Sport played on horseback. Polo: The Ancient Equestrian Sport of Kings and Nobility

What is the history of polo. How did polo spread from Persia to other parts of the world. What are the rules and equipment used in modern polo. How has polo evolved into an international sport.

The Origins and Early History of Polo

Polo, the oldest of equestrian sports, has a rich and fascinating history spanning over two millennia. This noble game, played on horseback, originated in Central Asia and was first played in Persia (modern-day Iran) between the 6th century BC and the 1st century AD. Initially, polo served as a training exercise for cavalry units, particularly the king’s guard and other elite troops. For the warlike tribesmen who engaged in early versions of the sport, polo matches were akin to miniature battles, often involving up to 100 players on each side.

As polo evolved, it became a Persian national sport, widely played by the nobility. Interestingly, both men and women participated in the game, as evidenced by historical accounts of Queen Shirin and her ladies competing against King Khosrow II ParvÄ«z and his courtiers in the 6th century AD. This early inclusion of female players highlights the sport’s egalitarian nature, even in ancient times.

The Spread of Polo Across Asia

From its Persian roots, polo spread across Asia, leaving a lasting impact on various cultures:

• Arabia: Polo gained popularity among Arab nobles and warriors
• Tibet: The English word “polo” is derived from the Balti word meaning “ball”
• China: Introduced around 910 AD, polo became so popular that Emperor A-pao-chi once ordered the beheading of all surviving players after his favorite relative died during a match
• Japan: The sport found its way to the Land of the Rising Sun, becoming a pastime for the samurai class

This eastward expansion of polo demonstrates its universal appeal and adaptability to different cultures and societies.

Polo’s Journey to India and Its Introduction to the Western World

The introduction of polo to India marks a crucial turning point in the sport’s history. Muslim conquerors brought the game to the Indian subcontinent in the 13th century, where it would later catch the attention of British colonizers. Although Sir Anthony Sherley had described the game in his “Travels to Persia” (1613), it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Europeans began to play polo actively.

British tea planters in Assam were the first Europeans to embrace the sport, forming the inaugural European polo club in 1859 at Silchar. The Calcutta Polo Club, established in the early 1860s, further solidified the game’s presence in colonial India. The sport’s popularity among British military officers stationed in India led to its rapid spread within cavalry units.

Polo’s Arrival in England

In 1869, a significant milestone occurred when a challenge round was held between the 10th Hussars and the 9th Lancers in England. At this early stage, the game had minimal rules and featured eight players on each side. Polo’s popularity in England grew exponentially, with matches at Richmond Park and Hurlingham attracting over 10,000 spectators by 1875. The sport’s appeal extended beyond the military, finding favor among university students, nobility, and even royalty.

The Birth of American Polo and Its Rapid Growth

The introduction of polo to the United States is credited to James Gordon Bennett, a prominent sportsman and newspaper publisher. After witnessing his first polo game in 1876, Bennett was instrumental in bringing the sport to American shores. That same year, informal games were being played in New York City, and by 1877, matches were taking place at the Jerome Park racetrack in Westchester County, New York.

The rapid growth of polo in the United States led to the formation of several influential clubs:

1. Westchester Polo Club: Founded in 1877, it became the cornerstone of American polo
2. Meadow Brook Club: Established in 1881 on Long Island, New York, by early polo stars such as Thomas Hitchcock, Sr., August Belmont, and Benjamin Nicoll

As the sport gained traction in America, several key developments occurred:

• Team size reduction: From the initial eight players, teams were reduced to five and finally to four in 1881 in the United States (1883 in England)
• Handicapping system: Devised in 1888 to equalize tournament play
• Establishment of the Polo Association: Founded in 1890 (later renamed the United States Polo Association), it standardized the rules of the game

Despite its growing popularity, polo remained largely a sport for the affluent due to the considerable expenses associated with acquiring and maintaining a stable of polo ponies.

The Evolution of International Polo Competition

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of international polo competitions, elevating the sport to a global stage. The first international match took place in 1886 when the United States challenged England, then considered the world’s top polo nation, for the Westchester Cup. Although the Americans were unsuccessful in their initial attempt, this event marked the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the two nations.

The Westchester Cup: A Symbol of Polo Supremacy

The Westchester Cup became the most prestigious trophy in international polo, with several notable contests:

• 1902: England successfully defended the Cup
• 1909: The United States claimed victory for the first time
• 1914-1939: The Cup was contested nine additional times, with the Americans winning all but the 1914 match

The dominance of American polo players in these international competitions led to a shift in playing styles. The traditional English form of play, characterized by short, controlled hitting, gave way to the American style of long-hitting and more aggressive tactics.

Modern International Competitions

After a hiatus in international polo matches, competition resumed in 1971 with the Coronation Cup. This annual event, featuring a single game rather than a three-game series, became a new focal point for international polo rivalry between the United States and England.

The Rules and Equipment of Modern Polo

As polo evolved from its ancient origins to the modern sport we know today, a standardized set of rules and equipment emerged. Understanding these elements is crucial for appreciating the intricacies of the game.

Basic Rules of Polo

Modern polo is played between two teams of four players each on a grass field. The objective is to score goals by driving a wooden ball between two goal posts using mallets with long, flexible handles. Some key rules include:

• Match duration: Typically divided into four to six 7-minute periods called “chukkers” or “chukkas”
• Right of way: Players must follow specific rules regarding the line of the ball to ensure safety
• Handicap system: Players are assigned handicaps ranging from -2 to 10 goals, with 10 being the highest skill level
• Changing of horses: Players usually change horses between chukkers to ensure the animals’ well-being

Essential Polo Equipment

The sport of polo requires specialized equipment for both players and horses:

1. Polo mallet: A cane shaft with a hardwood head, typically 49-54 inches in length
2. Polo ball: A small wooden or plastic sphere about 3.5 inches in diameter
3. Polo pony: Despite the name, these are full-sized horses specially trained for the sport
4. Safety gear: Helmets, knee guards, and boots for players; leg wraps and boots for horses

The combination of these rules and equipment ensures that polo remains a challenging, fast-paced, and exciting sport for players and spectators alike.

Polo’s Global Reach and Cultural Impact

While polo originated in ancient Persia and found its modern form in British India, it has since spread to numerous countries around the world. Today, polo is played on six continents, with strong traditions in countries such as Argentina, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Polo in Argentina: A National Passion

Argentina has emerged as a powerhouse in the world of polo, producing many of the sport’s top players and teams. The country’s passion for polo is evident in its numerous world-class tournaments, including the Argentine Open Polo Championship, considered one of the most prestigious polo events globally.

Polo’s Influence on Fashion and Lifestyle

Beyond the playing field, polo has had a significant impact on fashion and popular culture:

• Polo shirts: Originally designed for polo players, these comfortable and stylish shirts have become a staple in casual wear
• Luxury brands: Many high-end fashion and lifestyle brands have associated themselves with polo, leveraging the sport’s prestigious image
• Social events: Polo matches often serve as glamorous social gatherings, attracting celebrities and royalty

This cultural influence has helped polo maintain its reputation as a sport of elegance and refinement, even as it continues to evolve and attract new players and fans.

The Future of Polo: Challenges and Opportunities

As polo enters the 21st century, the sport faces both challenges and opportunities for growth and development. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring polo’s continued relevance and popularity in the modern sporting landscape.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

One of the primary challenges facing polo is its perceived exclusivity. Historically associated with nobility and the wealthy, efforts are being made to make the sport more accessible to a broader audience. Some initiatives include:

• Arena polo: Played on a smaller field with fewer players, making it more affordable and accessible
• Polo schools and clinics: Offering introductory lessons and training programs for aspiring players
• University polo clubs: Encouraging participation among students and young adults

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability

As with many sports, polo faces scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. Maintaining large grass fields and caring for horses requires significant resources. The polo community is addressing these concerns through:

1. Sustainable field management practices
2. Improved horse welfare standards
3. Exploration of eco-friendly equipment and facilities

Technological Advancements

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in polo, both on and off the field:

• Live streaming and virtual reality experiences to engage global audiences
• Advanced training and performance analysis tools for players and horses
• Improved safety equipment to protect players and mounts

By embracing these technological innovations, polo can enhance the experience for players and spectators while attracting a new generation of enthusiasts.

Polo’s Enduring Legacy: From Ancient Persia to Modern Arenas

The journey of polo from its origins in ancient Persia to its current status as a global sport is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. Throughout its history, polo has evolved from a military training exercise to a beloved pastime of nobility, and finally to an international sport that captivates audiences worldwide.

The Timeless Appeal of Polo

Several factors contribute to polo’s lasting popularity:

• The unique combination of equestrian skill and team strategy
• The sport’s rich history and cultural significance
• The excitement and spectacle of high-level polo matches
• The strong bonds formed between players and their polo ponies

As polo continues to evolve and adapt to the modern world, it remains true to its core essence: a thrilling test of horsemanship, teamwork, and athletic prowess. The sport’s ability to bridge cultures, generations, and social backgrounds ensures that it will continue to inspire and excite for generations to come.

Preserving Tradition While Embracing Change

The challenge for the polo community moving forward is to strike a balance between preserving the sport’s rich traditions and embracing necessary changes to ensure its relevance and sustainability. By addressing issues of accessibility, environmental impact, and technological integration, polo can secure its place in the pantheon of great global sports while honoring its storied past.

As we look to the future of polo, one thing remains certain: the thundering hooves, the crack of mallet on ball, and the exhilaration of a well-executed play will continue to captivate players and spectators alike, ensuring that this ancient sport of kings remains a beloved and respected athletic pursuit for centuries to come.

polo | sport | Britannica

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polo, game played on horseback between two teams of four players each who use mallets with long, flexible handles to drive a wooden ball down a grass field and between two goal posts. It is the oldest of equestrian sports.

History.

A game of Central Asian origin, polo was first played in Persia (Iran) at dates given from the 6th century bc to the 1st century ad. Polo was at first a training game for cavalry units, usually the king’s guard or other elite troops. To the warlike tribesmen, who played it with as many as 100 to a side, it was a miniature battle.

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In time polo became a Persian national sport played extensively by the nobility. Women as well as men played the game, as indicated by references to the queen and her ladies engaging King Khosrow II Parvīz and his courtiers in the 6th century ad.

From Persia the game spread to Arabia, then to Tibet (the English word polo is the Balti word meaning “ball”), to China, and to Japan. In China (910) the death of a favoured relative in a game prompted Emperor A-pao-chi to order the beheading of all surviving players.

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Polo was introduced into India by the Muslim conquerors in the 13th century; but, although the game had been described in Sir Anthony Sherley’s Travels to Persia (1613), the first Europeans to play the game were British tea planters in Assam, who formed the first European polo club in 1859 at Silchar. The Calcutta Polo Club was formed in the early 1860s. Polo spread rapidly after a captain in the 10th Hussars stationed in India saw a match early in 1866 and immediately formed a team from among his fellow officers. Before the year ended, informal matches were held between British cavalry units stationed in India. In 1869 a challenge round was held between the 10th Hussars and the 9th Lancers in England. At this time there were eight men to a side and almost no rules. Polo grew rapidly in England, with matches at Richmond Park and Hurlingham attracting more than 10,000 spectators by 1875. After it had been introduced by the military, the sport of polo remained popular with them but also spread to the universities and was popular with the nobility and royalty.

In 1876, the sportsman and newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett saw his first polo game and introduced it in the United States. Later that year informal games were being played in New York City and by 1877 at Jerome Park racetrack in Westchester County, N.Y., where the Westchester Polo Club was founded in this latter year. In 1881 the Meadow Brook Club was formed in Long Island, N.Y., by such early outstanding players as Thomas Hitchcock, Sr., August Belmont, and Benjamin Nicoll. The size of the team was reduced to five and then, in 1881 in the United States and in 1883 in England, to four, the present number. Though the rules of the Hurlingham Club of England (which was founded in 1886) were at first used in the United States, in 1888 a system of handicapping players was devised to equalize tournament play. The Polo Association (later the United States Polo Association) was founded in 1890 and standardized the rules. Polo spread throughout the country, although the game long remained one for the rich because of the expense of acquiring and maintaining a stable of polo ponies. Outside the United States, the game’s governing body is the Hurlingham Polo Association, which maintains relations with many national bodies.

