Trick riding

Trick riding refers to the act of performing stunts while horseback riding, such as the rider standing upright on the back of a galloping horse, using a specially designed saddle with a reinforced steel horn, and specialized kossak loops for hands and feet.

Trick riding is not to be confused with equestrian vaulting, which is an internationally recognized competitive sport governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Horse riding stunts have been performed in many films, such as Roman racing in the 1925 Hollywood silent movie "The Calgary Stampede" where cowboy actor Hoot Gibson rides to the championship in the Roman race, and the iconic film "Ben Hur," as well as in equestrian events such as Equitana and the official opening of the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, rodeos, and much more.

The 18th century trick rider and memoirist Thomas Hammond describes performances in several European countries, including by himself and by James Wolton, the master who taught him.

Up to the mid 1930s, trick riding was a popular rodeo contest, with prize money and world champions declared.