| The sport of horse racing has been around for | | | | come in several different styles and colors for all |
| centuries. Ancient Romans famously popularized | | | | riders, from novice to professional, to choose from. |
| chariot races that were widely enjoyed by large | | | | The English riding style also features horses outfitted |
| groups of spectators. In North America, the late 1800s | | | | with English bridles. These bridles are the headgear |
| marked the opening of many major racetracks and | | | | that the horse wears, allowing the rider to control them. |
| equestrianism fever took hold. Horse racing is indeed a | | | | In the English style of riding, the bridle actually includes |
| sport and requires vigorous dressage, or training, for | | | | three pieces: a headstall, the reins, and the bit in the |
| both horse and rider. Skilled riders can eventually enter | | | | horse's mouth that the reins are attached to. Bridles |
| prestigious competitions, in hopes of earning rewards | | | | come in several styles, and different types of bridles |
| for their accomplishments. Considerable time must also | | | | are typically used for dressage vs. actual competition. |
| be spent selecting the correct equestrian equipment. | | | | Henri de Rivel is again a popular manufacturer for |
| Depending on the style of riding that the rider and | | | | these pieces. HDR has a reputation for quality, and its |
| horse will be engaging in, the equipment needed will | | | | equipment is designed with both the horse and rider in |
| vary. | | | | mind. |
| The English riding style is the most commonly used, | | | | Additionally, the stirrups used for English riding can |
| and perhaps most easily recognized, style in | | | | differ from the styles and types used for dressage, |
| competition today. The English riding style requires the | | | | exercise, or Western riding. The stirrups used in English |
| use of an English saddle, designed to allow more | | | | riding are typically made of iron, stainless steel, or |
| flexibility in the horse's movement than its Western | | | | another kind of metal. Ideal stirrups are designed to |
| counterpart. One of the more popular English Saddle | | | | easily allow the rider to mount the horse, while |
| manufacturers, Germania, offers attractive saddles | | | | providing as much safety as possible during dismount, |
| that are both flexible and comfortable. Another English | | | | through proper leg positioning. As a result, stirrup fitting, |
| saddle manufacturer, Henri de Rivel -- sometimes | | | | size, and selection must not be taken lightly. Improper |
| shortened to HDR, offers several attractive saddle | | | | sizing and placement of the foot could unfortunately |
| options for both adult and child alike. HDR's saddles | | | | lead to serious injury. |