Types of Horse Competitions
There are several ways to evaluate the strength, stamina, and discipline of a horse. Generally, horses are evaluated on their natural ability to run, jump, herd, and obey. Each kind of competition can be measured in a variety of ways, and in most cases, the rider's ability to control the horse is just as important as the horse's ability to out compete other horses. For a basic overview of the kinds of competitions available in horse riding, please refer to the following.
Racing: There are different kinds of horse racing - flat racing, steeple chasing, and harness racing to name a few. Harness racing involves racing horses pulling wagons or carriages, a competition that dates back at least as far as Roman chariot racing. Steeple chasing is a cross country race that also involves jumping and other obstacle hurdles. However, the most-well known, wide-spread, and profitable horse competition by far is flat racing, which is the traditional horse race that takes place on a circular track. Thoroughbred horse racing is a combination of breeding, racing, and gambling. It is an all encompassing competition and is known as the "Sport of Kings" in part because its patrons, high stakes gamblers, and breeders need to front a considerable investment to take serious part in the game. Some of the most famous of thoroughbred races include the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes, and the Triple Crown, which is when one horse wins all three of these races.
Dressage: Dressage is an Olympic horse sport that evaluates a horse's training, precision, maneuverability, and speed. Dressage originated among the gentry as a type of a showmanship and is sometimes referred to as "horse ballet." It is a competition in which horses are judged on how well they are trained. Specifically, dressage involves showcasing a horse's ability to gather and expel energy in patterns and movement and style, including during formations involving multiple horses performing different roles. Categories of evaluation include judging the gait of the horse (the freedom regularity of its steps), impulsion (the horse's forward movement), collection (the horse's ability to gather energy in its hindquarters), submission (the horse's willingness to take direction), and the rider's position and seat.
Show Jumping: Show jumping is another Olympic sport that combines a horse's training with maneuverability, precisions and speed. Horse jumping originated in France when fox hunting and cross country racing was impeded by the erection of fences. Moving the sport to an arena and employing judging standards allowed a recreational event to become monetized and entertain spectators as well as participants. In show jumping, the course is a mixture of turns, obstacles, and combination jumps. Horses are judged by their willingness to accept the jump, clear obstacles, and complete the course under the time limit. Show jumping is a measure of training and discipline as much as ability because horses do not instinctively get around obstacles by jumping them.
Western Riding Competitions - Reining and Cutting: The Western competitions of reining and cutting originated with American ranchers and cowboys and the occupation of herding cattle on horseback, including cutting cows off from the rest of the herd for branding, sorting, castration, and doctoring. In the reining competition, horses maintain the two fastest gaits, a lope (canter) or gallop, while executing circular runs, quick turns, run downs, and other agile maneuvers in specific patterns under precise direction. In cutting competitions, horse and rider perform reining maneuvers on actual cattle under a specified time limit.
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