Equestrian is commonly called horseback riding or having such skills on riding a horse. In the Olympics, the current Equestrian events are dressage, eventing, and show jumping. Moreover, there are other events such as reining, endurance, vaulting, and combined driving being recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Equestrian History

This can be traced back to ancient Greece where dressage was conceptualized and done to prepare the horses for battle. The horses’ natural movements while they are in a herd were recognized as a strategic and major advancement over armies that were on foot on the battlefield. The modern dressage that we know of today has been developed over the years right after the no-military people began to adopt it as a sport while retaining a number of its original principles.

In the ancient Olympics, horses were also used for chariot racing, while eventing originated for people to test and prepare their military horses for dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Also, ‌modern equine sports have also adapted the pieces of equestrian athletics that are rooted in the tradition and history of hunting in England.

Wearables such as leather boots, riding jackets, breeches, and other clothing for equestrian competitions also were adapted from ‌hunting practices in England.

Dressage

The criteria for judging relies on the quality of the horse training and the flexibility of the horse with the final score from both of the criteria. Each of the moves will be rated from 0-10 that will be compiled for a total score of 100. With 33 prescribed movements and a freestyle routine, each of the participants performs a test in front of the judges. The typical score a rider gets is in the 70s and can have an exceptional score being in the 80s.

Eventing

Eventing as an equestrian event involves a combination of show jumping, dressage, endurance, or cross-country and is being held over 2-3 days. Also, the rider and the horse must go through a series of obstacles with different terrain for endurance or cross-country options. This equestrian event is open for men and women and the rider with the lowest points wins for the reason that ‌throughout the competition, riders can receive penalty points.

Jumping

This is another term for show jumping where the rider and the horse jump over multiple hurdles in set courses within a given time frame with zero to minimal mistakes on avoiding knocking down the poles or either the horse or rider falling during the performance.