses’ primary function to be a food source, it is now widely considered unacceptable in western culture.

Horses in Warfare

Horses have changed civilization over the ages and have been involved in warfare for

more than 5,000 years. The Iron Age saw the rise of mounted cavalry when the speed and power of the horses were realised and gave armies a huge advantage over their enemy.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries a class of mounted infantry was formed that became

known as the ‘Dragoons’. During battle Dragoons were expected to dismount and

fight as a regular foot soldier would.

Horses in Warfare - ContinuedThe Polish Cavalry was considered to

be the largest and best equipped regiment of its time. During the

second World War in 1939, the Polish Cavalry; which consisted of

11 brigades of over 25,000 trained horse soldiers, engaged in 16

classic cavalry charges; most of which were successful and helped

to shield the country from its enemy.

The cavalry was often referred to as the ‘Elite of the Polish Army’ and

proved itself to be a successful deterrent in battle.

Unfortunately the Polish regiment was largely wiped out during this

conflict and what remained were used as either reserves or for

transporting troops and supplies.

The Polish Cavalry

“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

Horses in Warfare - Continued

Famous Eighteenth Century Cavalry battles include the Battle of Waterloo (1815), the Charge of the Light Brigade (1854) and Custer’s Last Stand at Little

BighornRiver (1876).

After the first World War, the mounted cavalries days were numbered in favour of modern warfare and though Dragoon regiments still exist today, the

mounted regiment duties largely consist of public and state ceremonies.

Battle of Waterloo

Horse Culture

The following pages look at the cultural aspects of horse

riding

Horse Culture

Cultural attitudes differ from nation to nation but Art and Anthropomorphic characters in film and literature

have helped to change societies attitudes towards horses.

Similar to that the dog, the horse is now highly regarded as a pet and companion. In many cultures it is symbolic of their faith or believes. Horses have also

been regarded as symbolic in dreams and many psychiatrists believe the manifestation of a horse to be

of significance.

The Spanish Riding School

The prestigious and well renowned Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the most famous classical riding

school in the world. It was established over 430 years ago and its methods are derived from the renaissance tradition of cultivating classically

trained horses.

It is called ‘Spanish’ because the original inhabitants were a breed of horses called Lippizans;

which are horses of Spanish descent.

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School - Continued

The equitation is based on many philosophies; the most notable of which are the teachings of the Greek General,

Xenaphon, who is regarded as the father or equitation. It is also based the ‘Haute Ecole’ which was the first ever riding

academy founded by Federico Grisone.

Uniformed cadets are trained both practically and theoretically for over four years in all areas of horse care.

Only after a period of about ten years can a cadet become a rider.

It takes approximately six years to train a horse to the standard required to be able to perform at the Spanish Riding School.

Chinese Horse Culture

China accounts for more than one sixth of the worlds

horses with the ‘spirit of Equus’ (the horse) being a

popular part of Chinese culture and art.

Since ancient times the Chinese have held the horse in high regard and similar to the dragon, horses were seen as a creature of mythology, associated with both flight

and survival and said to carry their riders to the "home of

the immortals“.

Chinese Horse Culture

The Chinese were responsible for inventing the horse collar, the

stirrup and the harness; three of the most important pieces of horse

riding equipment.

Chinese Horse Culture

The horse is often associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini which represents practicality, love, endurance, devotion and stability. The Chinese believe that those born in the year’s of the Horse to be tyrants, revolutionaries, or thieves. Conversely, it is also said that they are likely to excel. ‘Horses’ are also said to be born to race or travel, be impatient,

quick witted, enjoy socialising but find it hard to settle in one place. The ancients considered the Year of the Horse to have masculine traits and to represent desires

and wishes.

Symbols of the horse

Power HonourGrace

Beauty Nobility

ReverenceStrength Freedom

In Buddhism the horse is symbolic of energy and effort in the practice of dharma or ‘ones righteous duty’. A winged horse is often depicted carrying the book of

law.