International competition.

The first international competition took place in 1886 when the United States unsuccessfully challenged the English, then the undisputed world leaders in polo, for the Westchester Cup. England defended the Cup successfully in 1902, but the United States won in 1909. The Cup was contested nine additional times (the last in 1939), with the Americans winning each time except in 1914. The next international meeting was in 1971, when the United States defeated England for the Coronation Cup, a single-game rather than a three-game match, thereafter held annually.

After 1909 the style of the game changed from the relatively slow English form of play characterized by short, controlled hitting. American polo players used a long-hitting, fast-moving, wide-open style that revolutionized the sport. The rules of the two countries were eventually assimilated, the United States adopting the English rule permitting a player to hook an opponent’s stick with his mallet, while the English abandoned their offside rule that forbade players preceding the ball.

From 1909 to 1950 the United States was supreme in polo. Through the 1920s and ’30s polo became increasingly popular in Argentina, and in 1928 the first Copa de las Americas (Cup of the Americas) was contested between the United States and Argentina. Since then Argentina has become the uncontested master of international polo. Polo became the Argentine national game, and crowds exceeded 60,000. International matches commercially sponsored (mainly at Boca Raton, Fla.) were held in the 1970s, and European championships were inaugurated in 1980.

Although in the 20th century it is far from common, British and American women also play polo. In the United States, women compete against women on the collegiate level, and there is a women’s National Handicap competition. Occasionally a woman also acts as the fourth member of an otherwise all-male team.

11 Ball Sports You Can Play with Horses

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You’ve probably heard of polo, or
maybe you played in casual gymkhana games at horse camp. But did you know there
are many different ball sports that involve horses? Here are 11 different equestrian
sports that use balls – how to play, and where to find them.

Polo

One of the oldest team sports in the world, polo is known as
“the sport of kings. ” Originally played in Persia, polo developed as a training
method for the cavalry. Today, polo is professionally played around the world
in 16 different countries – and it was at one time an Olympic sport!

In this sport, two opposing teams try to smack a small hard
ball through a goal using a long wooden mallet. It’s kind of like field hockey
– but on horseback. Teams consist of four riders per side, and the game lasts
around 1-2 hours (divided into short periods called chukkas).

The horses used in polo are called “polo ponies,” although
they are technically horses. Most polo ponies in the US have a lot of
Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse breeding, because they need to be fast, agile,
and have excellent endurance. Riders have several horses in their “string,” as
mounts must be changed after each chukka.

There are several versions of polo that are played around
the world, depending on climate and culture.

• Arena Polo. Often played indoors, arena polo features 3 players per
  side and the playing field is often smaller and more enclosed. This is the most
  common variant played in the US.
• Beach Polo. Closely related to arena polo, beach polo is played on
  hard-packed sand – or on the actual beach!
• Cowboy Polo. In this variant, polo is played in rodeo arenas in western
  tack, and cowboys use a larger rubber ball as opposed to a small standard polo
  ball. Yee-haw!
• Snow Polo. A relatively new form of polo, this winter sport is played
  on a tightly packed field of snow. Often played at higher altitudes (at ski
  resorts), the field is smaller than with standard arena polo. 

For polo events in the US, check out the United States Polo Association for more information.

Polocrosse

Polocrosse is an equestrian sport that combines polo and lacrosse. Players use a stick with a net attached to pass a soft ball back and forth. They move down the field this way toward the opposing team’s goal. Unlike in polo, polocrosse players may only ride one horse for the entire game.

An international sport, polocrosse
events are held all around the world in South Africa, The US, Canada,
Australia, and the UK. The World Cup is held every four years.

For polocrosse events in the US, check out the American Polocrosse Association for more information.

Horseball

This sport is recognized by the International Federation of
Equine Sports – it combines rugby, basketball, and polo. Riders handle a fairly
large ball that is covered in six handles. They must pass it between 3
different riders at least 3 different times (teams are made up of 4 players)
before scoring a basket.

If a player drops the ball, they must retrieve it – while
remaining mounted and moving! Players score by throwing the ball through large
vertical netted hoops that resemble butterfly catchers. It’s colloquially
called “Quidditch on horseback” by Harry Potter fans.

For horseball events, check out the International Federation of Horseball for more information.

Horse Soccer

If you’re looking for something a little more lighthearted
to suit any skill level or horse breed, consider equine soccer. This game is
played between two teams of 3-4 riders in an arena. It’s a lot like human
soccer – except the horses are doing all the kicking!

The ball is a specially made and over 40” in diameter (a
large exercise ball is around 30”, for reference). Players encourage the horses
to kick the ball forward between the opposing team’s goalposts, which generally
consist of two barrels or flags.

For equine soccer events in the US, check out America’s Equine Soccer League for more information.

Gymkhana Games       

There are several ball handling events that are common at
pony club competitions, 4-H shows, and rodeos. These are also called mounted
games, and can be played competitively or just for fun!

• Relay races. Relay races may take many different forms. In this iteration, a rider may have to retrieve a ball and hand it off to a team member, either while mounted or on foot. The team with the fastest time wins.
• Ball and Cone. Tennis balls are placed atop traffic cones at one end of the arena, and riders are positioned at the other. An empty cone is placed at the midway point. Riders begin with a tennis ball, race to the center line and deposit it on top of the empty cone. Then they race to the second cone, remove the ball, and bring it back to the next rider in their team. The team with the fastest time wins.
• HiLo. Riders begin at one end of the arena, and a stand with a net attached is positioned at the other. Four cones topped with tennis balls are placed at separate intervals between the riders and the HiLo stand. The first rider begins with a tennis ball and deposits it into the HiLo net. They then retrieve another tennis ball to give to the next rider, and so on until all the balls are in the net.
• Socks and Buckets. While this is generally played with socks, it could also be played with foam balls. Riders begin at one end of the arena, holding a ball. A bucket is placed on the centerline, and more balls are placed at the finish line. Riders head for the centerline, drop their ball into the bucket, race to the end and retrieve another ball to bring back to the next rider.
• Obstacle courses. In some of these events, balls are used as obstacles – riders must dismount, retrieve a ball from one place and bring it somewhere else while mounted.

For gymkhana events in the US, check out Mounted Games Across America or the Mounted Games Association International for more information.

Horse Ball Sports Around the World

There are several equestrian ball sports that are extremely
popular in other countries, but are less common in the United States.

Pato

Pato is the national sport of Argentina. In early versions
of this sport, teams of riders from neighboring ranches would retrieve a live
duck, and the first team to make it home would win (if a knife fight didn’t
break out first). Nowadays, they use a ball – and the ducks are grateful.

“In modern pato, two four-member teams…fight for possession of a ball which has six conveniently-sized handles, and score by throwing the ball through a vertically positioned ring (as opposed to the horizontal rim used in basketball).” (source)

The rules and equipment are similar to horseball, but they are technically different sports. For more information, check out the Federacion Argentina de Pato y Horseball (page is in Spanish).

Kok-Boru (and the similar Buzkashi)

One of the most dangerous sports in the world, this
traditional game comes from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. It’s sort of
like rugby on horseback, except a headless goat is used as the ball. The goal
looks like a large round well, and riders are often falling off their horses
into it.

For practice, teams may use a heavy round sack with 4 rope
handles – similar to an actual goat carcass. These normally weigh as much as a
goat – around 100 pounds!

In 2016, a group of Americans dubbed the “Nomad Cowboys” were invited to play Kok-boru in the World Nomad Games. They filmed a documentary about the experience, which you can check out here.

A similar version of the game called Kav Kaz (which more
closely resembles horseball) was played in Ohio in the 1940s, except players
used a sheepskin covered ball instead of a decapitated goat carcass.

Whether you aim to be a professional player, or you’re just looking for something new to try with your horse, consider an equestrian ball sport for your next discipline. Although, if Kok-Boru is more up your alley – consider practicing with a ball, first.

Final Thoughts

There are many ball sports played with horses and riders. Some require a whole team and others can be practiced by just a single horse and rider. If you are looking for new avenues to explore with your horse, a ball sport is definitely something to consider trying out.

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A game similar to field hockey but played on horseback using long-handled mallets and a wooden ball, 4 letters – Crossword clues, answers, solver

Usage examples of polo.

They went into the drawing-room in a body and found Captain Baster still talking to their mother, in the middle, indeed, of a long story illustrating his prowess in a game of polo, on two three-hundred-guinea and one three-hundred-and-fifty-guinea ponies.

Ibn Battuta lived there for seven years and, like Marco Polo before him, was appointed as an ambassador, in his case to the sultan of Delhi.

The engine telegraph clanged, and Bloodhound pivoted like a polo pony.

I think we should spend the night here, whether the Polos are inside or not.

As soon as Hunter found out that the Polos had not taken the road north, he would come right back.

Besides, if the Polos had passed through the gate, the sentries were the ones to ask.

The slave Nostril fed and curried and combed our horses to prime condition, and we Polos made conversation with other karwan journeyers.

One that had come to court before we Polos arrived was still being recounted and discussed and argued over.

So we Polos, having to go north and having no experience of travel in such terrain and conditions, had waited for the prudent others.

I saw no other Venetian traders in the city, or Genoese or Pisan or any other of our commercial rivals, but we Polos were not the only white men.

Anyway, when we Polos left Kashgar, I was still accustomed to calculating in farsakhs, so it did not much dismay me to say to myself that we had only some eight or nine hundred of them to go to Khanbalik.

Why did Ussu and Donduk, though they knew all our names and had no trouble saying them, always address us Polos indiscriminately as Ferenghi?

Meanwhile, as my father and uncle all along intended, Venice and the rest of Europe have profited from increased trade with the East, a trade much facilitated by the copies of all our maps of the Silk Road which we Polos brought home from there.

She and the leading nobles of her company and the three envoys from Persia and we three Polos and most of the Khanbalik court all sat down with Kubilai to a farewell banquet in the same vast chamber where we had enjoyed our welcoming banquet so long before.

Marco Polo wrote of vendors hawking threads of sweetened ginger on Chinese streets.

Sport Played On Horseback – Crossword Clue Answers

The crossword clue Sport played on horseback with 4 letters was last seen on the December 09, 2019. We think the likely answer to this clue is POLO. Below are all possible answers to this clue ordered by its rank. You can easily improve your search by specifying the number of letters in the answer.

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What is Buzkashi? Rules & Traditions Explained (world’s craziest sport!)

August 18 | 26 Comments

What is “Buzkashi” and how is it played? I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a number of games of Buzkashi and in addition to sharing some of my favorite photos from these experiences, I’d also like to explain the rules of Buzkashi as best I understand them.

Buzkashi (pronounced “booz-ka-shee”) is a popular Central Asian game that has been around for centuries and yet surprisingly few people in the west have ever heard of it.

My first time to witness Buzkashi occurred while cycling down the Chinese Karakoram Highway in Xinjiang. My friends and I stopped in the small town of Tashkorgan near the border of Pakistan and China and stumbled upon a few games being played.

It. Was. AWESOME!

Armed with my camera and plenty of questions for the locals standing around watching, I was able to better understand the rules and traditions surrounding this mysterious game of Buzkashi.

Here’s what I’ll share with you:

Let’s dive in!

What is Buzkashi?

Buzkashi, translated as “goat pulling”, is a traditional Central Asian game that is played on horseback or yak back. In this game, players vie for control of a headless goat carcass, which acts as the “ball”, in an effort to score points for themselves or their team.

It’s the national sport of Afghanistan, but you’ll find different variations of the game being played all across Asia, including China’s western region of Xinjiang.

Many have called this the “most dangerous sport in the world” and after you see how it’s played for yourself, I’m sure you’ll agree!

Don’t miss the rest of this season! Subscribe to FarWestChina on YouTube.

Sadly, as horse ownership becomes less common, the sport of buzkashi seems to slowly being disappearing.

History of Buzkashi as a Sport

Legend has it that the game of Buzkashi was first invented centuries ago when Afghan tribes would gallop up on horseback to steal a rival tribe’s goats from their flock.

