1. The Art of Horseback Riding An Artefact by Sara Colenutt Stamina Mobility Power Freedom Grace Wisdom Nobility Loyalty

2. Introduction I find it hard to describe the experience of horse riding in a way that does it sufficient justice, but would suffice to say that it is one of the most awesome experiences in life, and being at one with nature sets it apart from any other sport!

3. My experience around horses has not always been harmonious. As a child I became friends with a girl who lived on a farm and owned her own horse. Unfortunately the friendship proved to be short-lived after she invited me to her farm to ride her horse and did everything in her power to ensure that I was thrown off; which she oddly found highly amusing! Thankfully I wasn’t hurt but the experience left me with no desire to ride or even go near a horse again.

4. However twenty years on with a child mad about horses, I booked a riding lesson at a local riding school. Unfortunately none of my daughters’ friends shared her passion for horses, so it was left to me to keep her company. I will never forget the moment I tentatively got on a horse again; wishing the lesson was over before it had even begun…. Seven years on and I have never looked back. I love riding and now ride because I want to rather than have to! My favourite experience has to be cantering because it is so exhilarating; the air rushing past you, the sheer power of the horse beneath you and the rhythmic sound of the horses hooves beating against the ground; makes for an awe-inspiring experience. There is truly nothing else like it!

5. This presentation considers the benefits of horse riding and briefly outlines the history and culture of riding throughout the ages. It also identifies some interesting facts and information about horses and learning to ride. There is still so much I have to learn about horses, but I am a true horse riding ‘convert’ and have discovered a passion for horses that I would love to share. I Hope that you enjoy this presentation and that it will go some way to convince you to at least give horse riding a try!

6. Keep Fit the Fun way – Horse Riding! Are you feeling like a couch potato, sitting at the computer for far too long or finding the stress of a hectic workload becoming a problem? The answer is simple – get some exercise! Exercise is like ‘brain training’ and is one of the best ways to cheer yourself up and improve your wellbeing. Sport has always played a huge part in popular culture and helps us to stay fit and healthy. The problem is that many of us soon tire of the gym or are put off by injury. Well there is an exercise that is neither boring or painful, horse riding!

7. Did you know ………. That sitting on a walking horse works the same muscles as walking but without the legs having to support any weight. Riding offers a total body workout that improves and increases fitness. It is known to improve balance, co-ordination and muscle tone. Evidence suggests that horse riding improves self esteem and relieves stress; it will almost certainly boost your morale and help you forget your worries!

8. Is Horse Riding for You? There is absolutely no reason why not! Contrary to popular belief, horse riding is no longer exclusive to the middle or upper classes – anyone aged between 5 – 75 years old can do it! Horse riding is now more affordable than ever and you do not have to own a horse to be able to ride. There are now many riding schools to choose from, most of which are available locally. The British Horse Society (BHS) provides an exhaustive list of approved local riding schools http://bhs.101test1.co.uk/Content/Edu-where-to- ride.asp?page=Approvals&area=6 There are also many equestrian centres that specifically cater for those with special needs or mobility difficulties; many of which also offer various riding therapies. The Riding for the Disabled Association provides further information at http://www.rda.org.uk/ “ Horseback riding is a recreational and therapeutic activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages and abilities. As a sport, it provides the rider with the opportunity to master the skills necessary to confidently control and steer the horse through various patterns and obstacles. Horseback riding is also a means to access and explore the great outdoors. For most individuals with disabilities, horseback riding is generally categorized into two types - therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Both types of riding benefit the rider." The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

9. The Benefits of Horse Riding The Physical Benefits Horse riding is a great way of keeping fit and beginners perfecting their riding techniques will particularly feel the benefits; discovering muscles that they did not know existed. Riding is especially good for correcting posture and will build muscle tone on those hard to reach places like the inner thighs and bottom. It has also been known to improve conditions such as arthritis, strengthen the immune system and is particularly beneficial for the disabled and less mobile.

