Equestrian (say it like this: ek-west-ree-un) events are horse riding events.
Men and women compete in the same kinds of riding events.
Rider and horse work together.
There are different kinds of equestrian events.
Equestrian events are held at gymkhanas, agricultural shows and club events. At the Olympic Games and dressage at the Paralympic Games, they are the only competitions that involve animals.
A horse’s ability to move quickly from side to side, burst into a gallop or change direction immediately were all considered vital skills for horses used by soldiers. Horses have been trained in these skills since ancient times.
The main equestrian events, including at the Olympics, are Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. In each, both individual and team medals are awarded. Both men and women compete in equestrian events.
Jumping events
This is an equestrian event for teams of four riders and their horses, and there are also jumping event for single riders. Each rider must must make their horse jump over about 14 or 15 sets of rails.
Riders guide their horses as they jump over sets of rails in jumping events. ©iStock
They must do this in a set time. They lose points if the horse knocks any of the rails, if the horse will not jump, or if the horse takes too long to complete the course.
Dressage (say: dress-arj )
The riders make their horses do about thirty-six different moves. Some moves are very slow. The moves test the horse's strength and balance as well as how well horse and rider work together. Sometimes the horse looks like it is dancing.
In dressage, the horse and rider must move sideways as one of the required moves. ©iStock
Eventing
Eventing has three parts. The first part is dressage.
Water jumps are part of cross-country in eventing. ©iStock
The second is cross country, when riders have to ride their horses along a track in a set time. As well as the time limit there are a number of walls, logs and fences they jump over, and a water crossing.
The third part of the contest is jumping, which shows how fit and strong the horses are after a cross country race. Individual riders and teams of four compete in this event.
It’s a good idea to get information from more than one source!
Watch a video about jumping and eventing competition at the Olympics
Read about the main equestrian events
https://www.theequestrian.com.au/blogs/news/equestrian-olympic-history
https://www.equestrian.org.au/sports
Horse riding is not just for competition! It is for enjoyment, and it is also wonderful therapy for people with disability. Watch a video about riding for the disabled, a charity in Britain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muSHbYYpHhE