Both defensive and offensive strategies were used which developed into a formalized game whose rules are to this day a bit mysterious.

The game migrated across Central Asia where it has been adopted by a number of different ethnic groups including the Kazakh, Tajik, Kyrgyz and many more.

The name Buzkashi literally means “goat pulling.”

Each ethnic group has their own special way of playing Buzkashi, and there are a number of different facets of the game that change depending on where you are.

These changing parts of the game include:

• The “Ball”: In most cases it’s a headless goat carcass, but some groups also use a calf or a sheep carcass. I know some people who get offended by this. It’s really no different than our basketballs or American footballs that are made out of other animal hides.
• The Transportation: Most games are played on horseback, but it can also be played on yak back.
• The Field: While in some cases Buzkashi can be played on an officially marked field, often it is played on an open field with no boundaries.
• The Team: In some countries it’s two teams against each other; in others it’s every man for himself.
• The Objective: For some games, the objective is to get the goat carcass in a hole, others in a basket. Some ethnic groups need to get the goat around a flag or into a designated area.

As you can see, there’s a lot that changes from country to country with the game.

For this reason it’s difficult to define the “rules  of Buzkashi”… but for some reason I’m going to be foolish enough to try 😉

General Rules of Buzkashi Explained

No matter which version of Buzkashi you find yourself watching, the basic gist of the game remains the same:

Players on horseback (or yak) are struggling to take control of a headless goat carcass in an attempt to drag it to a designated hole/flag/zone.

That’s it. The number of points needed to win or the number of games played in a match isn’t set (something I’ll go into in more detail next).

The goat carcass has been put in the hole for a point.

While most games throughout the plains of Central Asia aren’t governed by a referee, there are still a few rules that players expect others to abide by:

• Players cannot attach the goat carcass to their saddle; all 100+ lbs must be held by hand or wrapped by the leg.
• Players must remain on their horse/yak at all times to be eligible for play.
• Players may whip their own horses and those of their opponents, but they cannot hit opponents in an attempt to knock the carcass out of the grip of their hand or leg.

Other than these rules, it seems that most anything goes.

Players and horses often walk away from games bloodied or worse (think broken bones, dislocated shoulders, etc.).

For this reason, it has been said that “this is what polo would look like if played in prison.”

Different Variations of Buzkashi

Different ethnic traditions govern the playing of Buzkashi throughout Central Asia.

In some countries like Afghanistan, the games are very formal and often involve the sponsorship of teams or individual players by a wealthy benefactor.

Each player who scored a point was awarded a monetary prize…”

In countries like Tajikistan or among the Tajik people of Tashkorgan in China’s Xinjiang region, the games are more often associated with a wedding. As part of the festivities, the father of the bride is often expected to sponsor games of Buzkashi.

The games that I personally witnessed were part of a local wedding. The father had put up about 5,000 RMB (US$850 at the time) per game, with each point being worth 500 RMB (US$85).

Each player who scored a point was awarded this monetary prize, and whichever team scored the most points was awarded a larger prize such as a TV, refrigerator, or washing machine.

In such a case, the number of points needed to win or the number of games being played is all dependent upon how much money the game’s benefactor– be that a bride’s father or a wealthy member of society– is willing to donate.

Trivia & Little-Known Facts About Buzkashi

In some places, a Buzkashi match can last for days…”

The game of Buzkashi isn’t very well known in general, but there is some fun trivia surrounding the game that I think you’ll find interesting.

For example, did you know that…

• The name “Buzkashi” literally means “goat grabbing” when translated into English.
• Buzkashi was featured in Rambo III (1988) when Sylvester Stallone was actually seen playing the game.
• When the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, they banned the game of Buzkashi.
• In the 1940s, a group of men in Cleveland, Ohio introduced a version of the game in the United States. They called the game “Kav Kaz.” It only lasted for less than a decade.
• Before the game, the goat carcass is often soaked in water for 24 hours in order to toughen the skin and make it harder to tear when players pull in opposing directions.

• In some places, a Buzkashi match can last for days.
• The horses are more valuable in a game of Buzkashi than the player himself. In some cases, a horse may be trained for up to 5 years before playing its first game.

Final Thoughts on Buzkashi

If you have a chance to experience Buzkashi on your own, I definitely recommend you seize the opportunity!

It’s not only fun to see the game being played; it’s also great to be a part of the group of spectators that gather for the games.

For us in Tashkorgan, it was the perfect blend of gorgeous natural scenery (grasslands and mountains), fascinating culture (Xinjiang Tajik), and the traditional game of Buzkashi.

13 Common Types of Horse Sports & Competitions

Competing on horses has been around for as long as man has been riding a horse. Some of the most famous cases of early horse sports is chariot racing that goes as far back as the ancient Egyptian.

To help you learn more about the common horseback riding sports, we’ve discussed each one in detail below and categorised them by English or Western horse sports.

Common Horse Riding Sports & Competitions

Eventing

Eventing comprises 3 different disciplines (dressage, show jumping and cross county) and as such is the triathlon of the horse world.

The horse must be calm and obedient enough to perform a dressage test, sufficiently athletic to complete a round of show jumping and then fit, fast and bold enough to tackle a cross country course of between 20 – 30 obstacles over varying terrain.

Competitions are either short or long format. The short format means all three activities take place on one day. In long format, the three tests remain the same but run in a different order and with the addition of roads and tracks and steeple chase.

On day one, riders complete the dressage test. Day two has 3 parts; roads and tracks ridden at a steady trot, then a steeple chase ridden at a fast gallop. Once the horse is cleared by the vet check after the steeple chase, the last part is a timed cross-country course.

Day three decides the overall placings with the show jumping round. This is probably the ultimate test of the horse’s fitness, toughness and training.

Show Jumping

In show jumping the horse and rider are required to complete a course of obstacles which may be uprights, spreads or combinations of jumps in doubles or trebles. This horse riding sport is designed to test the horse’ agility, scope and carefulness. Additionally, it also judges the riders to judge the correct speed and line.

The winner is the combination that completes the course in the fastest time with the fewest faults. Faults are given for knocking a fence down or stopping.

At the lower levels courses are divided into 2 parts. The first part has an optimum time and riders are penalized for knocking down fences or going over the optimum time. The second part is to be jumped as fast as possible whilst leaving the fences up.

At the higher levels riders need to jump clear in order to progress to the second round which is a jump off against the clock.

Dressage

The purpose of dressage is the athletic development of the horse and it can take over 10 years to develop the horse’s strength, balance and skill to the level required at the top.

At a basic level, the goal is rhythm and relaxation. It can take 10 years to work up through the scales of training to the top level of the sport. Successful training is demonstrated in competition through the performance of tests of prescribed movements each awarded a score out of 10.

Judges are looking for horses that perform the movements in a calm, supple and flowing manner.

The very best dressage riders make it look like they are not even moving in the saddle while performing intricate and demanding steps such as piaffe or flying changes.

Often referred to as “dancing with horses,” dressage is like the ballet of the horse world, when done well it is graceful, elegant and full of power.

Quick fact: The name dressage comes from the French word for training.

Showing

The discipline of showing encompasses a wide variety of classes for all different ages, breeds and types of horses. They may be ridden or in hand.

Young stock or children on ponies will be shown in hand with the emphasis on the horse’s conformation, paces and manner.

Ridden classes can take longer to judge as they require the horse to be paraded with the group under saddle, produce an individual show, be ridden by the judge and then examined without tack. Marks are awarded for each of these sections to decide the winner.

Horse Polo

Polo is one of the oldest known team sports developed in India as a training game for cavalry units and known as “the sport of kings”. Two teams of four riders each compete to score as many goals as possible in a 1.5 – 2 hour game, divided into 7 minute periods called chukkas.

There is a 4 minute interval between chukkas and a 10 minute half time. Due to the high intensity of the game, at the top level players may change horses every few chukkas.

Umpires monitor the game to ensure the safety of both players and horses. The player who hits the ball generally has the right of way and other players cannot cross the line of the ball in front of that player.

Players can use their mallet to block the swing of an opponent or use a bump or ride off (similar to a body check in hockey) to move an opponent away from the ball.

Horse Racing

Racing takes place either “on the flat” or over obstacles. Flat racing is a test of speed, stamina and the skill of the jockey to choose the right tactics for their horse, the racetrack and the unfolding race. Races are held over distances from 5 furlongs (a sprint) to 2 miles.

The majority of flat races are run on grass, although synthetic or all weather tracks are also becoming popular. Horses can race in various categories – classics, group and listed races, maidens or handicaps based on their sex, age or ability of the horse.

Equestrian Vaulting

Vaulting has been described as gymnastics on horseback. It was a popular sport in Roman times evolving into circus bareback riding, trick riding and more recently a highly competitive international sport.

The sport involves individuals or groups of up to 3 riders performing movements on a horse whilst they are being lunged on a 15 metre circle in canter. There are 2 rounds – the compulsory routine and the freestyle.

Movements are choreographed to demonstrate beauty, brilliance, power, strength and elegance all in harmony with the horse.

All vaulting tests are scored with an overall score out of 10 and judging is based on technique, form, difficulty, balance, security and consideration of the horse. The horse’s way of going makes up 20% of the final score.
Types of Western Horseback Riding

Reining

Reining requires the horse and rider to work together to complete an individual pattern of movements including galloping small and large circles, flying lead changes, quick spins and sliding stops. Each pattern takes between 2.5 and 3 minutes to complete.

A panel of judges use a scoring system to evaluate each performance based on smoothness, finesse, attitude and quickness. The aim is a horse that is willingly guided with little or no apparent resistance.

Cutting

Cutting is a sport that developed on the ranch. It requires horse and rider to demonstrate their skill in separating (or cutting) individual cows from the herd.

The rider tells the horse which cow to separate from the herd, then drops the reins. The horse takes control of the cow the rider has picked and must be smart and athletic enough to keep the cow in the middle of the pen away from the herd.

This discipline has been described as “the horse’s dance of mastery over a cow”.

Gymkhana

Most of us as children will have taken part in gymkhana games used as a fun way to develop our balance and riding ability on a horse. However, it can get seriously competitive as you go up the levels.

Individuals and teams compete in multi game events designed to test the precise controlled actions and tight teamwork at speed. Skills required include flying changes, sliding stops and pole bending.

Barrel Racing

Barrel racing is a rodeo sport in which horse and rider must navigate 3 barrels in a cloverleaf pattern in the fastest time. The barrels are arranged in a triangle formation, one directly ahead, one to the left and one to the right.

From a standing start horse and rider must complete the pattern around the barrels from left to right and back as fast as possible. Simply the fastest run wins although there are penalties for hitting or knocking over a barrel.

Team Chasing

Team Chasing is a sport pitting teams of four riders against each other over a cross country course of approximately 2 miles with around 25 fences to jump.

In essence, it’s like an old-fashioned hunter trail but over open countryside and natural obstacles like hedges. The winners are the team that complete the course clear in the fastest time. The 3rd rider of the team stopping the clock as they cross the finish line.

Endurance

There are two main types of long-distance riding – endurance and competitive trail riding. Endurance rides can cover up to 160kms (100 miles) in one day and is akin to the marathon in running. The winning horse is the first one to cross the finish line.

It requires the rider to exercise judgment in the correct speed for the terrain and the most economical pace for the horse to maintain over a sustained distance. Vet checks throughout the race determine whether the horse is fit and well enough to continue.

Any breed can compete but the Arab generally dominates the top levels due to its innate natural stamina and toughness.

Polo – A Team Sport Played on Horseback.

Picture Credit: enigmapolo.com

Polo is probably the oldest recorded team sport in known history, with the first matches being played in Persia over 2500 years ago. It is gaining increasing popularity as a premier spectator sport and can be an easy game for the first-time spectator to enjoy. Imagine the excitement of seeing players on thoroughbred horses bumping and jostling with each other as hockey on horseback, racing at top speeds down the field while striking a small ball with the precision of an experienced golfer. Polo is played on a 10 acre grass field, 300 yards in length by 160 yards, which is the approximate area of ten football fields. Goal posts are set eight yards apart on either end of the field. The object of the game is to move the ball down-field, hitting the ball through the goal for a score. The team with the most scores at the end of the match is deemed the winner. Teams then change direction after each goal. Two teams, made up of four players each, are designated by shirt color. The players wear high boots, knee guards, and a helmet of their own selection. By tradition, players wear white pants in tournaments.