10. The Benefits of Horse Riding - Continued The Psychological Benefits Physical activity is know to be therapeutic and improve self esteem. Chemicals released from the brain during exercise (i.e. serotonin and endorphins) are known to have strong effects on mood and help to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. “When riding a horse, we leave our fear, troubles, and sadness behind on the ground.” Juli Carlson

11. Communal benefits Horse riding is a social activity attracting groups of riders of all ages and ability. Many equestrian centres offer group riding lessons for riders of similar ability which provides a great opportunity to socialise with likeminded people.

12. Horse Facts You can tell how old a horse is by counting its teeth. The height of a horse is measured in hands; each hand is equivalent to 4 inches. The average life span of a horse is between 20- 25 years, though some horses have been known to live a lot longer. There are more than 300 different breeds of horse. The male horse is referred to as a ‘stallion’, the female is a ‘mare’. A small horse is called a ‘pony’ and a newborn is called a ‘foal’. Horses are intelligent creatures that communicate through their senses: eyes, ears and nostrils. A horse with flared nostrils and pinned back ears should be approached with caution!

13. The history of Horse Riding A Brief Look at the Horse Through the Ages

14. New Beginnings From war horse to work horse, race horse to school horse; horses have played an important and influential role in human culture and civilization throughout history. The horse is one of the greatest surviving animals of our time. Sixty million years ago saw the creation of the horse; ‘Eohippus’ or ‘Dawn Horse’ as it was also known. It stood approximately 12 inches high and had four toes. 48 Million years later the ancestor of the horse we recognise today, the ‘Pliohippus’ evolved. As different cultures developed, it adapted itself to its environment and migrated from North to South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Eohippus

15. New Beginnings - Continued In the early days there were only three distinct types of horse: the Forest, the Tarpan and the Asian Wild (more commonly known as the Przewalski). The Przewalski horse was never domesticated and is now an endangered species. Przewalski’s Horse

16. New Beginnings – Continued Though opinions differ, it is widely considered that horses became domesticated and used as a means of transport circa 3000BC. It is also said that around this time, tribesmen in Eurasia started breeding horses as cattle for their meat and milk. The first people believed to have ridden horses were nomadic tribesmen, but it is often said that true equestrian culture started in the Middle East; home to the most noble of horse breeds, the Arab. “The history of mankind is carried on the back of the horse”

17. The Classical Period The Greeks had a passion for horses and Classical Greece saw the dawn of the greatest equestrian partnership in history; Alexander the Great and his mighty stallion ‘Bucephalus’, they rode for thousands of miles and fought many battles together, in order create a powerful empire.

18. The Ancient Romans The Ancient Romans were responsible for many of the foundation breeds of horses that exist today. They were also one of the first to recognise horses as pack animals and used them as such to pull wagons and chariots.

19. The Middle Ages The Middle Ages (5 th to the 16 th century) saw many equestrian professions transpire when the likes of Knights, Blacksmiths, Marshall's, Constable’s, Saddle Makers and Farrier’s came to pass.

20. The Renaissance Period The Renaissance Period (14 th to 17 th Century) saw the creation of classical riding and the opening of the first important riding academy in Europe; the ‘Haute Ecole’. The founder of the academy was Federico Grisone.

21. The Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution (1800s) saw a boom in horse culture. Horses were used to transport heavy vehicles such as barges and trains and pit ponies were sent down to work the mines. Horses were also heavily used in agriculture, to work the land. During this time the famous yet short lived Pony Express postal delivery service was also established. Horseback riders travelled long distances ‘relay style’ to deliver messages across rough terrain and country; covering distances of up to 2,000 miles. After only eighteen months this service was superseded by the Transcontinental Telegraph.

22. The Conquistadors During the 1800s tradition derived from Spanish Settlers or Conquistadors as they are more commonly known, lead the Native Americans to ride horses in herds to hunt for buffalo. This gave rise to the well know tradition of cattle ranching and cowboy culture.

23. A Brief look at the Horse Through the Ages - Continued It was only when society became more industrialised that horses were used for entertainment, sport and recreation and were finally recognised as man’s companion.

