English style riding was brought to America from England a long time ago. It became especially popular in the Eastern US, where people hunted and rode horses the "proper" (traditional) way. They were not cattle ranchers, but usually people who rode as a social activity. Because of this, English riding is more about STYLE than about using a horse to do a job (even a fun job!), like roping cattle.

In English riding you hold one rein in each hand, so that you can really control EVERY move the horse makes. You use your left rein and your right rein independently to ask your horse to turn left or right, while using your legs to ask your horse to go forward. This is very important for jumping, because to lean forward you have to separate your hands! It also helps for dressage riding, where every move is very delicate.

The English saddle is simple and light, so that you can control the horse with your legs and the way you sit. It also means the horse has less to carry when it is jumping. The seat is shaped to fit the horse and rider closely, so they can move like one person. The stirrups and bridle are small and simple, so that you can "talk" to the horse through them, without anything in your way.