Picture credit: mooseintl.org

The first official written rules (on which the present international rules are based) were not created until the 19th Century by Irishman Captain John Watson of the British Cavalry 13th Hussars. These were revised in 1874 to create the Hurlingham Rules, restricting the number of players on each team. The mallet made of a bamboo shaft with a hardwood head is the instrument used to hit the polo ball, formerly wood, now plastic, about 3 to 3 ½ inches in diameter and 3 ½ to 4 ½ ounces in weight. In fact, the English word POLO is derived from the Tibetan word, “pulu” meaning ball. There are six periods or “chukkers” in a match, each is seven minutes long. Play begins with a throw-in of the ball by the umpire at the opening of each chukker and after each goal; only penalties or injuries may stop play as there are no time-outs or substitutions allowed, except for tack repair. The four basic shots in polo are distinguished by the side of the pony on which strokes or shots are made. That is “near-side”, left side of the mount, and “off-side” right side of the mount. This creates the near-side forward and back shot, and the off-side forward and back shot. Shots can also be made under the pony’s neck, across his tail, or the difficult under the belly shot, all variations of the basic shots. The full game rules allow for 8 chukkas, but often in club matches 4 or 6 chukkas are played. Each chukka is timed to last 7 mins, then a bell is rung, but the game goes on until the ball goes out of play, or for another 30 secs when the bell is rung again, the chukka ends where the ball is. The clock is stopped between the umpire’s whistle to stop the play and the whistle to start play . There are intervals of 3 mins between chukkas and 5 mins at half time. Ends are changed at every goal scored – this has been found fairest when there is a wind. All horse breeds are allowed to play Polo, but Polo Ponies, must be fast, energetic and docile. Any horse with violent behavior is excluded. Players often change horses during a game. A player following the ball on its exact line has the ‘Right of Way’ over all other players. Any other player who crosses the player on the right of way close enough to be dangerous commits a foul. Penalties vary according to the degree of danger and closeness of the cross. No player may hook an opponent’s stick unless he is on the same side of the opponent’s pony as the ball. Dangerous play or rough handling is not allowed – a player may ride an opponent off, but must not charge in at an angle.

Some Interesting Facts:

The first polo club was established in the town of Silchar in Assam, India, in 1834.There is also a polo ground in chooto jalanga (irongmara/dwarbond).

The origins of the game in Manipur are traced to early precursors of Sagol Kangjei. This was one of three forms of hockey in Manipur, the other ones being field hockey (called Khong Kangjei) and wrestling-hockey (called Mukna Kangjei).

Meanwhile, British settlers in the Argentine pampas started practising it during their free time. Among them, David Shennan is credited with having organised the first formal polo game of the country in 1875, at Estancia El Negrete, located in the province of Buenos Aires.

James Gordon Bennett, Jr. on 6 May 1876 organized what was billed as the first polo match in the United States at Dickel’s Riding Academy at 39th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City. The historical record states that James Gordon Bennett established the Westchester Polo Club on 6 May 1876 and on 13 May 1876 the Jerome Park Racetrack in Westchester County was the site of the “first” American outdoor polo match.

Published by Vikas Acharya

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90,000 Competitions with horses

Equestrian sport is a collective concept, which means sports games and competitions with the participation of horses. When riding a horse, the rider actively interacts with the movement of the horse. In this case, horses are controlled by moving the rider’s weight, squeezing the legs, pulling or loosening the reins. The rider’s voice on the movement and speed of the horse also plays a role, but this is not allowed in all sports.

Equestrian sports are very diverse, however, among the classic ones, only three sports are distinguished:

1. Dressage,
2. Show jumping,
3. Triathlon.

Jumping

This sport is based on overcoming obstacles – show jumping. This sports competition with horses is considered the most spectacular. Successful participation requires persistent and long-term training of the horse and the athlete. The rider must have determination and courage, be able to calculate movements, master the high art of horse control, as well as excellent physical fitness.

A horse must have great repulsion force, be able to maintain balance while flying over obstacles, and perfectly control its movements.

Show jumping first appeared in France. In the middle of the nineteenth century, at the equestrian exhibition in Paris, for the first time, competitions in jumping over various obstacles were held – this competition was called “show jumping hippik”.

The show jumping field is a platform with obstacles, it must be fenced off. Its cover is an even layer of sand or soft grass. The size of the field is 150×100 meters. In winter, competitions are held in closed arenas under awnings.

Dressage

Dressage is perhaps the most mysterious and most difficult sport involving horses.In the fifties of the last century, this sport has just begun to develop.

There is one fundamental point in this type of competition: if earlier the winner was the one who simply drove carefully, made the least number of mistakes while riding, now there is no longer any talk of mistakes. Now athletes, due to fierce competition, are forced to perform on the verge of failure, for example, if it is a trot, the horse will begin to gallop at such a speed that it is about to go into a canter.In this sport, you have to take risks – after all, risk is a noble business.

Modern dressage is highly dynamic. Elements and exercises change quickly, horses and athletes are not given time to breathe – there are no breaks. The only guarantee of victory is long training and experience.

Triathlon

Eventing consists of obstacle course and dressage competitions at the same time. The most important stage is cross-country speed crossing hard barriers and water obstacles in rough terrain.Equestrian triathlon is a whole complex of exercises that requires thorough training of the rider and the horse. These competitions came about thanks to the martial art of horseback riding.

history of equestrian sport – KOGAU “VyatSShOR”

HISTORY OF EQUESTRY

The emergence of equestrian sports

The huge, barely observable path of a man from a cave dweller to the owner of an almost fantastic modern technique is closely associated with a horse for a considerable length of time.Thousands of years of horse service to man contributed significantly to the general development of civilization.

There are two main opinions about the place of the initial domestication of the horse: according to one of them, the horse was first domesticated and practically used by nomadic peoples in the steppe expanses of Asia.

Currently, most scholars argue that the domestication of the horse cannot be attributed to only one specific place. It is believed that it had several foci of distribution both in Europe and Asia, as evidenced by excavations in Germany, Italy, France and other places.But if Central Asia did not become the “cradle” of horse domestication, which was stubbornly proved by many researchers, nevertheless it cannot but be recognized as one of the most ancient places of creation of horse breeds, which are of particular interest for riding horse breeding.

Over the centuries, man has developed numerous horse breeds that differ significantly from their distant ancestors. According to various sources, the horse after domestication for a long time was only a meat and dairy animal. Then it began to be used in harness and only in later times under the rider.

In any case, whichever point of view one may lean towards, it remains unquestionable that a person, by virtue of the need to use everything and everyone for life and to protect himself from numerous and varied enemies, having tamed a horse, has become a skillful rider. There is no doubt that the use of a horse by a person in his home and public life refers to a very distant time, to the period of the existence of ancient cultures, at the origins of which horseback riding and equestrian sports arose.

It is believed that almost 3 thousand years ago man already knew how to use a horse for riding.

Establishing the consistent course of the development of the art of war and the emergence of cavalry, historians pay great attention to the issue of the appearance of chariots. Many of them consider the appearance of chariots as a harbinger of the emergence of cavalry. It is believed that the initial use of horses and chariots in the ranks of the fighting was due to the desire of the belligerents to quickly deliver heavily armed foot soldiers to the battlefield.

If in Egypt the first mention of chariots dates back to the 17th century BC, then in China the simplest chariots were already eight centuries earlier, that is, in 2600 BC.

Such a long time ago the presence of chariots among different peoples suggests that if their appearance really influenced the emergence of cavalry, then it equally affected the emergence of equestrian sports.
According to many sources, the concept of “rider” also owes its origin to chariots, since the appearance of this word refers to the period of the first mention of chariots in Egypt, when the cavalry as such did not exist there. If the assertion is correct that the word “rider” arose at a time when, in fact, there was no cavalry, then it is quite possible to assume that it was used to denote a driver or a warrior who uses horses and chariots for combat purposes, unlike ordinary infantrymen.
Later, the word “rider” came to refer to the concept of “equestrian warrior”.

Horseback riding, which was then so widespread, was originally carried out on bareback horses.

For various peoples of the countries of the West and the East, according to the peculiarities of their cultural development, for a long time the skins of various animals and homemade fabrics served as a saddle. For example, among the ancient Romans, the saddle was replaced by blankets, which were held on the horse’s back by a trope, a bib and a henchman.
The first male saddle appeared only in 340 AD, and the stirrups to it 200 years later, that is, at the end of the 5th century.

Among many peoples who lived long before our era and stood at various stages of cultural development, the horse found wide application in farming, hunting and war. The latter was the main stimulus for the development of the art of riding and driving a horse in a harness. This required special training, which was achieved by appropriate systematic exercises – training.

One of the forms of field training was parfour hunting, widespread in the countries of Western Europe.

Along with the training of the rider, the selection and preparation of horses was carried out. All this, taken together, led to the emergence of equestrian sports.

Equestrian sport development

Equestrian sport from primitive to modern forms has passed a long and difficult path of development. Military-historical events clearly show and explain the dependence on each other of such seemingly completely independent areas as military affairs and horse breeding, with its subsequent transformation into horse breeding and equestrian sports.The forms that equestrian sport took in the process of its historical development were determined and dictated by material, military and economic conditions.
Most military historians believe that horsemen appeared in Asia earlier than among the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other peoples. Therefore, it can be assumed that the beginning of equestrian sport was the spontaneous races of Asian riders, which were carried out to determine the speed and endurance of horses.

It is possible that the first “athletes” were nomads who spent a significant part of their lives on horseback.

The mobile equestrian games “kabakhi” and “isindi” take us back to ancient times and create an idea of ​​skillful horsemen, dexterous dart throwers and well-aimed archers – Scythians, which were discussed above.

The horse’s natural ability to move quickly with a brisk gait, to overcome obstacles and obstacles encountered on the way led to its participation in all kinds of equestrian competitions, which deeply entered the life of the ancient peoples.
In addition to various equestrian games, which are essentially a test of the combat training of riders and their horses, more complex equestrian competitions were held in ancient times, which laid the foundation for those types of equestrian sports that were widely developed in subsequent centuries.

The life of the rider during the battle largely depended on the behavior of the horse, so there was a need for special training of the horse: the development of strength, endurance, unquestioning obedience to man. Often, the horse was required to be able to stop abruptly, change gaits, overcome obstacles, ride over rough terrain, etc. Subsequently, it became the disciplines of equestrian sports.

The largest competitions in ancient Greece were the Olympiads held throughout the country.Subsequently, they developed into a grand sporting event known as the “Olympic Games”. They were held as festive competitions in honor of Zeus every four years from 776 BC. until 394 A.D.

The first mention of the participation of horse chariots in the Olympic Games dates back to 680 BC, the first report of the inclusion of horse and mule races in the program of the Olympics – to 648 BC. Subsequently, the equestrian program expanded, it included figure riding, archery and javelin throwing from a horse – up to 24 different types of competitions at different times.Time and life changed the forms and types of equestrian competitions – many disappeared, new ones arose. The sequence of the appearance of the main types of equestrian sports is as follows: horse racing, horse hunting and games, then dressage, all-around and overcoming obstacles.

At the revived Olympic Games, equestrian sport appeared for the first time in 1900 at the 11 Olympiad in Paris – overcoming obstacles, as well as long and high jumping.

Then, after a 12-year hiatus, in 1912 in Stockholm equestrian sport was represented by three types – dressage, triathlon (dressage, show jumping and field trials) and show jumping (overcoming obstacles).Other types of equestrian sports, such as horse racing, trotting, driving (sledding competitions) and vaulting, although not represented at the Olympics, are very popular, and their fans hold their own international competitions.

