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