24. A Brief look at the Horse Through the Ages - Continued Some cultures regard the horse as a prime food source. This culture dates back as far as the Stone Age and even as late as the 1930’s horse meat was still being eaten in Britain. Though some cultures still consider the horses’ primary function to be a food source, it is now widely considered unacceptable in western culture.

25. Horses in Warfare Horses have changed civilization over the ages and have been involved in warfare for more than 5,000 years. The Iron Age saw the rise of mounted cavalry when the speed and power of the horses were realised and gave armies a huge advantage over their enemy. Throughout the 17 th and 18 th centuries a class of mounted infantry was formed that became known as the ‘Dragoons’. During battle Dragoons were expected to dismount and fight as a regular foot soldier would.

26. Horses in Warfare - Continued The Polish Cavalry was considered to be the largest and best equipped regiment of its time. During the second World War in 1939, the Polish Cavalry; which consisted of 11 brigades of over 25,000 trained horse soldiers, engaged in 16 classic cavalry charges; most of which were successful and helped to shield the country from its enemy. The cavalry was often referred to as the ‘Elite of the Polish Army’ and proved itself to be a successful deterrent in battle. Unfortunately the Polish regiment was largely wiped out during this conflict and what remained were used as either reserves or for transporting troops and supplies. The Polish Cavalry “Wherever man has left his footprints in the long ascent from barbarism to civilization, we find the hoofprint of a horse beside it." John Trotwood Moore

27. Horses in Warfare - Continued Famous Eighteenth Century Cavalry battles include the Battle of Waterloo (1815), the Charge of the Light Brigade (1854) and Custer’s Last Stand at Little Bighorn River (1876). After the first World War, the mounted cavalries days were numbered in favour of modern warfare and though Dragoon regiments still exist today, the mounted regiment duties largely consist of public and state ceremonies. Battle of Waterloo

28. Horse Culture The following pages look at the cultural aspects of horse riding

29. Horse Culture Cultural attitudes differ from nation to nation but Art and Anthropomorphic characters in film and literature have helped to change societies attitudes towards horses. Similar to that the dog, the horse is now highly regarded as a pet and companion. In many cultures it is symbolic of their faith or believes. Horses have also been regarded as symbolic in dreams and many psychiatrists believe the manifestation of a horse to be of significance.

30. The Spanish Riding School The prestigious and well renowned Spanish Riding School in Vienna is the most famous classical riding school in the world. It was established over 430 years ago and its methods are derived from the renaissance tradition of cultivating classically trained horses. It is called ‘Spanish’ because the original inhabitants were a breed of horses called Lippizans; which are horses of Spanish descent. Spanish Riding School

31. The Spanish Riding School - Continued The equitation is based on many philosophies; the most notable of which are the teachings of the Greek General, Xenaphon, who is regarded as the father or equitation. It is also based the ‘Haute Ecole’ which was the first ever riding academy founded by Federico Grisone. Uniformed cadets are trained both practically and theoretically for over four years in all areas of horse care. Only after a period of about ten years can a cadet become a rider. It takes approximately six years to train a horse to the standard required to be able to perform at the Spanish Riding School.

32. Chinese Horse Culture China accounts for more than one sixth of the worlds horses with the ‘spirit of Equus’ (the horse) being a popular part of Chinese culture and art. Since ancient times the Chinese have held the horse in high regard and similar to the dragon, horses were seen as a creature of mythology, associated with both flight and survival and said to carry their riders to the "home of the immortals“.

33. Chinese Horse Culture The Chinese were responsible for inventing the horse collar, the stirrup and the harness; three of the most important pieces of horse riding equipment.

34. Chinese Horse Culture The horse is often associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini which represents practicality, love, endurance, devotion and stability. The Chinese believe that those born in the year’s of the Horse to be tyrants, revolutionaries, or thieves. Conversely, it is also said that they are likely to excel. ‘Horses’ are also said to be born to race or travel, be impatient, quick witted, enjoy socialising but find it hard to settle in one place. The ancients considered the Year of the Horse to have masculine traits and to represent desires and wishes.

