::Halter::
A class where the horse is shown with only a halter or bridle and a lead rope while controlled by an unmounted "leader." Often with an emphasis on conformation, movement and obedience. In Equine sense, liberty classes are included in this category even though the horse is not being held by the handler. Prospect classes also fall into this category; however, racing horses should not enter either Liberty or prospect classes.

::Racing::
A discipline where horses are judged based on thier ability to run against other horses and reach the finish line first. Saddles are typically minimal with very short stirrups. Bridles tend to resemble English headgear more than Western. Races are divided based on breed, age and past wins.

Flat Racing:

Acceptable racing breeds are Thoroughbreds, Arabians (any strain), Standardbreds and Quarter Horses or Stock Horses. Racing Standardbreds involves harnessing horse to a small cart and requires the horse to trot or pace.

Steeplechasing:

Acceptable breed for this type of race is Thoroughbred. These races include large natural looking jumps and usually cover much longer distances (four or more miles) than flat racing.

::English Disciplines::
All of these events require horse and rider to be outfitted in an English riding habit. Saddles are relatively flat without horns and with lower pommels and cantles than seen on Western horses. Bridles usually include a noseband and may have one or two bits, a curb chain and a browband which goes straight across the horse's forehead. Riders usually wear a helmet or top hat, breeches or jodhpurs, and a jacket of some sort.

Hunters or Hunt Seat:

A discipline in which the horse is judged on movement, obedience and jumping form. Horses should have little knee action, a good bascule (stretching down of the neck over a jump) and a willing attitude. It is a stylized form of the sport where a large group of horses and riders follow a pack of hounds to track a fox.

Show Jumping:

A discipline where mainly the atheltic and jumping ability of the mount is tested. Obstacles are higher, wider and more complicated than in Hunt Seat. Speed is imperative with time added on for faults such as knocking down rails or taking too long to complete the course. Show Jumping courses are in an enclosed ring with stylized and flashy obstacles.

Cross Country Jumping:

A discipline where mainly the athletic and jumping ability of the mount is tested. Obstacles are higher, wider and more complicated than in Hunt Seat. Speed is imperative with time added on for faults such as knocking down rails or taking too long to complete the course. Cross Country courses involves great distances, high speeds and natural looking jumps.

Dressage:

A discipline where the athletic ability of the horse on the flat is tested. Riders and horses are asked to perform a standardized "test" to demonstrate the following attributes in the horse: rythum, relaxation, impulsion, contact, straightness and collection. Movements in this type of riding can include: piaffe, passage, periouttes, lead changes, collection and extension. Horses should perform these movements at minimal cueing from the rider with great ease and relaxation.

Eventing or Combined Training:

A stylized form of military training designed to demonstrate the flexibility of the horses' training and ability. Includes three phases which may take place on a single day or be spread over three days. These phases include Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping. The difficulty of these three phases are reduced compared to competitions involving only one of those events alone. Horse must have stamina, jumping ability and obedience.

Saddleseat:

A form of riding which asks for high knee action, flashy movement and extreme animation from the horse. Often includes gaited horses. No jumping is involved, but some shows may show the horse's versatility by including driving events.

Endurance Riding:

A long distance under-saddle event where horses are checked by a vet at set intervals for condition and recovery. Failing a vet check results in immediate disqualification.

::Western Riding::
The following disciplines require western tack. Western saddles have horns and higher pommels and cantles than found in English riding. Bridles are usually minimal lacking a noseband and with browbands which encircle only one ear. Bits when used are typically of the curb style meaning the exert more leverage on the poll of the horse than traditional English bits. Bosal or "bitless bridles" are also used. This style of riding developed mainly in America from the training of horses to handle cows and be used on ranches. Mounts typically should exhibit low head carriage and the ability to neck rein. Neck reining is steering in response to slight rein pressure on the neck of the animal.

Western Pleasure, Western Equitation, Western Horsemanship and Trail:

A discipline where horses are expected to exhibit slow gaits, low head carriage and exceptional obedience. Riders should use minimal aids with maximum results. Required movements include halt, walk, jog and lope. In trail classes, horses must show exceptional tolerance for unusual sights, sounds, objects and movements. Riders should be able to open gates, navigate obstacles and handle objects without protest from the mount.

Reining:

A displine where horses are judged on athletic ability while performing a complicated pattern. Required movement often include spins, turn backs and sliding stops. Horse should remain relaxed and responsive and react to minimal cueing by the rider.

Roping, Cutting and Penning:

A discipline where horses are judged on their ability to seperate a cow from the herd and prevent it from returning to the group. Requires "cow sense" and agility. Roping involves the rider throwing a rope to catch either the head or feet of a calf. Penning is a team discipline where horses are judged on their ability to seperate cows and herd them into an enclosed area.

Western Games:

A discipline where horses are judged on thier atheletic ability to complete a specific course in a limited amount of time. Games include Barrel Racing, Keyhole and Pole Bending.

::Driving::
All of these disciplines involve a horse or team of horses hitched to a wheeled vehicle. Horses are equipped with harnesses which usually do not provide a seat for a rider. Drivers sit in the cart, carriage or buggy usually with a groom and wear English style riding clothes. Some driving events may allow less formal attire or protective gear for the driver and groom.

Pleasure Driving:

Includes a variety of events including Formal, Obstacle Course, Cones, Country Pleasure and Dressage driving performed in a ring. Horses should exhibit obedience, calmness and a willing attitude. Required movements usually include Halt, Walk, Walk On, Trot and Trot On. Cantering while hitched is considered poor form and may injure the horse.

Endurance Driving:

A long distance event where horses are checked by a vet at set intervals for condition and recovery. Failing a vet check results in immediate disqualification.

Combined Driving:

A driving event which is usually spread over three days and includes Dressage, Marathon and Cones events. Horses require stamina, obedience and agility to compete in this type of event. Scoring is primarily time based with faults awarded for knocking into obstacles, taking the wrong course and taking too long to complete a course.