Best Horses for English Riding

Britt
by Britt
Published:  February 18th, 2023
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A highly recognized form of riding, English Riding is seen in a wide range of activities and competitions, including classical dressage, show jumping, English tack, racing, polo, and riding for pleasure. The style is characterized by the use of a flat, lightweight English saddle that allows for a better connection between the rider and their horse. Of course, some horse breeds will be better suited to this equipment and the form of communication used in English riding.


Whether you’re an experienced equestrian currently considering a new horse or a new rider excited to start your English Riding journey, we are happy to help you kick-start your research. We have compiled a list of the 10 best horses for English Riding.


Hanoverian

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The Hanoverian is far from a new face in the English Riding world. In fact, the breed registry for these sport horses is one of the oldest in existence. Dating back to the early 18th century in the Hanover region of Germany, the breed was first used to pull plows and carriages. However, their versatility, athleticism and jumping ability make them a sought-after breed today in show jumping and dressage. They are friendly horses that are faithful to “their person,” making them a good choice for those looking for a horse that will double as a competitor in their equestrian sport of choice and a companion.



Andalusian

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Originating from Spain, the Andalusian is a calm and docile horse, making them ideal for newer riders. But don’t let this fool you – their incredible movement and performance also make them a great option for those interested in taking part in advanced equestrian activities, including dressage and the show jumping ring. They have a strong, elegant appearance with their long, thick tails and manes. Most Andalusians are gray or bay, but there have been many coat colors found throughout the history of the breed.


Morgan Horse

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The Morgan Horse is a compact and highly versatile breed that is often seen in both English and Western Riding circles. They have been used for many purposes throughout history, including cavalry horses, harness racing, and carriage driving. Today, they are often seen in show jumping, dressage, and therapeutic riding programs. They are very gentle, well-mannered, and cooperative. This makes them great horses for riders of all ages and skill levels. The popularity of the breed has led to Morgan-only shows being held across the US.


Arabian

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Smaller in size compared to many of the more popular riding horses, the Arabian is a beautiful and intelligent breed of horse. Originally used for transportation and hauling loads, they were bred for their athleticism and endurance. They had a very comfortable and smooth gait that made them enjoyable to ride for riders of all ages and skill levels. Today these traits allow them to excel in a wide assortment of different equestrian activities, including dressage, endurance riding, show jumping, and pleasure riding. While the skin of the Arabian horse is black, their recognized colors include gray, bay, roan, chestnut, and black.



Dutch Warmblood

claudiogennari/Wikimedia Commons

Often seen in dressage, jumping, and driving activities, the Dutch Warmblood is a spirited, athletic, and highly reliable breed. All these traits make them an excellent choice for both competitive and recreational pursuits. In fact, Dutch Warmbloods have been seen excelling in the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, Show Jumping World Championships, and the FEI World Cup. This breed is known for their strong legs, allowing them to cover surprisingly large distances in a single stride. But they aren’t just high-performance horses; the Dutch Warmblood is also coveted for their elegant gait, ideal for show situations.


Appaloosa

Jean from Shelbyville, KY/Wikimedia Commons

Many horse enthusiasts fall in love with the Appaloosa for their beautiful spotted coats, but these horses have much more to offer English riders than their appearance. This is a very gentle, calm, loyal, and friendly breed that is eager to learn and please their person. This makes them a great choice for newer or inexperienced riders. They are athletic and have great endurance, making them well-suited for long-distance riding and various equestrian events. Their versatility and ease of handling have made this a very popular horse breed around the world.


Thoroughbred

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Most people will instantly think about the Thoroughbred horse when discussing competitive sports involving horses. This reflects how the breed has dominated the horse racing industry. But the Thoroughbred excels in far more than just racing. They are spirited, intelligent, driven, and athletic, all traits that help them perform in various equestrian activities. Often, retired racing horses can continue working and performing through trail and pleasure riding. The Thoroughbred horse can also be seen showcasing their athleticism in dressage and jumping.


American Saddlebred

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Originating in Kentucky, the American Saddlebred quickly established a reputation and popularity as a military mount and working on the plantations in the 1800s. The breed is highly versatile and quick to learn, allowing it to excel in nearly any activity you choose to pursue, from showing off their beautiful muscular appearance in the show ring to delivering a comfortable ride on the trails. But their most recognized use for many horse enthusiasts is as a harness horse, both in pleasure driving and driving competitively.


Oldenburg

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The Oldenburg, also known as the Oldenburger, is an independent and spirited horse with powerful legs and a visibly muscular body. While they are a powerful competitor in many equestrian events, the true success of the Oldenburg horse can be traced back to their easy-to-handle personality, allowing riders to leverage their physical abilities and train them to perform as needed for their sport of choice. They are often seen in show jumping events due to their athleticism, but they can also be seen in dressage or pleasure riding.


Friesian

Annalisa Parisi/Wikimedia Commons

Originating from the Netherlands, the Friesian was first used as a war horse. Their strong and steady build made them reliable companions on the battlefield. These same traits continue to serve the majestic horse well today in many equestrian activities, including dressage, driving, and recreational riding. While the Friesian may look large and powerful, making them appear intimidating to many younger riders, they are actually an excellent option for riders of all ages. They are calm and easy to train, able to take even the subtlest cues from their riders.

What Does English Riding Include?


English riding is primarily based on the mounted military riding style seen throughout European history. It often uses a flatter English saddle and English bridles with riders directing the hose with both hands on the reins. There are several styles of English saddle depending on the activity they are designed for, but all are smaller and lighter in weight than the Western variety.


