Equestrian: A Sport Played by Man & Animal

It is a partnership between horse and human. Both horse and rider are complete athletes in this sport. Equestrianism means a series of skilled activities performed by a horse and its rider. The renowned ones are the competitive sports of dressage, jumping and eventing.

Our perfect acquaintances never have less than four feet. Horses are some of the most gorgeous animals loved by almost everyone. They signify supremacy and courage most elegantly and motivate people to be independent, assertive, and courageous. This creature with unmatched splendour, immense vigour still remains modest and humble enough to carry a man upon his back like a mum.

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For a long time now, horse riding has been considered one of the most majestic activities. Humans and horses have a long and beautiful saga of working together, so it is no wonder that the world has enjoyed equestrian sports for centuries. Horse riding is called equestrianism, which is considered a sport and is great fun. Building a beautiful connection with a horse indeed makes horse riding such a great experience.

What is Equestrian

Equestrian is an exclusive Olympic sport where a horse is as much an athlete as its rider. In fact, it is the only standing event at the games that comprises an animal. Not only this, but it is also the only Olympic sport where men and women compete against each other in the same event. Hence, it is a distinct sport in many ways.

Dressage, jumping and eventing are the three equestrian disciplines

In dressage, the rider and horse enact precise movements to music.

In jumping, horse and rider jump over barriers as fast and as accurately as possible.

Eventing is an exceptional blend of the above two disciplines - dressage, jumping and cross-country riding on over a 5 km course with around 30 hurdles.

If the horse or the rider fall, they get eliminated from the game. They get penalties when a horse refuses to jump over a hurdle. If the horse and rider finish a course slowly, they get a penalty.

What happened at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021?

There were loads of unforgettable moments from the equestrian competition at Tokyo 2020, in 2021. Dressage extraordinaire Isabell Werth and rising star Julia Krajewskicame together for Germany in what was a very successful equestrian Olympic campaign for the nation. They got 3 out of the 6 golds with Jessica von Bredow-Werndle adding individual dressage gold. Right behind them, Great Britain, Sweden and the US also produced some impeccable rides to round off a fascinating 15 days of thrill and action. The Indian equestrian, Fouaad Mirza and his horse Seigneur Medicott ended 23rd in eventing. He was one amongst the 25 from the field of 63 who made it through the final.

Did you know that more than 300 horses travelled to Tokyo to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics? The four-legged athletes even had their own passports. 19 Airplanes and 185 truck journeys were required to transport the equine travellers.

A Sport Full of Surprises

Since you have come so far reading this article, you are most likely an equestrian or a true horse lover. You might already know that this world is full of surprises.

Gender-Equal: There are no men’s and women’s divisions. It is the only Olympic sport where men and women participate and compete together. In short, Equestrian is gender-equal. Do you want clean, unabridged fairness between the sexes? Then look no further than equestrian, because it’s the one sport that really fulfils this requirement.

Best diversity between ages: It is a sport for all ages as well. No other Olympic sport, not even golf, which is popular in this context — claims a better diversity of ages.

Only Olympic sport that involves animals: This sport raises the idea of teamwork to a different level. Riders have to be the champion of their own training, along with an animal that can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Clearly, one can make a strong case that there is no bigger challenge in all of the sports.

The Pampered Life: Not only the riders but the horses also are treated like kings and queens. Don’t get surprised if we tell you that some of them even have their own personal psychologists. Equestrian sports also keep the mental and physical state of the horse a priority. Thumbs up!

Royal Outfits: Would you not like to wear a good top hat every now and again? By the way, there is no other sport which does competition in a costume. Like a real costume? They all look ready to leave for a wedding…that’s wonderful

Equestrianism is not only a sport, but it is an art to give tribute to the history of the bond and communication between rider and horse. Equestrian Olympic events stage the best of the best games.

From the October 2021 issue of FHM India.