Horseriding

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The activity or sport of riding a horse for pleasure, exercise, competitive events, or transportation
2. Engaging in the practice of controlling and traveling on horseback for recreation, athletic purposes, or commuting
3. The skill and action involved in sitting on and guiding a horse, whether for leisure, sport, or travel purposes

Etymology: "Horseriding" is a plain compound: "horse" joined to "riding," the gerund of "ride." Both parts are old English words, and the joined form is simply the pair put side by side, with no special coinage behind it. The word "riding" itself traces back to Old English "ridan," which meant to travel on horseback or in a vehicle, so the compound literally describes riding a horse. The spelling is the notable quirk. Dictionaries and style guides usually prefer the two-word "horse riding" in British English and "horseback riding" in American English, so the closed form appears mainly as a variant spelling. The meaning has stayed close to its literal sense, covering recreation, sport, and everyday travel alike.

Synonyms: equestrianism, horseback riding, riding