Horseback riding was no wonder in Russia. Suffice it to say that, for example, it was from the Slavic word “horse” – the leader on a horse, that he got the name of the commander of the army – the prince. At the princely courts, for the combat training of the vigilantes, rides were held – races and races for expensive prizes.The first evidence of horse riding in Moscow on the site of the present Alexander Garden dates back to 1473, when a guest from Italy, Cantarini, saw them.

In pre-revolutionary Russia, national equestrian games and horse racing were developed since ancient times – Central Asia, Transcaucasia, the North Caucasus, as well as areas inhabited by Cossacks (Don, Kuban, Ural, Terek). The first equestrian tournaments (according to the European model) were held in St. Petersburg in 1766

Horse races, which have the character of official competitions, have been held in Russia since 1826.

In the second half of the 19th century. The four-way hurdle race, the Russian steeple chase (for the first time in 1872 in Krasnoe Selo), was very popular among the court nobility and officers. The first sporting victories of Russian horsemen in the international arena were K. Avalov’s victory in the Liverpool steeple chase (Great Britain, 1912) and the three-time conquest of the King Edward Golden Cup by a team of Russian cavalry officers in obstacle course competitions (London, 1911-13).

In the USSR, equestrian sport developed in the 1920s.in the cavalry units of the Red Army, then in the clubs of Osoaviakhim. Since 1925, large-scale competitions began to be held systematically, at first all-army, from 1926 – Osoaviakhim, from 1938 – all-Union. In 1935 equestrian sport began to be cultivated by the sports societies “Spartak”, “Pishchevik” and “Stroitel”.

In the 30s. Horse races were very popular, of which the Ashgabat-Moscow race was the most famous (in 1935, in 84 days, 32 Turkmen sportsmen-collective farmers covered 4,300 km).

In 1952 the equestrian section of the USSR (since 1959 – the Federation) was admitted to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

By the beginning of the 70s. the leading position in Soviet equestrian sports was occupied by the sports societies “Dynamo”, “Spartak”, “Harvest”, “Trud”, “Burevestnik”, as well as the Central Sports Club of the Army.

Soviet horsemen have been participating in the Olympic Games since 1952. The best results were obtained by I.M. Kizimova (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze medals; 1964, 1968, 1972), S.I. Filatova (1 gold, 2 bronze medals; 1960, 1964) in dressage competitions. The Soviet team (V.P. Raspopov, A.M. Favorsky, B.M. Lilov, E.T. Shabailo) won the main prize of the largest international competition in overcoming obstacles – the Prize of Nations (Paris, 1959). The USSR national team in 1962 and 1965 – European champion in triathlon, in 1970 – world champion and in 1972 – Olympic champion in dressage (I.M.Kizimov, I.A.Kalita, E.V. Petushkova), in 1970 E. V. Petushkova won the title of world champion in personal competitions.

The undisputed leadership in dressage belongs to the German riders, at twenty Olympics, nine times in the team and seven times in the individual competition, they won gold medals, and on the last four they were out of competition, and Nicole Uphoff on Rembrandt twice became the Olympic champion (1988, 1992) … The Swedes have six gold medals in the individual competition, including two from Henry Saint-Cyr, and two in the team. Two gold medals in the individual competition belong to the Swiss (Hans Moser – 1948 Henri Schammarten – 1964).Three gold medals from France (two in the team competition in 1932 to them in 1948 and one in the individual competition from Xavier Lesage). Austria has one Olympic champion – Elisabeth Theurer (1980).

The heyday of our dressage fell on the Soviet period. For the first time, Sergei Filatov, who, unexpectedly for many analysts, won a gold medal at the 17th Olympic Games in Rome (1960), made people talk about Russian horsemen as formidable rivals of the Germans and Swedes, firmly entrenched at the top of Olympus. Filatov owes this victory to his phenomenal Absinthe, a black stallion of the Akhal-Teke breed, called in the press “a black swan”.

In the history of Russian equestrian sports, we will not find a horse equal to Absinthe, he became the champion of the Soviet Union in dressage seven times, his best result was 82.4%, and Absinthe performed three times in the Olympic Games. After the brilliant Rome, in Tokyo in 1964 he remained the third under Filatov, and in Mexico City in 1968 – the fourth, already under I. Kalita. But in Mexico City, the star of Ivan Kizimov rose. On his bay Ichor of the Ukrainian riding breed, he became the second Soviet Olympic champion.Confidently progressing Elena Petushkova finished sixth at Trakehner Ash, and the team moved up to second. The 1970 World Championship in Aachen ended with the triumph of the Soviet dressage school. Our team consisting of Ivan Kizimov, Ivan Kalita and Elena Petushkova won first place, and Elena Petushkova became the world champion. And, finally, in Munich at the XX Olympiad, our team came out on top, and Elena Petushkova won a silver medal on Pepl. In Montreal (1976), the changed team took only fourth place.The XXII Olympiad, held in Moscow, brought a new revival. Our team won first place. Personal gold was taken by the Austrian Elisabeth Theurer, silver went to Yuri Kovshov, bronze to Viktor Ugryumov.

The 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul were the last when a team from a single country, the USSR, competed.

At the XXV Olympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona (Spain), 12 republics of the former country formed a Joint Team (representatives of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia acted as separate teams).Show jumping athletes did not participate in the Games.

The great tragedy of equestrian sport: there are many good horses, there are many good riders. But only one single horse is made for one single rider. They may not find each other, but if they meet, they reach their heights. And when, for whatever reason, they are separated, this will never happen again. Someone continues to perform on other horses, but without the previous brilliance. Someone leaves right away. But everyone has an unhealed wound deep in their hearts – a trace of the only true love.After the Moscow Olympics, luck turned away from our riders, not only in dressage, but in other forms as well. There are many reasons, both objective and subjective, but the main one is the lack of continuity: the luminaries leave, taking with them the secrets of dressage. And, of course, there is an obvious reason for everyone, which lies in the change in order. The state equestrian sport, like horse breeding, is dying, the private one has not yet been born.

Equestrian sports

Equestrian sport is a rather broad concept that includes a variety of sports games involving horses.

Main types: horse riding and harness riding. When riding, the horse is used “under the saddle”, when riding in harness – as a draft force. Equestrian sports in a narrower sense include: dressage and high school of riding, overcoming obstacles (hunting parkour, six obstacles, record jumps, team competitions, relay races, overcoming obstacles in a group, etc.), riding on the ground, endurance runs and speed runs, triathlon (consists of dressage, cross-country and obstacle course).The Horse Athletic Test is included in the Horse Under Rider test group.

The group of testing horses in harness or in a useful device includes tests belonging to the harness sport in the narrow sense of the word.

Equestrian sports officially recognized by the International Equestrian Federation:

Dressage is an equestrian competition in which a rider and a horse perform a variety of riding elements. It is necessary to complete all tasks in a specific sequence: demonstration of the correct stand, side bends, changing legs, passage, piaffe, transition from one type of steps to another, difficult turns and pirouettes.This sport is Olympic.

Show jumping – equestrian competitions aimed at overcoming obstacles. This sport is divided into easy, medium, difficult and advanced, depending on the difficulty and the number of obstacles. Penalty points can be awarded for refusal to execute an obstacle, and disqualification for the fall of a rider or horse.

Triathlon is a multi-day equestrian sport included in the program of the Olympic Games. The first day is dressage, the second is field trials or cross-country, the third day is overcoming obstacles or show jumping.All tests show the horse’s fitness, endurance and versatility.

Horse races for speed (distances of 25, 50 and 100 km, the route is laid along the highway or country roads) or for endurance (daily, multi-day for long distances).

Reining is a western sport whose main features are balance, weight control, patience and gentleness. It is a very entertaining and popular discipline.

Driving is a kind of equestrian sport on horses harnessed to carriages.There are 4 official sled classes: singles, doubles, tandem and quadruple

Vaulting – the essence of this kind of equestrian sport is to perform acrobatic stunts on a moving horse. The main elements that the acrobat performs: sweeps, scissors, swallow and stance. The more difficult are somersaults and jump-jump.

There are also types of show competitions that are not included in the official classification of the International Equestrian Federation:

Lady’s ride.Horse riding – riding a horse while the rider performs gymnastic tricks

Equestrian polo is a team sport with a ball, when participants play on horseback, and the ball is moved around the field using a special stick.

Baiga is the oldest sport, cross-country long distance racing.

National equestrian games, widespread among many peoples, especially in the Caucasus, in Kazakhstan, in the republics of Central Asia. There are about 30 of them here. These are various types of horse riding, ball games (tskhen-burti, chovgan, equestrian polo), with a spear or dart (issindi, kabakhi), fighting for the carcass of a goat (as-steam), distance racing (alaman-baiga ) other.

Hippodrome trials, or the so-called horse breeding sport – running and racing.

Between the classic sports and the racetrack tests, you can put a steeplechase (races with obstacles), triplets, carts, horse-skiing. Horse hunting stands separately: parfors – horse hunting with hounds for a deer or fox (often on an artificial trail), in which the rider overcomes all kinds of, sometimes unexpected, obstacles; hunting with greyhounds and birds of prey.

Equestrian games

Due to its variety and richness of forms, equestrian games help to increase the number of equestrian sports adherents.They develop the rider’s mobility, agility, courage, and the horse – agility, obedience, speed. Common equestrian games include: fox, slalom, ball race, doll race, glove race, wreath race, mail.

During equestrian competitions, breaks between program numbers are inevitable. To fill these breaks (pauses), equestrian games, demonstration performances, as well as performances of vaulting groups are organized.

Demonstration performances (numbers) may be different.For example, it is customary to demonstrate “Russian Post” (a rider stands on 2 horses, depicting a post carriage, and drives a team of four or more horses). The pauses are also filled with “Quadrille” (figure riding), the participants of which are dressed in the uniform of a certain historical era or in national costumes.

Horse hunting. Horseback hunts are conducted along pre-established routes. Particularly widespread are “fox tail hunts” and parforce hunts.

During the hunt for the fox’s tail, the “field” of participants, i.That is, all riders participating in the hunt pursue a riding horseman in front, on whose left shoulder a fox’s tail is attached. The winner is the one who first grabs the fox’s tail with his right hand.

Knight’s duels. In the Middle Ages, such fights were an extremely popular form of spectacular sport. For the blows inflicted on the enemy, or for knocking him out of the saddle, the knight was awarded points.

Horse racing around the barrels. It is mainly a female rodeo sport. The rider must drive around three barrels arranged in a clover-like shape (triangle) at maximum speed in the shortest possible time.The results of most races of representatives of the “major league” do not exceed eighteen seconds.

Catching a bull. The team of participants consists of an elder, throwing a lasso to the running bull’s horns, and an assistant, who catches the bull by the hind legs with a lasso. The main thing in this competition, which is held for a while, is speed and accuracy.

Buzkashi. One of the oldest traditional games in the steppe regions. In Central Asia, this ancient game has been known since the time of Genghis Khan. The carcass of an animal is used in buzkashi.Players must grab the decapitated carcass of a calf or goat, gallop away from the opponents and throw it into a designated place on the ground – a winning “circle of justice”. Traditional buzkashi can last for several days. Women are not allowed to watch these competitions.

90,000 Sports team (equestrian sport) FAU MO RF CSKA

According to the staffing table, at the moment, the CSKA equestrian sports team is staffed with 10 athletes (1 athlete – military personnel and 9 – civilian personnel).

Pupils of CSKA were one of the strongest riders!

Below are some of the few CSKA representatives who have done a lot of work and have shown excellent results in equestrian sports!

Lev Pavlovich Baklyshkin – international master of sports (1965), honored trainer of the RSFSR (1972), judge of the all-Union category (1980), participant of the XVI and XVII Olympic Games, European champion in the team competition (1962, 1965) .), silver medalist in the individual competition (1965 g.), champion of the USSR (1960, 1961), multiple winner of all-Union triathlon competitions. In 1953 he was drafted into the army and served as a rider in the KVOKSH, then – in the equestrian team of CSKA. Since 1985 he worked at CSKA as a trainer-breeder. He began performing in the national championships in 1955, from 1956 to 1966 he was a member of the USSR national triathlon team. From 1967 to 1976 he was the national team coach.

