Equestrian Olympics

Here is a question: if horseback riding isn’t a sport, then why is it a competition in the Olympics? With massive records being broken and set by other athletes like Michael Phelps, the equestrian portion of the Olympics is often overlooked. Many people are shocked to discover that there is horseback riding in the Olympics.


Here is a question: if horseback riding isn’t a sportThe equestrian portion of the Olympics consists of a type of riding called Three Day Eventing. This section is spread over three days with a different section on each day, dressage the first day, cross country the second day, and jumpers the third day. Dressage is a form of riding where the horse is essentially dancing. The purpose is for the rider to remain completely motionless, but communicate so effectively with the horse that it is not noticeable. Cross Country is a type of riding that was developed by the military to train their horses in endurance and bravery. This section is a timed course across miles of land with five to six foot jumps and embankments of water. The third and final section is show jumping. The horse and rider complete a series of five to six foot jumps in a given time limit.

An article in the Sports & Fitness Magazine provides a history of the equestrian portion of the Olympics