English riding is a form of
horse riding seen throughout the world. There are many variations, but all feature a flat
English saddle without the deep seat, high cantle or saddle horn seen on a
Western saddle nor the knee pads seen on an
Australian Stock Saddle.
Saddles within the various English disciplines are all designed to allow the horse the freedom to move in the optimal manner for a given task, ranging from
classical dressage to
horse racing. English bridles also vary in style based on discipline, but most feature some type of cavesson
noseband as well as closed reins, buckled together at the ends, that prevents them from dropping on the ground if a rider becomes unseated. Clothing for riders in competition is usually based on traditional needs from which a specific style of riding developed, but most standards require, as a minimum, boots; breeches or
jodhpurs; a shirt with some form of tie or stock; a hat, cap, or
equestrian helmet; and a jacket.