Viktor Nikolaevich Matveev – Master of Sports of the USSR of international class in equestrian sport (Moscow, VS).Participant in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City (Mexico). Took 12th place in the team and individual show jumping. He played for CSKA Moscow.

Ivan Aleksandrovich Kalita – Soviet athlete, coach. Honored Master of Sports (1970). He played for CSKA Moscow. Graduated from the Frunze Military Academy (1961). Repeated champion of the USSR (1959-75) in individual and team competitions. Olympic champion (1972) in team dressage competition (on the horse Tarif), 2nd medalist of the Olympic Games (1968) in team competition, 3rd medalist of the Olympic Games (1964) in team competition.Participant of the Olympic Games (1960, 1976). World champion (1970) in team competition, 2nd medalist of the World Championship (1974). 3rd medalist of the European Championship (1973). Dressage coach of the CIS national team at the Olympic Games (1992). He was awarded three Orders of the Badge of Honor.

Sergei Ivanovich Filatov – a graduate of the Higher Cavalry School (1951). Honored Master of Sports (1960, equestrian sport, dressage). Olympic champion (1960 – dressage, individual championship). Bronze medalist of the Olympic Games (1964 – individual and team championship).Participant of the Olympic Games (1956). Champion of the USSR (1954, 1957-1963). In the USSR national team from 1955 to 1964. He played for CSKA Moscow.

Andrei Andreevich Aleutdinov – Soviet athlete, coach. Master of Sport. Honored Trainer of the USSR. In “Pishchevik” (Moscow) – since 1944, later played for the Air Force of the Moscow Military District (Moscow) and CSKA (Moscow). Multiple champion of the USSR. Winner and medalist of international competitions. For 15 years he was the coach of the USSR national modern pentathlon team. Has trained many Olympic, world and European champions.For 32 years he worked as a trainer at CSKA (Moscow), after retiring he was engaged in the training of future horsemen at the CSKA Children’s and Youth Sports School. The best coach of the year (1978). Author of a number of textbooks on the theory of equestrian sports. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree (1998).

Mikhail Ivanovich Kopeikin – Soviet athlete, coach. International Master of Sports. He played for CSKA Moscow. USSR champion (1975, 1976, 1977) in dressage. In the USSR national team since 1966. Worked as a dressage trainer.He was also a personal trainer for Yu.M. Luzhkov.

Valery Anatolyevich Tishkov – International Master of Sports. He began his sports career in 1978 under the leadership of Ivan Kalita. For more than 15 years he represented CSKA in dressage, and in 1986 he became a member of the country’s dressage team. For 10 years, Valery Tishkov represented the national team in the international arena. During this time, the team was awarded many awards, one of the most significant of which is the silver medal of the First World Equestrian Games (1990, Stockholm).Then there were victories in Aachen, Moscow, Paris, Minsk, Amsterdam, as well as participation in major equestrian tournaments: in Wiesbaden, Wolfsburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt am Main, Dortmund. Valery was in the TOP-20 horsemen of the world.

Vasily Ivanovich Gudzyuk – master of sports in show jumping, coach of the highest category, winner of the USSR Cup, silver and bronze medalist of the USSR championships, winner of the CIS open championship and four-time medalist of the World Cup stages. He played for CSKA.

Let’s not forget to mention the World War Games – a grandiose international multisport competition for military personnel.

Games are held under the auspices of the International Council of Military Sports (CISM), established in February 1948. Russia joined CISM in 1995. That year in Rome, for the first time, the summer VVI was held, at which the national team of our country took first place among 93 teams in the overall medal standings. Then the horsemen added their trophies to the common piggy bank: Anatoly Timchenko – gold in show jumping and Tatyana Sleptsova – silver in dressage. The successful debut and high achievements of Russia are easily explainable, because for many of our world-class athletes, CSKA is their home club, and they themselves are listed in the service in the Russian army.

VVI in 2019 was successful for Russian riders. The show jumping competition consisted of three routes (up to 120, 125 and 130 cm). Medals were played among 56 riders from 21 countries in individual and team competition. According to the results of all routes, the Russian team consisting of Anastasia Shcherbakova, Evgeny Terentyev and Mikhail Atoyan won gold in the team competition with a score of 394 points. The 2nd place is taken by the Italian team (365), the 3rd by the French team (358).

Historically:

Equestrian sport is a sports competition that includes different types of disciplines performed by a person on horseback.The history of equestrian sports began about three thousand years ago.

Modern classical equestrian sports are included in the official program of the Summer Olympics: show jumping – since 1900, dressage and triathlon – since 1912

Four horse chariot races were first held in 680 BC. at the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, and horse racing was first included in the program of the Ancient Greek Olympic Games in 648 BC. NS.

The first riding schools appeared in the 16th – 17th centuries in Italy – Naples, France – Versailles, Spain – Madrid, Austria – Vienna.In the 18th – 19th centuries, equestrian sports developed widely in many European countries.

In 1921, the International Equestrian Federation FEI was founded, which unites more than 110 national federations.

Equestrian sport has been in the program of the Olympic Games since 1900.

The program included: personal championship in overcoming obstacles, long and high jumps, which were further excluded from the program of the Olympic Games.

In 1912, the program included: individual and team championships in eventing and overcoming obstacles and individual championships in dressage.

There were no equestrian competitions at the 1904 and 1908 Olympics.

In the 1920 program, vaulting competitions and two runs for 20 and 50 km were additionally held, which were subsequently excluded.

In 1928, the program included individual and team championships in Eventing, Jumping and Dressage.

Equestrian polo competitions were held at the 1900, 1908, 1920, 1924 and 1936 Olympic Games.

The emergence of equestrian sports in Russia

Equestrian sport in its modern form appears only after the revolution. Even during the years of the civil war, horse riding training and long horse races were carried out. But at this stage, equestrian sport had an exclusively applied character – the ultimate goal of training was to obtain high-quality cavalrymen. So in 1922, a race was held from Rostov to Kharkov with the participation of 33 riders. And in 1925, the first all-army equestrian competitions were organized, which included races and show jumping.

Rebirth and entry into the world stage occurs in the 50s and subsequent years:

1952 – we enter the International Equestrian Federation;

1953 – Soviet horsemen won 5 of 12 prizes at the Warsaw Games;

in 1954 in Berlin our athletes occupy 7 out of 16 places;

the first Olympic Games with the participation of our riders did not bring results, but already in Rome in 1960 we get gold in dressage;

at the next games in Tokyo we have two bronzes;

in 1968 in Mexico Soviet athletes take silver in the team competition and gold in the individual race.

The Olympic equestrian sports include show jumping, dressage, triathlon and Para dressage.

Dressage

High School of Riding is the most beautiful and elegant kind of equestrian sport, in which the purity of the execution of the elements is appreciated. A person on horseback must demonstrate to the jury and the audience different gaits, while taking into account:

– step purity at various rates;

– smooth transition between gaits;

– stop and reverse movement;

– horse flexion, special movements;

– change of the leading leg at a canter;

Horse and person in dressage must be one.

You need to steer the horse unnoticed, the horse must be obedient, follow commands without delay. There are several types of dressage – classical demonstration of elements and free skating to music.

Dressage competitions are held in a standard arena 60x20m, which has a letter marking of its area. The Grand Prix Dressage program includes 33 exercises. Horses that have reached the age of seven take part in it, but high results can be expected only by 10 years and after this milestone.The steps to the Grand Prix are amateur riding, which is allowed to record horses only from 4 years old, as well as Small and Medium prizes. Horses from 5-6 years old compete in the Small Prize, followed by the Average Prizes number 1 and number 2. All riders and horses undergo systematic training before getting on them.

Show jumping

Show jumping (overcoming obstacles) is one of the most popular equestrian sports.

Dynamic and entertaining, the goal of which is to overcome various obstacles in a specific sequence.

For the first time this sport was presented at the French exhibition in 1951. Competitions quickly gained popularity, and now show jumping is considered one of the most popular equestrian sports.

Show jumping places high demands on both the horse and the rider. The main thing during the test is to overcome the barrier cleanly without penalty points in the normal time. Penalty points will be awarded for touching an obstacle, passing and throwing.

Traditionally, show jumping takes place on a level ground (jumping field), where obstacles of various types, height, width and design (bars, walls, ditches, chukhontsy, wickets, etc.) are located in various combinations.) marked with colored flags (white on the left and red on the right). The order and location of obstacles on the field is determined by the course designer.

Triathlon

Of all equestrian sports, triathlon is the most difficult and challenging competition. It requires great physical endurance and courage from both the rider and the horse, as well as good orientation.

Eventing is played over three days and consists of dressage riding, field trials and overcoming obstacles.And it is also mandatory the day before the start of the competition and the next day after the cross, a veterinary inspection of horses for physical condition is carried out.

All three of these tests must be completed on the same horse and show fitness and versatility. The first day of dressage is meant to show her eminence and obedience. The second day of the cross is the main test, during which it is revealed how disciplined, playful and tough the horse is, as well as its jumping ability.It runs over rough terrain with fixed (dead) barriers, including diving. The third day of show jumping is designed to test the horse’s performance and skill after difficult field trials. Previously, this species was exclusively the lot of the military, the goal was to understand the readiness of the horse and rider for the events of military life.

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90,000 Annual equestrian competitions were held in the village of Myku

Equestrian competitions dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Victory Day of Abkhazia in OVNA were held in the village of Myku.

Said Bargandzhia

Traditional equestrian competitions were held in the village of Myku, Ochamchira region on Friday 28 September. This year they were timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Victory Day in the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia.

National teams from the villages of Dzhgerda, Kutol, Myku, Pakuash, Huarcha, Tamysh, Guada took part in the competition.

“All the horses participating in today’s races are from Abkhazia, almost all of them are brought up in an equestrian school in the village of Kutol,” one of the organizers of the games, an employee of the Ochamchira city administration Mikhail Agrba, told the WAC information portal.

He added that the games are held to popularize and promote equestrian sports in Abkhazia and to improve the qualifications of equestrians.

The youngest rider is 15 years old, his name is Bagrat Tsvizhba. At the competitions he represents the village of Huarcha.

“I have been doing horse races for two years now, I really like it. I plan to continue doing this sport, ”Tsvizhba shared.

Another participant of the race, Beslan Bobua from Pakuash village, noted that athletes prepare for the races throughout the year.

“This is a very important event for us, we are seriously preparing for it. We are engaged in an equestrian school, ”noted Bouba.

As part of the races, four awards were played: the Cup of the first President of the Republic of Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba, the Cup of the second President Sergei Bagapsh, and the Cup of the incumbent head of state Raul Khadzhimba. The riders also fought for the Cup in memory of the people of Abkhazia who died in the Patriotic War. At a distance of two thousand meters, horses of a local breed were running.

The rider Inal Golandzia from the village of Kutol became the owner of three cups at once – Vladislav Ardzinba, Raul Khadzhimba and the cup in memory of those killed in the OVNA. The winner told the WAC correspondent that it was a great honor for him to represent his native village in these races and, moreover, to win three times.

Sergey Bagapsh’s Cup went to Alyas Papba from the village of Guada.

Within the framework of the competition, the teams also competed in throwing the “dart” – Ageggydka (the name of the traditional Abkhaz game in Abkhaz – approx.ed.). According to the rules of the game, riders on the move must hit an opponent or his horse with a “dart” (such a “dart” is a bamboo stick more than one meter long, the ends of which are not pointed – ed.). If a competitor hits a rider with a “dart”, the team gets two points, if a horse – one point. The team with the most points wins.

“This is a very interesting sight, it is also dangerous. There have been cases when people were seriously injured. The fact that these games are dangerous for human health is arousing such keen interest, ”the referee noted.

Equestrian football – Ҽyla ampyl arkhәmarra (the name of the traditional Abkhaz game in Abkhazian – ed.) Was also included in the game program of the competition. According to the rules of the game, riders move the ball across the field using a special stick. The goal of the game is to hit the opponent’s goal as many times as possible.

The national team from the village of Kutol won both games. More than 60 riders took part in the competition.

