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. Hunter-seat riding takes its name from the sport of fox hunting. Until the end of the 19th century fox hunters leaned backwards when jumping.