| As a species human beings enjoy competition in all | | | | movements are almost a ballet and any |
| its forms whether it be a simple kick around in | | | | disharmony would be like the orchestra playing |
| the park or taking part in a major event, either | | | | out of tune. |
| as part of a team or as an individual. Equestrian | | | | In 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 can | | | | happy, well fed, watered and groomed so that he |
| represent yourself, your club or at the very | | | | is 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 Rider | | | | Rosette don't you? |
| and Horse in a way that nothing else does. Men | | | | There are many competitions in the world of |
| and women can both take part on level playing | | | | Equestrian Sports but there are some that stand |
| field which is rare in any sporting event. The | | | | head and shoulders above the rest - the Burleigh |
| speed and dexterity with which they and their | | | | Horse Trials in the UK where the best three day |
| mounts flash around the course can be quite | | | | eventers compete. The National Horse Show in |
| astounding to a novice. This is the result of many | | | | America covers many fields of equestrian |
| months of training and developing the relationship | | | | endeavor and is held in Palm Beach under the |
| between the pairing. Before this can be developed | | | | auspices of the National Show Horse Association |
| you first have to choose the horse you want to | | | | of America who focus the competitions on good |
| ride. | | | | horsemanship. |
| The size of the horse has to be one of the first | | | | One of the most popular events in the calendar is |
| criteria - what good is it to have a horse that can | | | | the Horse of the Year Show at Olympia, London, |
| run like the wind and jump a mile if your feet | | | | which 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 horse | | | | which specializes in Show Jumping but with lots of |
| that you can work with, they have personalities | | | | other 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 wrong | | | | the beginning of Christmas. The ultimate |
| way it will show in the competition and you will | | | | competition is of course, the Olympic Games |
| always be fighting to control your mount. That | | | | where Equestrian Sports are one of the oldest |
| can be disastrous in Dressage for example, where | | | | categories. |
| you need to work as one. The precise | | | | |