Classical equestrian disciplines:

• The object of dressage is the development of the horse in full harmony with the rider through harmonic education. As a result of this, the horse becomes balanced, flexible, resilient, free and receptive but also trusting, considerate and diligent, achieving complete understanding with its rider.
• Show jumping is a competition in which the combination of horse and rider are evaluated under different conditions throughout an obstacles course. It is test designed to show the freedom of the horse, its strength, loyalty and obedience during the jumping and riding qualities of the rider.
• Eventing is the most complete combined race, requiring from the rider significant experience in all disciplines of riding and precise knowledge of the abilities of his horse, along with the degree of preparation of the horse resulting from correct and rational training. An athlete is ultimately responsible for knowing these rules and everything related to them. Ignorance of these rules by the stewards or officials, whether intended or not shall not discharge to the competitor. Eventing consists of three separate tests, performed in separate days, during which an athlete participate with a horse in all tests, namely:
  1. Dressage Test conducted in one or several days depending on the number of horses directly followed by the next day with:
  2. The Cross-Country test / field trial, cross / Cross-Country is an event with obstacles is directly followed by the next day with:
  3. The Show Jumping test
• Endurance competitions are conducted to verify the quality, speed and endurance of the horse. In order to participate in such competitions each athlete must be well prepared and have the correct attitude towards his horse while riding through the rough terrain. In endurance competitions every individual of the Equine type is considered a horse.

Horse gaits – types of horse movement:

• walk - a natural 4-beat movement. The horse always has two or three hooves on the ground. The walk is the slowest natural gait, it is the steadiest and most comfortable. The speed goes up to 6.4 km/h
• trot - a steady 2-beat movement. This gait has a period of suspension. The horse springs from one diagonal to the other. In between these springs, all four legs are off the ground. Since the trot has two beats each stride and a moment in mid-air, it is more comfortable for the rider (and the horse) to rise up and down every-other beat (this is called "posting"). The speed is up to 8 - 12 km/h
• canter - 3-beat movement. This gait has a period of suspension after each stride. This gait starts with the hind leg then leads to the front in a rocking motion. When you canter, you keep your seat in the saddle (unlike the trot). Before learning to canter, make sure your balance and rhythm stays consistent with the horse during the trot.
• gallop - a 4-beat movement. When riding the gallop, raise your seat slightly out of the saddle, putting your weight in your heels. Before attempting to gallop, you must be able to control the horse 100% and be able to ride all other gaits in balance. The speed goes up to 40-48 km/h. The world’s record is 88 km/h.

Horse tack:

• saddle (1)
• stirrups (2)
• girth (3)
• bridle (4)
• snaffle bit (5)
• reins (6)
• gaiters (7)
• saddle pad (8)

 

Rider’s equipment:

• spurs
• chaps
• breech
• skullcap

 

* Information from: BEF