Horses have been used by humans for transportation, sport and recreational purposes for thousands of years. References to domesticated horses date back to around 4500 BC. Horses have played a significant role in combat as well as in transportation and agriculture. With time, horse racing grew to become the favourite sport of kings and noblemen across different civilisations. For many centuries horse racing has been an organised sport and many countries have their own horse racing competitions.
Horse racing can be broadly classified into two types – under saddle and in harness. Under saddle horse racing is primarily seen in the US and the UK. The Jockey Club in the UK and The Jockey Club of North America conduct thoroughbred horse racing, also known as flat racing. Under this category falls another type of horse riding called steeple chasing, otherwise known as National Hunt racing. Other types of horse riding that fall under this category include American Quarter Horse racing, ride and tie and endurance riding. In harness horse riding is meant primarily for standard bred horses and is practised in the US and in Europe.
In equestrian events at the Olympic Games, humans and animals work together. It is the only competitive sport where men and women compete against each other. Even though horse riding was common in Ancient Greece, equestrian events were only included in the Olympic Games in 1912.
Horse riders normally compete in three disciplines namely dressage, show jumping and eventing. “Dressage” means “trained” in French and it is a competition designed to test a horse’s strength and obedience in response to the rider’s subtle commands. Show jumping is an event where the horse and the rider jump over a sequence of obstacles. Eventing is a combination of the above two disciplines with a cross-country course in addition.
Horse riding shows have become very popular over a period of time. They can be broadly categorised into Equitation, Under Saddle, Halter, Harness classes and Jumping or Over Fences. Another form of horse riding is Western riding and this is also very popular. This particular style of horse riding has evolved from the cowboys who rode in the Wild West. Western riding involves riding the horse with the reins held in one hand only. Western horse riders mostly wear traditional cowboy hats, denim jeans and cowboy boots with high heels. Western horses move at a smooth relaxed jog trot and the western canter known as a lope is slow and relaxed.
Apparel, accessories and safety gear for horse riding is widely available. Specialised apparel for horse riding can be bought at various online stores.
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