Where did English riding come from?

The history of English riding can be traced back to the 17th century, in England. The Civil War caused a surge of support for the horse as transport and for entertainment, which brought about a shift towards a more elegant style of riding. These changes were initially only undertaken by English high society and the aristocracy. During this period, the first riding academies were also emerging.

However, it was the 18th century that marked a turning point for the development of English riding. This period was characterised by an increased interest in hunting, which encouraged new horse breeds and tack improvements. The sport became more popular and widespread thanks to the publication of books which detailed horsemanship and stable management.

In the 19th century, horse races became a popular source of entertainment and betting, and this caused another evolution of English riding and training methods. The first equestrian club was opened in 1769, and a couple of decades later, the first horse show was held. However, it wasn’t until 1883 that the National Horse Show Society of Great Britain was created, which aimed to further improve standards of horses, riding and training.

Nowadays, English riding has spread all over the world, and it’s one of the most popular riding styles. It’s the only style allowed at the Olympic Games.