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By Showjumper Michaela Huntington
From schoolmasters to showjumpers, and donkeys to driving ponies, our equines enjoy an exciting range of disciplines. But is 2015 is the perfect time to try something new? There are many different adventures out there for the avid horse rider, so I have showcased a few disciplines that you may like to add to your bucket list, and suggest the ideal attire.
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 TREC
TREC offers a fun discipline that any rider can enjoy. The discipline helps develop the skills that horse and rider need while hacking, including orienteering, negotiating obstacles and basic flatwork. TREC has three main elements - orienteering on horseback (POR), control of paces (CoP) and cross-country/obstacle course (PTV). TREC is an ideal family sport; visit the TREC GB website, www.trecgb.com, to see the host of events running this year.
Dress code is informal so the ideal footwear for TREC is a short boot and gaiter combination, maximising flexibility and comfort; you may be getting on and off your horse when negotiating obstacles. Wear layers of comfy clothing with a waterproof for the orienteering section, or a long sleeved top.
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 Polocrosse
Polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse, providing a exhilarating alternative discipline foradrenaline junkies. The game is played in teams; each Polocrosse player has a stick with a net in which the ball is carried, and it is passed from player to player whilst mounted, with the object to score goals. The team that scores the most goals, wins. Only one horse or pony per player is allowed and there is no restriction on height, although ideally, equines should not exceed 15.2 hands. Horses of all breeds play polocrosse. Visit the Polocrosse Association’s website for info - www.ukpolocrosse.co.uk.
Polo Boots with zipped fronts are perfect for this sport, however any long boot that is smart and flexible, ideally with covered elasticated panels for movement and flexibility, will suffice. When competing, you will wear a team polo top, but for practise, comfy attire is fine; again, long sleeves are safer. |
 Side saddle
Side Saddle developed as a way for women in skirts to ride in a ‘modest’ fashion, whilst wearing fine clothing! Side saddle has become ever more popular, with shows, events and clinics allowing riders to learn this ancient technique; the annual ‘Diana’s of the Chase’ side-saddle point-to-point race is a popular, modern take on the discipline. It’s not uncomfy - when properly trained, the rider’s shoulders and hips are square to the horse, not twisted or turned off-centre; both reins are held at the same length and tension. Correct posture is essential for balance and security whilst riding side saddle, as only one stirrup is used! Visit the Side Saddle Association’s website for info - www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk.
A smart long boot, perhaps with lacing at the ankle to show off a lady’s leg and match a traditional or replica hunting habit, is ideal for competition or show riding - at home, your regular riding attire will suffice.
Michaela Huntington is a riding instructor and showjumper, and the current National Champion at Discovery Level with her ride Alegro Z. She is the ambassador rider of Taurus Footwear -www.taurusfootwear.co.uk.
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