Cattle roping and other ranch chores required cowboys to have secure yet maneuverable seats. A stock-seat rider sits erect with legs extending almost straight down. Both reins are held in one hand above the high pommel, or saddle horn, of the heavy Western stock saddle. Breeds used include quarter horses, pintos, Appaloosas, and Arabians. Dressage saddles are similar to saddle-seat tack, although with slightly more padding.
Riders wear hunter-seat apparel or, at higher levels, tailcoats and top hats.
Riding styles, as well as apparel and tack, were developed out of specific historical requirements that were then modified to suit contemporary sporting needs. Riders communicate to their horses with aids, or cues. After learning to mount, dismount, and attain proper body position, the novice rider must learn coordinate the aids, an important step in becoming proficient. To make the transition from the halt to the walk, for example, the rider squeezes his or her lower legs against the horse's sides at the girth to generate forward impetus while simultaneously relaxing the hands to allow the horse to begin moving. Various styles of riding require different techniques on the part of the rider, as well as specialized tack and apparel.