riding

Riding is a term with several related meanings across different contexts. In everyday use, it refers to the act of riding—sitting on and guiding a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle. As a noun, riding can denote a journey or ride taken on such a vehicle or animal. The verb and noun are widely used in sport and transportation.

In equestrian contexts, riding encompasses the practice and sport of riding horses, including disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, and polo. A person who rides is called a rider, and equipment commonly used includes a saddle and reins.

In political geography, riding is the term used in some countries, notably Canada and parts of the United Kingdom, to denote an electoral district or constituency. Voters in a riding elect a member to a legislative assembly or to Parliament. The number and boundaries of ridings are adjusted through redistricting processes.

Etymology: The sense of riding as a political district in the British and Canadian contexts derives from the general idea of a jurisdiction or district; the historical Yorkshire usage of riding comes from Old Norse thriding, meaning a third part of a county—the North, East and West Ridings of Yorkshire. The political sense is a later extension of the notion of a defined territorial area for representation.

Notable examples: the Ridings of Yorkshire; numerous Canadian ridings such as Toronto Centre, Vancouver East, and others.