Equestrianism

History

Equestrianism is the art and skill of horsemanship. Enthusiasts range from recreational trail riders to Triple Crown jockeys, trainers, and groomers. Most equestrians take up the sport after falling for the beauty and spirit of horses, and it is usually the horses, not the humans, which generate the most attention.

Horseracing, most notably chariot racing, was part of the Olympic events in ancient Greece. Humans rode bareback for many centuries before the first saddle was introduced in about 500 CE. These early saddles were outfitted with just one stirrup that was used strictly for mounting and dismounting until later equestrians determined that two were safer and more comfortable than one.

The Spanish earned a prominent place in the history of equestrianism for their reintroduction of fine horses to North America during the Age of Exploration. Horses had been extinct on the continent for thousands of years. At first, their size and swift movements frightened some Native Americans. However, many tribes became quite adept at horsemanship, especially the Nez Perce, who were known for breeding Appaloosas. The horse played an exciting role during the next few centuries of conquest and exploration.

Historically, most cultures that bred horses also raced them, but the English led the world in the sport of thoroughbred racing. A pastime of the aristocracy, most races took place on fine English estates, including the first Epsom Derby, held in 1780. The Derby, along with the 2,000 Guineas and St. Leger Stakes, represent the British equivalent of the United States' Triple Crown. The Grand National Steeplechase, another prestigious British race, has been held annually since 1839. Steeplechase racecourses are designed to emulate a ride in the country, which might include streams, fallen logs, and other natural obstacles over which a horse would have to jump.

The first official thoroughbred race in the United States took place in 1863, in Saratoga Springs, New York. Other states accommodated the growing sport, but it was in the rolling hills of Kentucky where the sport especially blossomed. After a century of racing that began in downtown Lexington, in 1883 Kentucky established Churchill Downs and the first official Kentucky Derby took off.

Modern Olympic equestrian competitions began at the 1900 Olympic Games, with events open at first only to commissioned officers in the military. Women began to compete in 1952. The three traditional disciplines, Jumping (Prix de Nations), Dressage, and Eventing, a three-day event that includes a cross-country competition, have changed little since 1900. Dressage, a test of horse obedience, is often compared to ballet, and indeed consists of pirouettes and other moves choreographed to music. Rodeo was included for the first time in 2002.

Noncompetitive, recreational trail riding attracts millions of Americans. Every state offers riding trails that are free and open to the public. An enthusiast can trot along an easy trail developed by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy or partake in the challenge of riding into, and out of, the Grand Canyon.

Some items and supplies required for equestrianism include:

A horse

• Boarding facility (or owned shelter and pasture)
• Trainer for "unschooled" horses
• English or Western saddle, and saddle soap
• Horse pad or blanket, stirrup, bit, and other tack
• Horse bandages, boots, other equine clothing
• Grooming tools (halter, lead rope, brushes, combs, scrapers, hoof pick, sponges, equine shampoo)
• Veterinary supplies (topical dressings, petroleum jelly, fly repellent, and more)
• First aid kit (for riders)
• Food (hay, grain, apples and other treats for the horse)

Techniques

The two main styles of horseback riding are "Western" and "English." English is the style that competes in dressage and jumping, and is used for polo or fox hunting. The saddles are flat and the reins are held with two hands.

Western riding is the "cowboy" style. The saddle has a horn, used for lassoing cattle, which the rider can accomplish by holding onto the reins with just one hand. Western enthusiasts can compete at rodeos, which may include steer or calf roping, barrel racing, and pole bending events.

Both Western and English styles can be used for trail riding. Some competitions offer events in both styles as well.

Most equestrians eventually want to own a horse. Many factors go into the decision about which horse to buy, including the horse's age, size, previous training, and disposition. For many, the breed is the most important factor. Some of the more popular breeds for Western riding include the Appaloosa, Paint, and Quarter Horse. Appaloosas are known especially for their beautiful spotted coats. The Quarter Horse was named as such because it can race faster than other breeds in a quarter-mile race.

Horse breeds popular for English riding also include Appaloosas and Quarter Horses, which demonstrates the fact that many breeds are versatile and can be used for any type of riding. Thoroughbreds are also especially valued for their speed. Warmbloods, while technically a group of various breeds, are known for their skill in jumping.

One of the first things a novice should learn is to approach a horse from the front; approaching from the rear could spook the animal. Some horses may appreciate a gentle hand stroking the forehead while others may not. It is important to find ways to communicate with the horse so that a good working relationship can be established.

Early lessons should also instruct novices in saddling a horse, which is always done on the horse's left side, and how to mount and dismount. Riding schools usually teach novices how to mount and dismount with a lunge line, which is a 25-foot rope attached to the horse to prevent it from running away. Novices will learn how to sit properly in the saddle, how to balance the body, and how to "post the trot," or rise up as the horse trots. Beginners should also learn how to steer, how to stop a horse and how to use the legs, voice, and whole body to communicate in other ways. A novice should become comfortable first with trotting before moving into the canter (a three-beat gait) or gallop.

Trends

Horseback riding vacations on dude ranches, equestrian vacations to exotic locales such as Mongolia or Botswana, or domestic, multi-day trips with upscale lodging and gourmet meals represent some of the enticing packages available to contemporary enthusiasts with money to spare. There are also trends in gear for both riders and horses (such as helmets and saddles) that change from year to year.

Equestrianism for Fun vs. Profit

Experienced equestrians may become professional breeders, trainers, groomers, and jockeys (for those with a small physique), or may participate in other equestrian sports such as dressage or show jumping. One can also operate a commercial horse riding or pony ride business, work as a trail guide, or become a farrier (someone who makes and fits horseshoes) or equine veterinarian. Horsemanship skills also come in handy for acting and circus jobs, and some urban police positions.

Learning More

Organizations

USA Equestrian <http://www.usef.org/>

United States Pony Clubs <http://www.ponyclub.org>

American Youth Horse Council <http://www.ayhc.com/>

Bibliography

Dunning, Pam and Lionel. "Riding School." New York: Barron's, 1989.

Price, Steven D. "Essential Riding: A Realistic Approach to Horsemanship." New York: Lyons Press, 2000.

Storey, Judith Dutson. "Getting Your First Horse." North Adams, MA: Storey, 1998.

Strickland, Charlene. "The Basics of Western Riding." North Adams, MA: Storey, 1998.

U.S. Olympic Committee. "A Basic Guide to Equestrian." Torrance, CA: Griffin, 2001.