The ‘Wind horse’ also symbolises the air that channels through the body and represents the vehicle that

controls the direction of the mind.

Symbols of the horse

Many cultures associate the horse with the four natural elements: Earth, Fire, Air and

Water; all symbols of life-force.

The colour of a horse is also symbolic. black generally symbolises:

Mystery and death; night, secrets and cryptic messages

Whilst white symbolises:Light, sun, day, vitality, illumination,

resurrection and messages of birth

Horse Symbols in Dreams

The Influential Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung believed that horses were symbolic in dreams and said that

the horse was representative of the intuitive aspect of human nature and the desire to be wild and free.

Jung’s Definitions:

Riding a horse – indicates a successful eventFalling off a horse – indicates fear or lack of successHorse with reins/ropes/cart – indicates the desire for

freedomBucking horse – indicates the desire to break an old

habit

Carl Jung

Horses in Literature

Throughout history horses have been prominent in literature; many of which played the part of

characters that represented their authors ideals and beliefs.

The famous dystopian novel ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell reflected upon Orwell’s distrust of the Communist leader Joseph Stalin and the tale addresses the corruption that took place during

this revolution; using anthropomorphic animal characters.

There are three horse characters in this novel: Boxer, Molly and Clover; each representing a

different human characteristic. Boxer is loyal and strong but naïve and slow; Clover, Boxer’s

companion is portrayed as a matriarchal character, whilst Mollie is a selfish and vain

character who enjoys being spoilt by humans. There is also a wise yet pessimistic donkey called

Benjamin in the story; a close friend of Boxer, who recognises the corruption that is taking

place but fails to warn his friends.

Satirical author Johnathon Swift is famed for his classical tales of Gulliver's Travels. There are four novels of his travels and

each one identifies with specific aspects of modern culture and society (such as

politics and religion).

His fourth novel concentrates on Gulliver’s travels to the Utopian island of the

Houyhnhnms. Houyhnhnms are rational but dispassionate horses that rule the

land. ‘Yahoos’ or humans also live on the island but are seen as abhorrent deformed creatures and are used to carry out menial

work.

Swift uses both creatures to symbolize man; one being sensible and rational and the

other being primitive and offensive and the story illustrates how inappropriate both

behaviours are.

Horses in Literature - Continued

Horse Art

Horses have appeared in artwork throughout history; quintessentially appearing in historic and traditional pictures depicting battle, sport,

romanticism, cowboys and Indians and contemporary art.

The famous Lascaux paleolithic cave paintings were discovered in 1940 and are estimated to be over 16,000 years old. These paintings have given us great

insight into prehistoric art and our human origins.

The paintings are of animals and chiefly consist of paintings of bulls and horses. The paintings were engraved into the rocks and colours were

created using mineral pigments.

Though there is much contention; some believe that the paintings are representative of a large star map or constellation.

The caves were open to the public in 1948 and tourists flocked in their thousands to witness the phenomenon. Unfortunately this impacted on the paintings which were badly damaged and due to the change in atmospheric

conditions and extensive earthwork, the caves had to be closed.

You can still explore the Lascaux caves ‘virtually’ using the following link: http://www.lascaux.culture.fr/?lng=en#/en/02_00.xml

Stone Mountain

Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor

Horse attacked by a Lion by George Stubbs

Joan of Arc

Plaster Statuette of a Horse by Van Gogh

Famous Equestria

n

Works of Art

Horse WhisperingA horse whisperer rehabilitates horses with behavioural and psychological problems by

appealing to the horses natural instincts and imitating its behaviour within a herd.

This philosophy is built upon the principle of using behavioural reinforcement to replace the cruel practices used in some methods of

horse training.

A horse Whisperer at work

Horse Whispering - Continued

During the early nineteenth century an Irish horseman called Dan Sullivan became famous for rehabilitating

difficult horses that had been abused or had suffered a trauma. It was said that Swift would take a previously

unmanageable horse, whisper a few words into its ear and make it tame and well-behaved. 

