Catch riding is a regular activity within the horse industry, but for someone new to the sport, it’s a phrase that doesn’t quite translate directly. Even for veterans of the sport, the exact definition can be hard to articulate. So, we asked a few seasoned trainers to define the term. Here are their takes:
“To me, catch riding is picking up extra rides at the horse show that are not your regular rides you have at home,” says Sarah Haas of Swept Away Farm. “I would still call it catch riding if there’s a horse of someone else’s you consistently ride at the horse show.”
Jen Ritucci of Next Venture Farm says a good catch rider is adaptable to different kinds of horses.
“Catch riding is when a person other than their normal rider, is asked to ride or show a horse for someone else. A good catch rider is one who has the ability to get on any different type or style of horse and adapt to their specific ride,” says Jen Ritucci of The Next Venture Farm. “Not all horses are ridden with the same type of pressure or connection, and not all horses like to be ridden the same way. A good catch rider can ride them all well.”
Lifelong horseman and trainer Patrick Mitchell says he immediately thinks of Aaron Vale and Rodney Jenkins as examples of great catch riders.
“Catch riding is the ability to ride a variety of horses effectively. This is used mostly at horse shows, to help certain horses in particular situations,” says Patrick Mitchell. “For example, a trainer might ask a rider to get on a sale horse or a client’s horse. If a professional brings a horse to the shows they want to put in the junior hunters, they’ll ask a junior rider to catch ride it. A good catch rider is worth their weight in gold.”
This Post Brought to You by:
Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (THIS) was founded in 1987 to provide specialized insurance for all types of equine risk. We place our policies with the highest rated and most secure carriers, meticulously selected for reliability and prompt claims settlement. We are proud of our worldwide reputation for responsive and courteous service, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your equine insurance needs and provide you with a quote.
- Access to multiple underwriters
- Leader in the U.S. and European markets
- Customized policies provide you with a choice
- Trusted advisors in the equestrian industry
- Direct access to insurance professionals
- Policies that cover every breed and discipline across all 50 United States
