Horsemanship is a term often used to describe stock seat equitation classes at horse shows; also, the body of knowledge and lore that is involved with working with horses. Horsemanship includes learning a wide range of knowledge and skills, including horse care (nutrition, health and hoof care, grooming and exercise needs), stable management, horse psychology, humane training, and effective riding, the mastery of which leads to one's being known as a "true horseman."

An example of horsemanship education would be a program that teaches the hows and whys of horse care, training and riding. A horsemanship program begins with safety in ground handling, grooming, and tacking up; riding instruction begins in the arena, with the horse already prepared for the rider. After the lesson, horsemanship students untack, groom and care for their horse and equipment before leaving the barn; in contrast, riding students typically walk their horse to cool him out before returning him to his stall or picket line, still tacked up.