The riding horse

David Stubbs and Elizabeth Howard wrote this column entitled 'Talking Horses'.

- 

The riding horse class originated in South Africa. It is a wonderful class for the everyday horseman who cannot necessarily afford to own a showhorse, or whose horse does not fall into any particular show category.

Unlike valuable show animals, which tend to be cosseted, a good riding horse must be the sort you can ride anywhere and really enjoy. And this fact should always be borne in mind by the riding horse judge.

He/she should design their test to encompass the practical hazards that might be encountered on a Sunday hack.

Let's say you and a large group of friends decide to ride some distance to another farm to enjoy morning tea or a braai. Here are some of the things that you might come across on the way.

You should expect your good riding horse to behave in exemplary fashion and be a credit to your training, as well as give you a safe and comfortable ride.

It must walk well, without jogging and niggling - however badly the other horses behave and at the trot it must carry itself without hurrying or being sloppy.