Senior Meg Feil, co-captain of the USD Equestrian Team, explains the basic techniques for English-style riding.

Climb on Board

Always lead, mount and dismount on your horse's left-hand (or hoof!) side. Gather the reins in the left hand. Use your right hand to position your left boot in the stirrup. Move your right hand to the back of the saddle and spring off your right leg, pulling your body up. As your left leg straightens, swing your right leg over the saddle, find the right stirrup and slowly lower yourself into the saddle.

Ready, Steady
The basic preferred body position is consistent through all gaits and is based on safety, effectiveness and aesthetics. Keep your back straight, chin up and shoulders back. Legs should remain tight, stretching long with weight down in the heel so the toes point up and slightly out. Arms are bent with the elbows at the hip and the hands held just above your horse's neck.

Steering
To keep a horse tracking straight ahead, you should balance your body in the center of the saddle, and channel the horse through equal pressure in both reins. Your eyes always should look in the direction you're planning to go, because your horse can sense the shift in the weight of your head and body. Remember that you are not just turning your horse's head, but his entire body.

To turn right, pull slightly on the right rein. To turn left, pull slightly on the left rein. In both cases, use pressure from the corresponding leg to support and bend the horse's body and haunches.

Dismounting
Once your horse has stopped, gather the reins in the left hand and take your right foot out of the stirrup. Placing your weight on your horse's neck and in your left stirrup, raise your body and swing your right leg over your horse. Keeping your left leg straight, balance yourself by replacing your right hand on the back of the saddle. With both arms remaining rigid, drop your left stirrup before slowly sliding your body down to the ground.