Dressage
Dressage is a French term meaning "training." Although the discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, dressage was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in western Europe. The great European riding masters of that period developed a sequential training system that has changed little since then and is still considered the basis of modern dressage. The fundamental purpose of dressage is to develop, through standardized progressive training methods, the horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse.

Show Jumping
An Olympic equestrian event where each horse must clear a number of obstacles on a set course within a specified time. Show jumping is a form of competition in which horses are jumped over a course of fences, low walls, and other obstacles (e.g., water-filled ditches or troughs). Show jumping is a competitive sport consisting of many elements. The course is pre-arranged; the event may be timed or un-timed event. It is scored by a judge or panel of judges

Show Hunter
The horse's movement and carriage are an important part of the presentation. He should have as little action in his legs as possible (less action conserves energy for the long days in the hunt field). The horse should be light and graceful across the ground. A relaxed horse with a long, low neck and a good expression (ears forward and alert) is the most desirable. The horse should be beautiful with a small head and correct proportionate conformation

Eventing
A three-part competition consisting of dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping.

English Equitation (Hunt Seat Equitation)
The overall term used to describe forward seat riding, used both on the flat and over fences. Includes English style equitation, English horsemanship, walk-trot English equitation, and equitation over fences.

Hunt Seat Pleasure & Hunt Seat Trail
Horses are judged on their abilities to be a pleasure style mount. Horses are asked to walk, trot, canter and sometimes hand gallop both directions of the arena, to stand in a line-up, rein-back and possible other movements at the direction of the judge. Entries should work with a smooth regular gait, a natural willing and responsive headset; not necessarily fully flexed at the poll depending upon breed, conformation and style. They should show a forward - going way of impulsion and conformation consistence with a smooth and sustainable ride such a s a well-sloped shoulder, good pasterns, and a supple back with well-developed hind quarters. The demeanor of the horse (model) should be of happy and obedient participation in the class.

Hunter Hack
A transitional English class between hunter under saddle and working hunter. Horses are required to jump two fences then put on the rail to walk, trot and canter both directions in the ring. Emphasis is on manner and way of going on the flat and style over fences.

Hunter Under Saddle
A preliminary class for English riding disciplines in which judges evaluate a hunter-type Quarter Horse on the flat, at a walk, trot and canter. Emphasis is placed on smoothness of gait, free-flowing stride and willingness to perform. Exhibitors must wear traditional English attire.

Jumping
Jumping is a true test of a horse’s athletic ability to perform over fences. Jumping consists of at least four obstacles and a minimum of eight jumps. Scores are based on time and penalty faults. Faults are assessed when a horse refuses to jump, knocks down an obstacle, or causes an obstacle to be knocked down. Horses completing the course without faults return to compete in a timed "jump-off" to determine final placings.

Pleasure Driving
English rail class tests the horse’s ability to pull a two-wheeled cart and driver along the perimeter of the arena. The horse is exhibited at a walk and two speeds of trot called park gait and road gait. The horse is judged on straight and free movement, manners, and a bright expression while staying under the driver’s control at all times. Horses must not break into a canter at any time.

Saddle Seat
Saddleseat riding is one of several events that make up the discipline of english riding. This event is either called saddleseat equitation, in which the rider's performance is judged, or saddleseat pleasure riding, in which the horse's leg action is judged. In both events, the rider sits in a more shallow saddle which forces the rider farther back on the horse. This allows the horse to pick up its front legs with more animation. Gaited horse like the Tennessee Walking Horse and high-stepping horses like the Morgan are often used in saddleseat events, and they generally wear a double bridle. The rider wears a derby, jacket and jodhpurs. Saddleseat riding is incredibly popular because it is a graceful yet lively event.

Combined Training
Is just what its name suggests, and is considered by many to be the most physically demanding discipline for both horse and rider. Similar to a humans-only Triathlon, Combined Training requires horse and rider to compete in three different competitive areas - stadium jumping, dressage, and cross-country. Each of these disciplines puts emphasis on different aspects of riding but, taken together, they ultimately produce a versatile and well-rounded team. Because CT is particularly challenging for a horse, these types of competition are sometimes referred to as "horse trials".

At the top levels of competition, a Combined Training event usually takes place over three days, one day for each discipline, which is why you'll sometimes also hear a Combined Training event referred to as "a three-day". At lower levels - with shorter and less difficult cross-country courses, more basic level dressage tests, and simpler jumper courses - a CT event can be held over just two days. The FENCE Horse Trials held in the spring of each year, for example, are arranged so that competitors do their cross-country and dressage test in one day and their stadium jumping on the second day. Final standings are arranged by comparing total number of points in stadium jumping and dressage, along with the best times and fewest penalties in cross-country.