Horse riding or equestrianism is the term used to identify the ability to ride or force cavalries.

In fact it is such a general term that equestrianism can be said to relate to everything to do with the riding of horses. This broad description includes both riding horses for practical purposes such as in police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch, as well as recreational and sporting aspects such as horse riding sports, dressage, show jumping, eventing, vaulting and polo.

The term equestrianism comes from the Latin equester, equestr- which means horseman or horse, but it is very often used to refer to the skill of riding or driving horses. This broad description includes both the skilful use of horses for practical and working purposes as well as recreational activities and competitive sports.

There is an easy way to start if you want to develop your own equestrian skills and that is to book in for a horse trail organised by a commercial riding stables. From what I have seen there is public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world. Also, many parks, ranches, and public stables offer both guided and independent riding.

The therapeutic nature of riding has been realised only fairly recently, both in the pursuit of relaxation and in sport. Specialized Para-equestrian competitions are now held as well as the more common non-competitive riding, to improve human health and emotional development.

The object of any of the many equestrian endurance test sports is to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse and rider, when he is well trained and brought to the peak of condition. At the same time, it presents a highly entertaining spectacle to watch.

Historically, the so-called 'long format' endurance test included four phases: Phases A and C, Roads and Tracks; Phase B, the Steeplechase; and Phase D, the Cross-Country. Each phase had to be completed in a set time. Phase A of the roads and tracks was a warming-up period, usually done at a brisk trot, for the purpose of relaxing and loosening up both horse and rider. Phase A led directly to the start for Phase B, the steeplechase.

This phase was ridden at a strong gallop to achieve an average speed of 24 miles per hour with six to eight jumps. At the end of the steeplechase, the horse and rider went directly into Phase C, the second roads and tracks. This phase was very important for allowing the horse to relax and recover and to get his wind back to normal.

The pace is usually a quiet trot, interspersed with periods of walking and an occasional relaxed canter. Some riders also dismounted and ran next to their horse during this section of the test.

Equestrianism as the art of riding and handling a horse has origins way back in time. Horseback riding was practiced as far back as the Bronze Age and was later adapted to commerce, industry, war, sport, and recreation. Diverse styles of riding developed, and the saddle, as well as the stirrup and other riding aids, were manufactured along with the other apparatus to aid horseback riding.

At the two extremes of riding are the jockey's riding style, sacrificing comfort and security in the interest of speed, and the cowboy's (western) style, more relaxed for long hours of work.

Riding as a skilled sport developed from the style of mounted knights in the medieval period. The so-called academy style is popular in the E United States as well as in Europe. Riding as recreation has become increasingly popular in the United States, particularly in metropolitan and suburban areas.

Horse shows, originated by Ireland's Royal Dublin Society (1864), offer riders a chance to test their skills in competition.

The major horse show in the United States is the National Horse Show (originated 1883), now held at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Equestrian events have been held in the Olympic games since 1912. Olympic competitions include dressage, jumping (Prix de Nations), and a three-day all-around competition that involves dressage, jumping, and endurance.