Daniel ‘Horse Whisperer’ Sullivan

Though Sullivan tried to keep his techniques a secret, others copied his methods. His skills were eventually

passed on to Willis J Powell and John Solomon Rarey, who continued the now widely recognised and used technique.

Horse Whispering - ContinuedEven though Horse Whispering is now well known, not everyone is

convinced that these techniques work. Some said that Dan Sullivan’s coveted methods were in reality cruel and only served

to briefly terrify horses into submission.

These rumours damaged the reputation of those with the gift of natural horsemanship and have lead to scepticism as to whether

the technique is really effective.

“When people think of natural horsemanship that could mean a lot of things. It isn't natural for a horse to be around people, and it's not

natural for a person to be sitting on him either. When we use these words we speak about what's natural for the horse to do

within his own boundaries“. Bill Dorrance - Founder of the modern Natural Horsemanship movement

“The Horse Whisperer” The Movie

Learning how to Ride

The following information provides some useful advice and guidance on

the basics of horse riding

Learning how to Ride

To start with you will learn how to control the horse so that it stops, starts and turns in the right direction at your request, using the following

techniques:

– To stop a horse - pull firmly on both reins– To travel to the left - pull on the left rein– To travel to the right - pull on the right rein– To instruct the horse to move forward - squeeze

its girth (your legs should rest on the girth area naturally, but your instructor will show you exactly where this is).

Your first lessons will also concentrate on establishing good balance and posture at walking

speed.

At walking pace you must sit up straight and tall in the saddle

Learning how to Ride - continued

Once you have mastered these techniques you will then learn how to rise up in the saddle to the horses trot. This is called the

‘rising trot’.

In simple terms this is standing up and sitting down to the horses trotting pace using your stirrups (and stomach muscles). After a little practice this becomes more comfortable for both horse and

rider.

To improve you balance and posture you may also practice techniques such as trotting over poles, the sitting trot, riding

without stirrups and the jumping position, All of which correct and improve bad posture.

Basic Horse riding Tips

• Always ride with your heels pointing downwards this keeps your centre of gravity in the right position and promotes rider safety

• Hold the reins between your thumb and forefingers.

• Pulling on either the outside or inside (left or right rein) will steer the horse in the desired direction.

• Squeezing or putting your ‘leg on’ the horse will tell him to move forward or keep moving.

• Make sure your horse is listening to you but remember that your horse is sensitive and must always be treated with respect.

• Always look in the direction you are travelling and do not be tempted to look down as it will confuse the horse.

• If you feel your horse is moving too fast do not be tempted to grip on to him with your legs – it is likely to make your horse move faster.

How to get started

You do not need to own a horse to ride as lessons are usually available locally. The British Horse riding Society lists all the approved horse

riding establishments http://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Find_Where_To_Ride.aspx

Lesson prices vary from school to school but on average costs about £9 for half an hour.

If you are on a tight budget some riding schools will let you work in return for riding lessons. Many riding stables let riders muck out, tack up and help out with youngsters having lead rein lessons in return for

discounted/free lessons.

All you need to start out are boots with a small heel and clothes that do not restrict your movement. Most riding schools will provide riding

hats to get you started.

If you are nervous of horses – visit your local riding school or horse sanctuary where you will be able to improve your confidence around horses before getting in the saddle.

To see for yourself just how easy this sport is check out this mobile upload of my talented

11 year old! http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=4WAVg0ly_E4

Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex

Photo GalleryRiding School - Westerhoven, Holland

Hacking out in North Wales

References and Links

Linkshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WAVg0ly_E4

References:

The complete idiots guide to Horses – Sarah Montague, P J Dempsey 2003

http://www.horsewhispering.co.uk/

http://issuu.com/hautetotrot/docs/fw2009?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed

http://ww2history.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_polish_wwii_cavalry_in_1939

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/horse-symbol-meanings.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullivers_Travels