Many riders will learn the English style of riding for pleasure riding, with international organizations using this approach to teach young first-time riders to ride with precision. It can also be seen in equestrian events such as:

  • Dressage (Classical, Contemporary, and Para-Equestrian)
  • Eventing
  • Show Jumping
  • Polo and Polocrosse
  • Mounted Games
  • Hunting
  • Horse Racing
  • Hunter Pace

Some activities can be ridden using an English or Western style, including trail riding, mounted orienteering, and endurance riding.


What is Posting, and Why Do Riders Post While a Horse is Trotting?


Posting refers to the way that English Riders rise out of the saddle in time with their horse’s movements. This helps compensate for the bumpy motion they would encounter when the horse trots, smoothing out the jolts and allowing for a more comfortable ride. While this is most common in English riding, Western riders may also be seen posting should the need arise.

Is English Riding Harder than Western Riding?


While riders may like to categorize different riding styles as harder or easier than one another, the truth is that they can’t be ranked in this way. Each style of riding has its challenges that a rider will need to overcome. Each style will require time, dedication, and much practice to become proficient.


If you are a first-time rider trying to decide whether to learn English or Western style, your choice shouldn’t be based on which is easier. Instead, take a moment to consider what activities you want to participate in and which style is better suited for that. If you love the world of dressage and show jumping, start riding by learning the English style. However, if you dream of participating in barrel racing, the Western style would be a better fit.


Keep in mind that you aren’t stuck in one style or the other for the rest of your life! If you change your mind in the future and want to try another activity, many of the basic skills will carry over from one to the other. From there, you can learn the nuances and skills associated with each style.


Can a Horse be Ridden Both English and Western?


Just as you can switch from one style of riding to the other, so can many horses (but not all). To do this, there will be some retraining needed. In addition to teaching your horse the nuances of the style, you will need to introduce your horse to the equipment. English saddles and Western are of different sizes and weights.


If your horse has been heavily trained and ridden in one style for many years, it may be challenging to retrain them. Also, some horse breeds are better suited to specific activities. For example, a horse may be skilled at running at high speeds but not as well built for the demands of show jumping or barrel racing. This is an important consideration if you plan to compete or ride professionally.

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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Fiber is an integral part of a balanced diet for your dog, just like it is for humans. It helps ensure their digestive system runs smoothly and can also play an essential role in weight management (or weight loss if that’s what you’re working toward).But how much fiber does a dog actually need, and what is the best way to add fiber to their diet?In this guide, I’ll discuss why fiber is important for your dog's health and well-being, the different types of fiber, and the best options to boost fiber content in their diet. Let’s get started…How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need?While I would love to say the answer to this question is easy, it’s not as simple as giving a specific amount that will work for every dog’s ideal diet. Instead, the amount of fiber needed will vary considerably based on several factors, including your dog’s age, weight, digestive health, or any conditions they currently live with relating to their digestive system.For example, a senior dog usually needs more fiber than a young, healthy adult dog as their bodies in these later years have a more challenging time with different stages of the digestive process. Our golden oldies often suffer from conditions like constipation that, while not life-threatening, do have an impact on their overall quality of life. Making changes to the fiber they are consuming can offer relief.That being said, experts use some general guidelines to create a foundation for these decisions. Depending on who you ask, fiber recommendations for a healthy adult dog range from 1.5% to 4% of a complete diet.How Can Fiber Help My Dog?As already mentioned, fiber can help support a healthy digestive system. But what exactly does this nutrient do to help keep your dog happy and healthy? Let’s look at some of the benefits of fiber for dogs:Encourage Healthy Bowel MovementsIf you have a dog that suffers occasionally (or regularly) from constipation, you may be searching for a solution to help regulate their system, soften waste, and make doing their business easier. After all, no one wants to live with that discomfort, including our dog! Including the right amount of fiber in your dog’s diet can help move waste through the intestines more quickly, softening stool and allowing it to pass on a more frequent schedule.But be careful – too much fiber can also be hazardous. You don’t want your dog to deal with constipation, but diarrhea can also be upsetting and uncomfortable. The goal is to find a happy medium for healthy bowel movements.Prevent Anal Gland ProblemsThe anal glands are an element of a dog’s health that is sometimes overlooked simply because we don’t understand their function or don’t want to discuss that general area. However, ignoring your dog’s anal gland health can lead to severe complications.These little pouches serve an essential role in communication. When your dog does their business, they release a strongly scented fluid that will share key information with other dogs that discover it, including their age, sex, and overall health. However, if that fluid isn’t released with your dog’s bowel movements, it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and abscesses.One way to promote better anal gland release is to ensure your dog is passing healthy stools, which can be accomplished with the help of fiber.Regulate Blood Sugar Levels If your dog is a diabetic and has been prescribed a medical approach to manage their blood sugar levels, don’t consider this a reliable alternative. However, for healthy dogs, having their blood sugar suddenly spike can actually lead to diabetes and other health problems. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent these conditions is by keeping their blood sugar balanced and regular. Fiber works by slowing some stages of the digestive process, which also slows the amount of sugar released into your dog’s bloodstream. This isn’t to say it magically eliminates sugars from your dog’s diet, but it spreads out when they are absorbed into the bloodstream, preventing a sudden sugar spike.

Are Bengal Cats Really That Wild? Here's What Science Has to Say.

Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

Scientists Found a New Type of Training that Makes Dogs Better Behaved

Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat

A lot of emphasis gets put on treats that help keep your dog’s teeth clean, but it is also an important consideration for your cat.

The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

Backyard Airbnbs Give Dog Owners A Private Leash-Free Space to Play

Hourly backyard rentals provide a perfect alternative to the crowded leash-free environment.

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