Equestrian competitions in the village of Myku, Ochamchira region are held for the 25th time.The competition program includes equestrian races for 1400, 1600, 1800 and 2000 meters, as well as national team games – horse-drawn dart throwing and equestrian football. Equestrian sports annually gather hundreds of people from all over Abkhazia and have long secured the title of the main equestrian sports competition of the Republic.

Equestrian – Quick Start Guide

Equestrian sport is horse riding. It comes from the Latin words equester and equus, which means horse.This sport is played both alone and in teams. It is a combination of three different events, namely endurance, jumping and dressage.

• Endurance – Endurance discipline tests the rider’s talent on horseback, as well as the horse’s fitness and potential.

• Jumping – Jumping discipline tests the rider’s talent by making his horse jump over barriers on command.

• Dressage – Dressage is the third discipline that is commonly known as Equestrian Ballet .

Endurance Endurance Discipline tests the rider’s talent on horseback and the horse’s fitness and potential.

Jumping – Jumping discipline tests the rider’s talent by making his horse jump over barriers on command.

Dressage – Dressage is the third discipline that is commonly known as Equestrian Ballet .

Equestrian sport tests the rider’s talent to coordinate with the horse to complete a set of movements.This discipline assesses the horse’s form and willingness to perform with minimal push from the rider.

Equestrian sport is an interesting sport based entirely on the equation of a rider with a horse.

Sport includes three different events, the purpose of which is slightly different from the others. In endurance competitions, the main goal is to complete the course as soon as possible. Riders who complete the course in the shortest time are ranked higher.

In the case of a jump, the goal is to end the session in the minimum amount of time, without knocking over or missing any barriers, deviating from the sequence of the session, and exceeding the time limit.

The dressage discipline evaluates the horse’s form and readiness to perform along with the rider’s relaxed and controlled demeanor. The riders with the best results qualify from the team stage to the individual stage.

A Brief History of Equestrian Sports

For the first time equestrian sport was presented at the Games of the II Olympiad, held in Paris in 1900. Although not included in the next two editions of the competition, it was seen again in 1912 and has always remained a part of the Summer Sports Olympics,

Until 1948, only men could participate in this sport.1952 witnessed the active participation of women in this sport in the Games of the XV Olympiad, held in Helsinki. Firstly, they only compete in dressage, but gradually they began to participate in other competitions.

Member Countries

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) organizes the FEI World Equestrian Games for international equestrian championships. The championship is held once every four years. The location of the championships varies from country to country.At the 2010 Summer Olympics, 800 people represented 57 countries with their horses.

Below is a list of countries that have hosted the last five equestrian championships.

• 2014: Normandy, France
• 2010: Lexington, USA
• 2006: Aachen, Germany
• 2002: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
• 1998: Rome, Italy, Argentina

Equestrian sport consists of three disciplines – endurance , jumping and dressage .Each discipline has both individual and team events.

stamina

This discipline tests the horse rider’s ability, fitness, potential and endurance. For each round, a time limit is set for a certain division distance, so that no rider has any advantage. In the team event, each group consists of four riders and the ranking is based on the team that finishes the round first.

There are cross-country tracks here. It includes both natural and some artificial barriers such as hills, ditches or edges. The rider who manages to overcome all barriers in the round in the shortest possible time is rated higher. A reward for a horse that crosses the finish line in better condition compared to other horses.

Jumping

This discipline tests the rider’s ability to coordinate his activities with the horse, as well as the horse’s ability to jump over barriers in accordance with the rider’s command.This discipline has over eight to twelve obstacles that include ditches, low walls, and parallel bars.

Duet, i.e. the rider and horse who finish the round with the fewest penalties and the shortest time are the winners.

Penalty points

If the rider’s horse is unwilling to cross the obstacle and complete the round, then temporary faults (one per second) will be awarded as penalty points. Any violation will result in penalties and deduction of points from the final results.

This is where the riders have to make a wise pass as they have to make two passes and whoever has the most points will be directly promoted to the final. The rider and the horse with the shortest time win, but in the event of a tie, the rider must make an extra pass to break the tie.

The goal here is to complete the round as quickly as possible without knocking over, missing a barrier, and deviating from the sequence of rounds. Only four riders can play in teams and the one with fewer points must leave the sport.Finally, the team that shows the best results in the shortest possible time becomes the crowned team.

dressage

This discipline is also called Horse Ballet, because riders and their horses are judged for their precision of movement, calmness, flexibility and flexibility by five judges. It evaluates the horse’s form and enthusiasm for performing each element with minimal drive and motivation on the part of the rider.

track

The Away Round is held on a 60 x 20 m sand area where horses must perform a specific sequence of movements.The movements of the first two rounds are compulsory, while the third round is a free-style round. In the third round, the rider chooses an individual program for music.

It is recommended that the rider remains relaxed and in control. Based on the aforementioned criteria, a judge’s award is awarded to each rider from 0 to 10 for each element performed, and finally, the rider with the most points wins.

Team

The team event is held primarily in dressage.Four riders make up a team and the one with the lowest points must leave the sport before the total is added up. In the end, the team with the most points wins, and the riders with the best results for the team competition are eligible for a separate event.

Equestrian sport is an equestrian sport in which riders take part in any of three disciplines. Horseback riding is a dangerous game because if a rider falls off the horse due to a mistake or any other reason, he may be injured.The rider also needs comfort while sitting on the horse so that he can easily mount and ride it. SO he needs comfort and safety equipment.

In this chapter we will talk about equestrian equipment.

Saddle

Any saddle that fits the horse and does not restrict his movement is fine. Chest collars can also be used to ensure that the saddle stays in place in rough terrain.

Headpiece

This is a piece of clothing that every rider must wear for safety reasons.

Bit

This is a material placed in the mouth of a horse and placed in its head through a headgear.

Breeches

Violations is a set of trousers worn by the rider during the event, as well as boots and jackets.

Horses are considered large animals, but they require proper attention, care and regular interaction.They are living beings and they understand emotions. Caring for horses, whether it be boarding for a while or keeping them, takes commitment and money.

Manufacture of horse stalls

When making stalls for horses, ensure that stalls are larger than 3.6 x 3.6 m and should be released daily for exercise. They are fed hay twice a day. It should be noted that horse feed is stored in barrels off the ground to prevent sand from entering, which can cause gritty colic.

Fences and gates

Make sure fences and gates are in good condition and try not to use barbed wire as animals can get caught in it and get hurt. If riders want to mount a horse, they should check what is available in that case. In this case, they can opt for a full-time boarding, which includes all the requirements and kiosk decoration.

Riders should also keep a close eye on all services and additional services available in this case.They should also check their horses regularly to keep them in good condition. They need to have a close bond with the horse so they can prepare them for the big event.

Partial fit

In partial landing, the horse does not belong to the riders. They pay a certain amount in exchange for using it. This is the best option for those who cannot afford to own a horse. Because they pay less, they spend less time with their horse.

A basic requirement for equestrian sports players is their ability to remain on the horse. The whole sport depends on the connection between the rider and the horse. From caring for horses to keeping them happy and active to compete, you need to take care of everything.

Rider Body Alignment

While on horseback, riders are advised to keep their body aligned. It would be wise to stay relaxed and comfortable while sitting on the seat bones, avoiding using your hips to grip the horse.The rider should remain calm and not show signs of anxiety or nervousness.

While standing on the horse, it is very important to keep the upper body in the same position as during the sitting position. In short, the body should be aligned from the head through the hips.

Riding without stirrup

Riding without stirrups helps in developing body balance and strengthening the lower leg. This exercise helps the rider naturally sit deeper in the saddle centered on the horse’s back.It also helps the rider to bend naturally to the sides while in the saddle.

Feeling of the horse’s rhythm can also be developed by trotting. Riders can lift their body off the saddle simply by using their horse’s stride, sending without stirrups.

Five-five-five exercises

Five-Five-Five is another exercise that allows the rider to pay attention to where the horse’s hooves are. This can be done by feeling the movement of the horse as it moves.Here, the rider must sit on the saddle for five steps while the horse walks before taking the next five steps.

At the end of the first five steps, the rider and horse stand another five steps. This exercise should be done daily to keep both rider and horse comfortable with it. The practice of these three sets of moments allows riders to have a good understanding of the rhythm of the horse’s stride.

When the rider is almost certain he is in the saddle, the last step is to run in a circle. It starts with a trot and guides the horse in creating a large circle.After forming the circle, tighten the circle in half and direct the horse for a run. As the circle contracts, throw in the stirrup and keep your balance. Once the rider senses this, he can easily change direction and practice.

Before installation

Before you mount a horse, make sure you mount it gracefully without kicking the horse in the butt or saddle. Align correctly with the saddle and begin riding with a light touch of the leash. Do more trotting or jogging, not jerking or jerking.Instead of artificial aids (cropping or spurs), use natural aids (arms, legs, weight and voice) to give your horse clear signals when moving.

assembly

Start with a little warm-up, then proceed with installation. This is because cold muscles in a horse need to be warmed up gradually to function properly. Therefore, before galloping or riding a horse, simply move with the horse in both directions for running or trotting.

Different mounting styles have different steps, but they all have some common steps that must be followed –

• Take your horse to an open area and make sure it is at a sufficient distance from other horses.

• Check the tightness of the clinch / wrap.

• The Rhine must be evenly distributed throughout the horse to give him firm control. A good rein can help you keep your horse steady so that it doesn’t move while riding.

• If your horse is feeling shy or confused, his eyes and ears can communicate with you. So look in his face for such signs before you travel.

• Use a mounting block to help reduce stress on the horse while riding.

Take your horse to an open area and make sure it is at a sufficient distance from other horses.

Check the tightness of the clinch / wrap.

The Rhine must be evenly distributed throughout the horse to give him firm control. A good rein can help you keep your horse steady so that it doesn’t move while riding.

If your horse is feeling shy or confused, his eyes and ears can communicate with you. So look in his face for such signs before you travel.

Use a mounting block to help reduce stress on the horse while riding.

Western Riding

If you want to ride a Western style horse, follow these steps:

• Stand on the left side of the horse and begin to distribute the reins evenly around the neck with your hands.

• Now grip the leash firmly in your left hand, limiting any further forward movement of the horse before setting, and after setting it can be released a little.

• Use your peripheral vision to follow the horse’s head and face in the same direction or towards his face.

• Now place your left hand in front of the withers, holding the saddle firmly if possible.

• Hold the stirrup with your right hand and place your left leg in it.

• Hold the handlebars firmly and push your right foot off the ground.

• Keep yourself standing and place all your weight on the left stirrup.

• Move your right foot over the saddle without touching the horse and sit gently on it.

• Place your right foot in the right stirrup and adjust the saddle with the reins.

Stand on the left side of the horse and begin to distribute the reins evenly with your hands around the neck.

Now grip the leash firmly in your left hand, limiting any further forward movement of the horse before setting, and after setting it can be released a little.

Use your peripheral vision to follow the horse’s head and face in the same direction or towards his face.

Now place your left hand in front of the withers, holding the saddle firmly if possible.

Hold the stirrup with your right hand and place your left leg in it.

Hold the handlebars firmly and push your right foot off the ground.

Keep yourself standing and place all your weight on the left stirrup.

Move your right foot over the saddle without touching the horse and sit gently on it.

Place your right foot in the right stirrup and adjust the saddle with the reins.

English mounting style

If you are going to ride an English style horse, use the mounting block and follow these steps.

• Hold the stirrup irons while they sit on the English saddle.

• Place the reins on the horse’s head.

• Hold the reins with your left hand while standing on the horse’s left side. The reins should be evenly spaced and short enough to keep the horse stable.

• Facing the front and at the withers, take your horse’s mane with your left hand.

• Now it’s time to turn the iron stepladder towards you clockwise with your right hand.

• Place your left foot in the stirrup and your right hand on the side of the saddle.

• Now lean forward slightly and position the horse with your right foot without touching the saddle.

• Now sit gently on the saddle with your right foot in the stirrup and adjusting the reins with your hands.

Hold the stirrup irons while they sit on the English saddle.

Place the reins on the horse’s head.

Hold the reins with your left hand while standing on the horse’s left side. The reins should be evenly spaced and short enough to keep the horse stable.

Facing the front and at the withers, take your horse’s mane with your left hand.

