The different competitions of the world of equestrian sport

Riding has been considered as a sport in its own right since ancient times. As a result, there are currently many ways to practice this activity. From rodeo to jumps to polo, riders are spoiled for choice. They can also practice alone or in a team.

Olympic Games

The Olympic Games are among the most prestigious sports competitions in the world and represent a dream for many athletes. During this historic event, riders can participate in three disciplines, namely dressage, the CCE (Comprehensive Riding Contest) and the CSO (Show jumping competition). Riding events are the only ones to be mixed during the J.O.
For the training, the competition consists of making movements and figures in order to show the horse's abilities, the quality of his training and the great mastery of the rider. The judges observe both the sequence and the execution of the figures requested.
During the CSO, the horse must cross several obstacles in a certain order and as quickly as possible, without dropping them. The principle is simple, but the difficulty lies in the fact of combining dexterity and speed.
Finally, the CCE combines three exercises to be done with the same mount: a show jumping course, a cross-country race and a dressage recovery. Horses and their riders are graded according to the results obtained in each test.

World Equestrian Games

The World Equestrian Games are the world of sportsmen evolving in the universe of the horsemanship. This competition has eight disciplines, including dressage, EAC, CSO, endurance, driving, reining, paraquescent training (for riders with disabilities) and aerobatics.
The team comes in different categories depending on the number of horses driving the cart (1, 2 or 4) and the nature of the equine (ponies, draft horses or blood horses). The competitions also include several successive tests, including dressage, maneuverability and the marathon.
Endurance events are usually carried out on a marked course, with free or imposed speed, with or without a hitch. They can compete on a distance of 20 to 160 km, depending on the level of the competitors. Throughout the itinerary, veterinarians frequently check the vital signs of horses to limit the risk of accidents.
Inspired by western riding, reining consists of stringing together patterns to highlight the horse's handling thanks to the quality of his training. The equine is also guided with soft reins and a hand all the way. The complicity of the rider and his horse is really decisive for the quality of execution of these successive movements.

Team competitions

One of the World Equestrian Games, aerobatics consists of performing various figures on the horse and in music. These movements can be done at a gallop or at a pace, alone or in a team. To facilitate the performance of the choreography, the equine is equipped with a large carpet and a surfaix. The notation takes into account in particular the delicacy of the execution, the regularity of the pace and the artistic expression.
In a less artistic context, team equestrian sports are relatively numerous and are often difficult for riders and horses alike. Polo and horse ball are among the most popular disciplines in the world. The two teams usually compete on standardized pitches and use standardized equipment to be on an equal footing.
In polo, teams are made up of three to four riders. Substitutions are allowed for all players. The objective is to send the ball to the opponent's goal with the help of a mallet. After a goal, both teams exchange their camps. In this way, no party is favored by any defects on the lawn.
The horse-ball sees teams of four riders compete, plus two substitutes, in a career. They must send a ball equipped with leather handles in the opposite goal, which is located in height. In addition, players must make at least three passes before attempting to score. If the ball is on the ground, the riders must remain in the saddle to pick it up.