Equestrian Sports - For The Love Of Competition

As a species human beings enjoy competition in allmovements are almost a ballet and any
its forms whether it be a simple kick around indisharmony would be like the orchestra playing
the park or taking part in a major event, eitherout of tune.
as part of a team or as an individual. EquestrianIn any Equestrian Sport the condition of the horse
Sports fulfil this desire to compete ion every level,plays a major part, he needs to be healthy and
either as part of a team or as individual. You canhappy, well fed, watered and groomed so that he
represent yourself, your club or at the veryis comfortable and ready for the excitement of
highest level, your Country.the competition - after all you want to win a
Riding demonstrate the harmony between RiderRosette don't you?
and Horse in a way that nothing else does. MenThere are many competitions in the world of
and women can both take part on level playingEquestrian Sports but there are some that stand
field which is rare in any sporting event. Thehead and shoulders above the rest - the Burleigh
speed and dexterity with which they and theirHorse Trials in the UK where the best three day
mounts flash around the course can be quiteeventers compete. The National Horse Show in
astounding to a novice. This is the result of manyAmerica covers many fields of equestrian
months of training and developing the relationshipendeavor and is held in Palm Beach under the
between the pairing. Before this can be developedauspices of the National Show Horse Association
you first have to choose the horse you want toof America who focus the competitions on good
ride.horsemanship.
The size of the horse has to be one of the firstOne of the most popular events in the calendar is
criteria - what good is it to have a horse that canthe Horse of the Year Show at Olympia, London,
run like the wind and jump a mile if your feetwhich is held in December each year. A huge
dangle on the floor or you are too heavy for him.party atmosphere prevails throughout the show
Next comes temperament, you need a horsewhich specializes in Show Jumping but with lots of
that you can work with, they have personalitiesother competitions thrown in as well. I have many
just like people and sometimes personalities clash.happy memories of competing there, it was like
If you find that you rub each other up the wrongthe beginning of Christmas. The ultimate
way it will show in the competition and you willcompetition is of course, the Olympic Games
always be fighting to control your mount. Thatwhere Equestrian Sports are one of the oldest
can be disastrous in Dressage for example, wherecategories.
you need to work as one. The precise