Get Inspired: How to get into equestrian sports

A French term that describes the training of horse and rider.

The combination complete a set test in front of judges who score the individual movements based on harmony, rhythm and expression, the impression should be of horse and rider dancing together.

Tests are set for all levels of rider starting at walk and trot for beginners.

The Grand Prix is the pinnacle of the sport contested at the Olympics. Look out for the freestyle choreographed to music. Buzzwords include piaffe, passage and pirouette.

Para-Equestrian Dressage, external is the Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games.

Competitors ride set dressage tests in exactly the same way as their able-bodied counterparts with the complexity of the test based on the athlete's impairment classification.

The Grades range from Grade Ia for the most severely impaired, to Grade IV for the least impaired.

The main governing body and source of information is British Dressage. , external

Show jumping is where horse and rider jump over coloured fences, obstacles and water jumps.

The main aim is to get around without a refusal or knocking over a fence for which the horse and rider are given penalty points.

In the result of everyone jumping a clear round, then a jump off will take place usually against the clock.

This sport is something that novice riders can take part in at a grassroots pony club or riding club level.

Visit British Showjumping, external for more details on the rules, where to find a trainer.

Eventing is the triathlon of the horse world where horse and rider compete in three phases, the first is dressage, the second cross country and the third element is showjumping.

Cross Country is the muddy cousin of showjumping, with solid fences ridden over uneven ground, a course is designed to test horse and rider's endurance and skill - typically the course uses rustic wooden jumps instead of brightly coloured fences.

The aim is to be the horse and rider with the fewest points after completing all elements.

Visit British Eventing, external for more information.

Horseboarding is just like snowboarding but instead of being on snow, the boarder is tied to a horse! With a world-record speed of 40mph it is a sport fuelled with adrenaline but don't worry you'll be properly padded and protected. There are 36 teams competing in the national championships who take part in races around country and also teams for juniors. Communication with the rider is key and it is also a good way to understand horses better. Before taking part all boarders get riding lessons so horseboarding is a great way to get into horse riding. To get into the sport find a training centre near you, external.

Endurance consists of riding across long distances competitively. For this, horse and rider need to have been in training to be as fit as possible. More details on the competitive sport is available at Endurance GB., external Distance riding is an activity suitable for beginners, with pleasure rides starting at around 16km and with routes often running through beautiful countryside. The sport gets more technical as it progresses with competitive rides of 160+km - where support crew and veterinary checks ensure the welfare of the horse become integral.

Carriage driving is a form of competitive horse driving where one, two or four horses are harnessed to a vehicle and controlled by 'the driver' who sits in the carriage. They are accompanied by at least one groom who supports at obstacles or when driving on roads. This can be a pleasure activity for all ages and abilities. In competitive carriage driving trials, combinations compete three phases - for more information visit British Carriage Driving., external The Riding for the Disabled Association, external provides therapeutic opportunities for carriage driving for anyone with a disability.

Reining is a style of western riding originating from the ranching and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors. The equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. Riders complete a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops designed to showcase the agility and obedience of the horse. It is likened to a Western form of dressage with both disciplines requiring finesse and correctness, demonstrating the unity of horse and rider. British Reining, external is the governing body for the sport in the UK and they hold events across the country for all levels throughout the year.