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