35. Symbols of the horse Power Honour Grace Beauty Nobility Reverence Strength Freedom In Buddhism the horse is symbolic of energy and effort in the practice of dharma or ‘ones righteous duty’. A winged horse is often depicted carrying the book of law. The ‘Wind horse’ also symbolises the air that channels through the body and represents the vehicle that controls the direction of the mind.

36. Symbols of the horse Many cultures associate the horse with the four natural elements: Earth, Fire, Air and Water; all symbols of life-force. The colour of a horse is also symbolic. black generally symbolises: Mystery and death; night, secrets and cryptic messages Whilst white symbolises: Light, sun, day, vitality, illumination, resurrection and messages of birth

37. Horse Symbols in Dreams The Influential Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung believed that horses were symbolic in dreams and said that the horse was representative of the intuitive aspect of human nature and the desire to be wild and free. Jung’s Definitions: Riding a horse – indicates a successful event Falling off a horse – indicates fear or lack of success Horse with reins/ropes/cart – indicates the desire for freedom Bucking horse – indicates the desire to break an old habit Carl Jung

38. Horses in Literature Throughout history horses have been prominent in literature; many of which played the part of characters that represented their authors ideals and beliefs. The famous dystopian novel ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell reflected upon Orwell’s distrust of the Communist leader Joseph Stalin and the tale addresses the corruption that took place during this revolution; using anthropomorphic animal characters. There are three horse characters in this novel: Boxer, Molly and Clover; each representing a different human characteristic. Boxer is loyal and strong but naïve and slow; Clover, Boxer’s companion is portrayed as a matriarchal character, whilst Mollie is a selfish and vain character who enjoys being spoilt by humans. There is also a wise yet pessimistic donkey called Benjamin in the story; a close friend of Boxer, who recognises the corruption that is taking place but fails to warn his friends.

39. Satirical author Johnathon Swift is famed for his classical tales of Gulliver's Travels. There are four novels of his travels and each one identifies with specific aspects of modern culture and society (such as politics and religion). His fourth novel concentrates on Gulliver’s travels to the Utopian island of the Houyhnhnms. Houyhnhnms are rational but dispassionate horses that rule the land. ‘Yahoos’ or humans also live on the island but are seen as abhorrent deformed creatures and are used to carry out menial work. Swift uses both creatures to symbolize man; one being sensible and rational and the other being primitive and offensive and the story illustrates how inappropriate both behaviours are. Horses in Literature - Continued

40. Horse Art Horses have appeared in artwork throughout history; quintessentially appearing in historic and traditional pictures depicting battle, sport, romanticism, cowboys and Indians and contemporary art. The famous Lascaux paleolithic cave paintings were discovered in 1940 and are estimated to be over 16,000 years old. These paintings have given us great insight into prehistoric art and our human origins. The paintings are of animals and chiefly consist of paintings of bulls and horses. The paintings were engraved into the rocks and colours were created using mineral pigments. Though there is much contention; some believe that the paintings are representative of a large star map or constellation. The caves were open to the public in 1948 and tourists flocked in their thousands to witness the phenomenon. Unfortunately this impacted on the paintings which were badly damaged and due to the change in atmospheric conditions and extensive earthwork, the caves had to be closed. You can still explore the Lascaux caves ‘virtually’ using the following link: http://www.lascaux.culture.fr/?lng=en#/en/02_00.xml http://www.lascaux.culture.fr/?lng=en#/en/02_00.xml

41. Stone Mountain Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor Horse attacked by a Lion by George Stubbs Joan of Arc Plaster Statuette of a Horse by Van Gogh Famous Equestrian Works of Art

42. Horse Whispering A horse whisperer rehabilitates horses with behavioural and psychological problems by appealing to the horses natural instincts and imitating its behaviour within a herd. This philosophy is built upon the principle of using behavioural reinforcement to replace the cruel practices used in some methods of horse training. A horse Whisperer at work

43. Horse Whispering - Continued During the early nineteenth century an Irish horseman called Dan Sullivan became famous for rehabilitating difficult horses that had been abused or had suffered a trauma. It was said that Swift would take a previously unmanageable horse, whisper a few words into its ear and make it tame and well- behaved. Daniel ‘Horse Whisperer’ Sullivan Though Sullivan tried to keep his techniques a secret, others copied his methods. His skills were eventually passed on to Willis J Powell and John Solomon Rarey, who continued the now widely recognised and used technique.

