Why do Americans call it "horseback" riding, but other countries just "horse riding"?

Question

Yes, we all know you ride on the horse's back - it's obvious. I'd like to know how the terms diverged historically, so if you know please share!

Anyone answering "because your [sic] on the back of the horse" should read the question more carefully. After all, what other part of the horse would you ride on? Sheesh...

CH - I have lived in the UK, USA and Australia. Additionally I've spoken to friends from Ireland, NZ and South Africa who confirmed this. As for non-English speaking countries I have no idea.

Answer 1

I've looked everywhere Aidan..and I only get re-directed when i search"horseback riding " to "Riding "or Equestrianism".
There are no historical diversions of history or even contemporary fashion related to the term. My best guess:it does not exist. Like an undereducated person saying "i ain't got none" instead of better grammar,(horse) Riding is the correct..and only noted, term. Anything else is just slang.

Answer 2

Just Horse Racing

Answer 3

It is awfully bad form to say anything but riding. We all understand horseback riding or horse riding but those who ride would never say anything but riding ...the same goes for racing which means horse racing : racing never means car racing or motor racing . But of course you can say what you like but any horsey person will understand immediatly if you say horse riding or horseback riding that you do not do these to any degree of seriousness !!!

Answer 4

I think Americans call it "horseback riding" rather than "horse riding," for the same reason that we (park in the driveway) and (drive on the parkway)!

The big difference (the overall distinguishing factor) between people tho' - is how one eats spaghetti.

My wife cuts it up into little pieces, I twirl it using a fork and spoon. I've asked her numerous times "Why do you do that?" And she replies, "Why do you drink your coffee black?"

Hey! No one questions a person about drinking their coffee black! About then I get one of those squinty eyed stares that means, "You eat your spaghetti your way, and I'll eat mine my way!"

.

Answer 5

Your question comes from an assumption that you have made. Who said "other countries" all call it "horse riding"? And is that a translation from their native language? So "horseback" does not translate? I understand you question,... it's about the origin of the term "horseback riding". In order to start answering that question, you'd have to give us more information on where you came up with your assumption.

Answer 6

Really they say it both ways in all countries. I traveled the world many times and have seen many places. It depends on the person not the culture. Sometimes it is because people don't like so they just call it horse riding others huh uh no! So see that is probably the reason I myself just call it riding!

Answer 7

This started in the war tims for obvious reasons riding the horses back.

Answer 8

for the same reason we use inch/foot instead of meters. just to confuse us and make our lives more diffuclt. lol. also bronco riding could also be considered horse riding as well... i don't know. i honestly don't know where else you would sit on a horse if you were riding it. :P

Answer 9

Horse back ridding is when you use some form of a saddle. That term is mainly used to distinguish between, bareback (no saddle or any form of tack), and driving(using a cart or buggy).

Answer 10

I have always called it riding as do those I know. People seem to know that you mean on a horse and not on a bike or motorcycle.