We’ve all dabbled with a sport here and there; whether it was tossing the old pigskin around with our old man, kicking a ball around with friends in peewee soccer, or gone horse-back riding because our young dream was to have a pony. But playing sports and being successful in a sport are worlds apart. Anyone can play a sport but only the focused, dedicated, and talented of us truly excel at them. So if you’ve gotten into horse riding sports recently, and want to take it seriously, here are a few ways to excel in the field and be as successful as your heart desires. 

While riding a horse seems simple enough, there is actually a variety of horse riding sports that vary quite a bit. 

The word dressage has french origins and describes the training of a horse and the rider. Sounds boring? Well, let me explain; in dressage, the horses dance. Yes, you heard that correctly. The horses dance! If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face nothing will. Now, there’s quite a bit to it more than just getting down but it boils down to the harmony between the rider and the horse as if they were dancing together. So put on your riding shoes because we are going dancing!

In this test of agility, balance, and poise, the rider and the horse must clear a series of colored fences, obstacles, and water jumps. Get through the course without your horse refusing, tripping, and faster than all other competitors and you’ll get the gold. The best thing about showjumping is you can do it at the grassroots level at any local club.

This one is kind of self-explanatory; you race to see which rider and horse can complete the race the fastest. 

This is the mack daddy of all horse riding sports. It is basically a triathlon where the horse and rider compete in dressage, cross country, and show jumping. This combines the best of every sport but requires three times the work and discipline. It helps make sure you never get bored, and if you’re the type to set the bar high, this particular sport is perfect for you. 

As with any sport, you’ll need the right tools for the job. The riding experts at Ayr Equestrian help riders find all the tools, gear, and equipment any rider might need or want. You may be thinking that horse riding gear just means the saddle, but there’s a lot more to it than that. From the footwear to the right jacket, every rider will need a complete attire. This may seem a tad expensive, but having the right gear will bring your game to a whole other level. 

The first thing you have to do when it comes to horse riding, or with any sport, is to enjoy it. Practice makes perfect, as they say, and that means countless hours of repetition. If you don’t find a way to make the process enjoyable, you will begin to avoid practicing. If that happens, you are bound to limit your growth and reduce your chances of success. Be focused but don’t make it a job. Find the aspects of horse riding that brew you in, to begin with and embrace that love and passion. Vary your schedule and don’t let it all become monotonous. 

Practicing without purpose will get you nowhere. You need to have a goal in mind to motivate you when you’re tired, worn out, or sick and tired of it all. While you can truly love a sport, it is only human nature to need a break, but when you’re working to be the best and succeed, you need the practice hours. Set a goal and work towards it; the rest will come naturally.

Horse riding sports are as fun as can be. If you love the open air, the wind flying by your face, and have an affinity for horses, it is the ideal sport for you. Horses are sometimes used in therapy to help people understand boundaries and gentility, making the sport beneficial on a number of levels. The key thing to remember in the early stages is to not lose momentum. Don’t overdo things or else you’ll grow tired of it and learn to resent it. Keep a routine but don’t over practice; absence makes the heart grow fonder and you need to let yourself enjoy the process. Always have fun and working towards success will never feel like work.