44. Horse Whispering - Continued Even though Horse Whispering is now well known, not everyone is convinced that these techniques work. Some said that Dan Sullivan’s coveted methods were in reality cruel and only served to briefly terrify horses into submission. These rumours damaged the reputation of those with the gift of natural horsemanship and have lead to scepticism as to whether the technique is really effective. “ When people think of natural horsemanship that could mean a lot of things. It isn't natural for a horse to be around people, and it's not natural for a person to be sitting on him either. When we use these words we speak about what's natural for the horse to do within his own boundaries“. Bill Dorrance - Founder of the modern Natural Horsemanship movement “The Horse Whisperer” The Movie

45. Learning how to Ride The following information provides some useful advice and guidance on the basics of horse riding

46. Learning how to Ride To start with you will learn how to control the horse so that it stops, starts and turns in the right direction at your request, using the following techniques: –To stop a horse - pull firmly on both reins –To travel to the left - pull on the left rein –To travel to the right - pull on the right rein –To instruct the horse to move forward - squeeze its girth (your legs should rest on the girth area naturally, but your instructor will show you exactly where this is). Your first lessons will also concentrate on establishing good balance and posture at walking speed. At walking pace you must sit up straight and tall in the saddle

47. Learning how to Ride - continued Once you have mastered these techniques you will then learn how to rise up in the saddle to the horses trot. This is called the ‘rising trot’. In simple terms this is standing up and sitting down to the horses trotting pace using your stirrups (and stomach muscles). After a little practice this becomes more comfortable for both horse and rider. To improve you balance and posture you may also practice techniques such as trotting over poles, the sitting trot, riding without stirrups and the jumping position, All of which correct and improve bad posture.

48. Basic Horse riding Tips Always ride with your heels pointing downwards this keeps your centre of gravity in the right position and promotes rider safety Hold the reins between your thumb and forefingers. Pulling on either the outside or inside (left or right rein) will steer the horse in the desired direction. Squeezing or putting your ‘leg on’ the horse will tell him to move forward or keep moving. Make sure your horse is listening to you but remember that your horse is sensitive and must always be treated with respect. Always look in the direction you are travelling and do not be tempted to look down as it will confuse the horse. If you feel your horse is moving too fast do not be tempted to grip on to him with your legs – it is likely to make your horse move faster.

49. How to get started You do not need to own a horse to ride as lessons are usually available locally. The British Horse riding Society lists all the approved horse riding establishments http://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Find_Where_To_Ride.aspxhttp://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Find_Where_To_Ride.aspx Lesson prices vary from school to school but on average costs about £9 for half an hour. If you are on a tight budget some riding schools will let you work in return for riding lessons. Many riding stables let riders muck out, tack up and help out with youngsters having lead rein lessons in return for discounted/free lessons. All you need to start out are boots with a small heel and clothes that do not restrict your movement. Most riding schools will provide riding hats to get you started.

50. If you are nervous of horses – visit your local riding school or horse sanctuary where you will be able to improve your confidence around horses before getting in the saddle. To see for yourself just how easy this sport is check out this mobile upload of my talented 11 year old! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WAVg0ly_ E4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WAVg0ly_ E4 Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex

51. Photo Gallery Riding School - Westerhoven, Holland

52. Hacking out in North Wales

53. References and Links Links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WAVg0ly_E4 References: The complete idiots guide to Horses – Sarah Montague, P J Dempsey 2003 http://www.horsewhispering.co.uk/ http://issuu.com/hautetotrot/docs/fw2009?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed http://ww2history.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_polish_wwii_cavalry_in_1939 http://www.whats-your-sign.com/horse-symbol-meanings.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullivers_Travels