What are examples of artificial riding aids?

Artificial riding aids refer to tools that aid a rider in controlling their horse, enhancing communication, and improving the overall riding experience. Spurs, whips, and martingales are examples of artificial aids used to achieve specific effects while riding.

Spurs are small devices worn on the rider's boots that provide a method of gentle encouragement to the horse to move forward or perform specific maneuvers. Whips can be used as a means to reinforce commands or encourage the horse to maintain an appropriate pace. Martingales help to control the horse's head position, ensuring that it stays at an appropriate height during various maneuvers.

In contrast, bridles, saddles, and stirrups are essential components of the riding tack and do not serve as aids in the same way. Similarly, halters, reins, and lead ropes are primarily used for handling and controlling horses during groundwork, rather than as riding aids.

Thus, the choice that identifies spurs, whips, and martingales is accurate as it highlights items specifically designed to assist the rider while mounted.