| Horses have been domesticated by man for many | | | | Many of course ride horses as sporting or leisure |
| thousands of years, and people have rode on horse | | | | activity. There is of course a lot enjoyment to be |
| back for at least 6,500 years (there is evidence that | | | | gained from simply riding horse, but for people with |
| people in what is today the Ukraine were riding horses | | | | more competitive inclinations there is a huge of |
| as early as 4500 BCE). | | | | equestrian activities including racing, jumping, horse |
| Before the advent of motor vehicles, horses were the | | | | shows, as well as sports ranging from polo to rodeo. |
| main means of transport, both for pulling loads and for | | | | If you want to learn to ride horses, then the first thing |
| riding. Even today, horse transport remains important in | | | | that you should do is join a riding school. A properly |
| some parts of the world, and for some applications. | | | | qualified instructor is obviously essential, and as well as |
| For example, horses are still widely used for ranching, | | | | access to horse, you must also obtain the proper |
| and for travel in rougher terrain. Historically horses | | | | equipment (including a helmet) - as this is important for |
| were also important for military - we've all heard about | | | | your safety. |
| horse-back archers, knights, and cavalry. Nowadays | | | | As you become more confident and learn more about |
| although horses are still be some military forces, in | | | | horse riding, you eventually be able to progress on |
| Western militaries their role is principally ceremonial - | | | | your own. Practice and spending your horse is |
| for example, the British Household Cavalry (which | | | | obviously essential, and one of major ingredients of |
| consists of two regiments, the Life Guards, and the | | | | improving your skills. Additionally, you can use |
| Blues and Royals) performs a number of ceremonial | | | | resources such as books, an Internet web sites to |
| duties in the UK. | | | | learn about equestrian activities and techniques. |