| Equestrian sports are one of the oldest categories of | | | | stamina is required. There are some events where the |
| the Olympic Games. One of the first events introduced | | | | fences will grow higher each round. There are also |
| was the four horse chariot race. The equestrian | | | | cases where there is a time race where all horse and |
| events are comprised of three categories - dressage, | | | | rider combinations that did not knock down any rails will |
| show jumping and the three-day event. This is | | | | be required to race around a set course. |
| sometimes referred to as the "equestrian triathlon" as | | | | Cross Country |
| well. The three-day event includes dressage and | | | | This event is very popular with spectators as well as |
| jumping as well as cross country riding over testing | | | | for the competitors themselves. The event is a test of |
| jumps. | | | | the endurance of horse and rider as well as their |
| For each category competition is in teams and as | | | | teamwork. They will be required to make their way |
| individuals. The aim is to complete all events with the | | | | through a long and varied course of obstacles. In cross |
| lowest penalty points and there are a lot of trust, | | | | country the obstacles are fixed and may replicate |
| endurance and skill aspects involved in competition. | | | | items found in nature such as ditches or logs and there |
| The following is a brief description of the three day | | | | are man made obstacles as well. The trust of the |
| event or equestrian triathlon. | | | | horse to follow the lead of the rider in these events is |
| Dressage | | | | the most important aspect of being able to compete in |
| Dressage is often also referred to as the 'horse ballet'. | | | | the cross country event. |
| This is where the horse is trained to respond to its | | | | For equestrian events the horses are required to pass |
| rider and to show the horse's natural gymnastic abilities. | | | | a veterinary check. The horses will almost always be |
| The dressage category is the first test in the | | | | braided and beautifully presented and the riders will |
| competition and will consist of a set of required | | | | dress in formal riding outfits. The equestrian sports |
| sequence and movements by horse and rider. Judging | | | | world is a place full of diverse cultures and |
| is based on accuracy, balance, rhythm and obedience | | | | backgrounds and all of those involved of course have |
| of the horse to the rider. | | | | a love for the horses themselves. There is an ultimate |
| Show jumping | | | | recognition of team work between the horse and rider |
| This is perhaps the most commonly known of the | | | | that must work together for many hours to obtain the |
| equestrian events. The competitions themselves will | | | | necessary skills and to be able to compete in the |
| vary in style but generally the horse and rider must | | | | events themselves. |
| follow a specified route around the arena and jump | | | | A great deal of endurance and strength is required as |
| specific obstacles in sequence. The objective and | | | | well as being able to bring in grace and delicacy and |
| judging relate to the horse and rider being able to jump | | | | therefore requiring such a mixed facet of abilities in the |
| the set course without upsetting any of the obstacles | | | | horses as well as in the riders themselves. Being able |
| and sometimes also in a specified time frame. The rails | | | | to take part or even just be a spectator in equestrian |
| of the obstacles are not solid and if contact is made | | | | events is a great opportunity and if you have not been |
| by the horse the rails will fall. | | | | to any equestrian sports events previously perhaps it |
| Often winning in show jumping falls more to a fit horse | | | | is time to see what all the fuss is about. You may just |
| rather than a horse that can jump the highest as | | | | be surprised at how incredible a sport it really is. |