Now it’s time to turn the iron stepladder towards you clockwise with your right hand.

Place your left foot in the stirrup and your right hand on the side of the saddle.

Now lean forward slightly and position the horse with your right foot without touching the saddle.

Now sit gently on the saddle with your right foot in the stirrup and adjusting the reins with your hands.

Desoldering

Always keep your site clear of obstacles before boarding. Those who use Western riding style can use either of the following two dismantling methods.

• Without using the left stirrup, carefully slide off the horse.

• Leave your foot on the left stirrup and get off the horse.

Without using the left stirrup, carefully slide off the horse.

Leave your foot on the left stirrup and get off the horse.

The rider’s size determines the method of sliding down the horse. For example, a small person should use the first method instead of the second.

If you are an English rider, slide off your horse or jump without using the left stirrup.As with the Western style, riders do not directly leave the horse.

Position of body parts while riding

Learning how to mount and mount a horse will not help you play equestrian sport. Learning about different body positions is equally important. Below we have discussed some of the basic positions of your body while sitting on a horse.

• Head. Do not tilt your head over your shoulders, but keep it straight and watch your destination.Lose weight from your heel by kneeling forward and keeping your chin upright.

• Shoulders. As soon as you sit down on the saddle, try to keep both shoulders at the same level. If not, they may indicate that your body weight is not centrally balanced. Leaning in any direction will cause your horse to lean in that direction as well.

• Back – Always keep your back upright in relation to your base.Don’t keep it tough, or it will affect your work.

• Stomach and arms – Your belly should be flat and your arms should hang naturally, not rigid. Keep them soft and relaxed. This way, your arm will move naturally as the horse moves.

• Seat – Keep your hips and pelvis relaxed because they are real shock absorbers. Try to distribute your body weight evenly over the entire saddle.Your hips should stay connected to the saddle.

• Legs. You can communicate effectively with your horse through your legs. Your legs can balance your upper body in a balanced position over the saddle. The stirrups should be shorter than the saddle so your feet and ankles can effectively act as shock absorbers.

• Leg – Most of your body weight is carried by the heel. Thus, the correct positioning of the ball of your foot above the stirrup determines how you are going to use your feet.The position of your legs should be almost parallel to the horse’s side.

Head. Do not tilt your head over your shoulders, but keep it straight and watch your destination. Lose weight from your heel by kneeling forward and keeping your chin upright.

Shoulders. As soon as you sit down on the saddle, try to keep both shoulders at the same level. If not, they may indicate that your body weight is not centrally balanced.Leaning in any direction will cause your horse to lean in that direction as well.

Back – Always keep your back upright in relation to your base. Don’t keep it tough, or it will affect your work.

Stomach and arms – Your belly should be flat and your arms should hang naturally, not rigid. Keep them soft and relaxed. This way, your arm will move naturally as the horse moves.

Seat – Keep your hips and pelvis relaxed because they are real shock absorbers. Try to distribute your body weight evenly over the entire saddle. Your hips should stay connected to the saddle.

Legs. You can communicate effectively with your horse through your legs. Your legs can balance your upper body in a balanced position over the saddle. The stirrups should be shorter than the saddle so your feet and ankles can effectively act as shock absorbers.

Leg – Most of your body weight is carried by the heel. Thus, the correct positioning of the ball of your foot above the stirrup determines how you are going to use your feet. The position of your legs should be almost parallel to the horse’s side.

Change of direction

To change direction, you must use your arms, legs and reins effectively. Let’s discuss some of the basics.

Turn right / left

Let’s start with the right turn procedure.A left turn will follow the same procedure with opposite means. Press harder on the right side of the stirrups, but do not lean over the horse. Then draw the reins back a little. Now there is a task to turn the horse in the direction you want. To do this, you first turn your head, then your shoulders, and then your hips so that your horse can feel the movement through you.

When the horse begins to turn, lightly hit the circumference with the outside legs so that the horse can turn more tightly.Here, the outer leg will control the impulse and the inner leg will control the flexion of his ribcage.

Driving in a circle

To make a circle, the horse must be bent at four points and the rider must be able to see the horse’s inner eye all the way. The steps for whirling are as follows –

• As you begin to circle, your horse will follow his nose and look for where he is going.

• Tilt the nose slightly towards the arc of the circle using the inner rein.

• Use your outside leg to control the horse’s movement in a circle.

• Your inner leg can make it move in an arc, putting pressure on the ribcage and spine in the same direction. Hit him in the gap if he doesn’t respond.

• Slightly pull the inner reins towards the mane to keep the horse’s shoulder upright.

When you start to circle, your horse will follow his nose and look for where he is going.

Tilt the nose slightly towards the arc of the circle using the inner rein.

Use your outside leg to control the horse’s movement in a circle.

Your inner leg can make it move in an arc, putting pressure on the ribcage and spine in the same direction. Hit him in the gap if he doesn’t respond.

Slightly pull the inner reins towards the mane to keep the horse’s shoulder upright.

The rules for equestrian sport are determined by the Equestrian Federation.Let’s find out the rules regarding various aspects of equestrian sports.

• Endurance has different phases ranging from 20-40 km each. The event lasts from one to five days. The phases depend on the distance to be traveled.

• There is a mandatory break or rest time after each leg to feed the horse. Veterinary examinations of the participating horses are also carried out during this time.

• Time is the most important element that determines the winner of a sport.After each stage, players are given a time card showing and recording their time. The first ten players who pass the finish line in the best conditions will be awarded by the organizing committee.

• Players must wear protective, secure headgear throughout the sport while on horseback. Safety stirrups are mandatory and all players must wear shoes with heels of 12 mm or more while riding.

Endurance has different phases ranging from 20-40 km each.The event lasts from one to five days. The phases depend on the distance to be traveled.

There is a mandatory break or rest time after each leg to feed the horse. Veterinary examinations of the participating horses are also carried out during this time.

Time is the most important element that determines the winner of a sport. After each stage, players are given a time card showing and recording their time. The first ten players who pass the finish line in the best conditions will be awarded by the organizing committee.

Players must wear protective, secure headgear throughout the sport while on horseback. Safety stirrups are mandatory and all players must wear shoes with heels of 12 mm or more while riding.

• All riders must be in proper uniform. No shorts or sandals allowed.

• During jumping competitions, all details related to this event, together with one copy, must be posted at the arena entrance at least 30 minutes before the start of the competition.All barriers to be crossed must be numbered in the order in which they must be crossed.

• Two flags are used for marking. All required pivot points are marked with a red flag on the right and a white flag on the left. If a rider tries to jump over a barrier with an incorrectly attached headgear, he will be directly eliminated.

• In dressage, all the rules regarding penalties and faults are very strict and a rider can be outright disqualified if the infringements are considered serious.In any case, riders can improve their performance by listening to the judge’s comments.

All riders must be in proper uniform. No shorts or sandals allowed.

During jumping competitions, all details related to this event, together with one copy, must be posted at the arena entrance at least 30 minutes before the start of the competition. All barriers to be crossed must be numbered in the order in which they must be crossed.

Two flags are used for marking. All required pivot points are marked with a red flag on the right and a white flag on the left. If a rider tries to jump over a barrier with an incorrectly attached headgear, he will be directly eliminated.

In dressage, all the rules regarding penalties and faults are very strict and a rider can be outright disqualified if the infringements are considered serious. In any case, riders can improve their performance by listening to the judge’s comments.

The FEI World Equestrian Games are considered the main international equestrian championships and are hosted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Competitions are held every four years.

Here are some of the important equestrian championships that take place around the world:

• American World Cup
• Saratoga Classic Horse Show
• World Equestrian Championships
• AQHA World Show
• Arab and Half Arab Equestrian Show
• Exhibition of horses of Arab origin in Georgia

Equestrian sport is an equestrian sport that consists of various activities.Many participants have won medals at various championships. Some of them are described as follows.

Rainer Klimke

Rainer Klimke was a German rider who won six gold and two bronze medals at the Summer Olympics. In team competitions, he won gold in 1964, 1968, 1976, 1984 and 1988. In separate competitions, he won two bronze medals in 1968 and 1976.

He also won six gold medals at the World Championships, of which two were won in individual events in 1974 and 1982 and four in team events in 1966, 1974, 1982 and 1986.

He also achieved success in the European Championships where he won many medals. He died of a heart attack at the age of 63.

Karl Hester

Carl Hester is a dressage racer from Great Britain. He started his career at a very young age and won the Youth Dressage Championship in 1985. Since 1990, he began taking part in the World Championships, European Championships and the Olympic Games.

In 2011 he competed in the European Dressage Championship with the British team and won the gold medal.He also won silver in special dressage and freestyle wrestling in the same championship.

He has also won four silvers and one bronze at the European Championships over the years. In 2009 and 2015 at the European Championships, he won silver, and bronze in 2013 in the team competition.

Michael Young

Michael Jung is a German equestrian and equestrian competitor. He has won many medals at the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships.

At the 2012 Olympics, he won the gold medal in team and individual events. In 2010, he won gold in individual equestrian events.

In 2014, he won gold in the team competition and silver in the individual competition. At the European Championships, he won six golds and one bronze.

David O’Conner

David O’Conner is a United States equestrian who competed in two Summer Olympics.

He won a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics in team competition.

He won a silver medal in individual events and a gold medal in team events at the 1999 Pan American Games.

At the 2002 World Equestrian Games, he won team gold. He retired from the team in 2004 and became the coach of the US national team.

Mark Todd

Mark Todd is an equestrian competitor from New Zealand who has won four gold medals in badminton at the Olympic Games and in Burleigh.

He also won gold medals at the World Championships as a member of Team New Zealand.

Early in his career, he competed in the first three days of the World Championship and finished 10th-^{th place} . In 1980, he won the badminton race. After that, Todd won medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics.

Charlotte Dujardin

Charlotte Dujardin is a dressage rider from Great Britain, considered the most successful rider who has won many major titles and set many world records.The titles she has won include Individual Olympic Freestyle and World Freestyle.

Along with this, she also won the World Cup in Individual Dressage and European Freestyle. Since childhood, she was fond of horse riding and won the Horse of the Year U16 four times.

In 2007 she received some dressage training with Karl Hester. She won two gold medals at the 2012 Olympics, one individually and the other as a team.

Anki van Grunswen

Anki van Grunsven is a Dutch dressage champion who has won many medals at the Olympic Games.

She holds the record for winning medals in three consecutive Olympic Games.

In addition, she also won many medals at the World Equestrian Games. Between 1995 and 2008, she won the World Cup nine times.

She won eight team medals and seven individual medals at the European Dressage Championships. After competing in the 2012 Olympics, she retired in 2013.

Isabelle Werth

Isabelle Werth is a German dressage racer who has won eight medals at the Olympic Games.At the 1992 Olympics, she won gold in the team dressage event and silver in the individual dressage event.

In 1996, she won one gold each in team and individual dressage events. In the 2000 and 2008 Olympics, she won team gold and silver in individual dressage events.

At the World Championships, she won seven golds and two bronzes, and at the European Championships – nine golds, three silvers and two bronzes.

Nicole Uphoff

Nicole Uphoff is an equestrian athlete from Germany who has won four gold medals at the Olympic Games. In addition, she has also won medals at the World Equestrian Games and European Dressage Championships.

She started her career in 1985. In 1987 she started taking part in international championships with her coach Uwe Schulten Baumer. She won two gold medals, one in team dressage and one in separate dressage events at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

At the European Championships she won six golds and one silver, and at the World Championships she won three golds and one silver.

90,000 Equestrian sports. Animal world. Volume 6 [Stories About Pets]

Equestrian Sports

There are basically three types of them: dressage, show jumping and triathlon. Dressage, or high school of riding, is a classic equestrian sport. He requires a lot of art and many years of work from the rider and trainer. Horse and rider are harmoniously fused together.The horse performs all exercises easily and, it seems, without compulsion. And these exercises are difficult, the highest of them are the change of legs at the canter, pirouette, passage and piaffe. This is a must see, and you must have watched it on TV when you showed equestrian competitions at the Olympic Games.

Show jumping, Ippik, usually called simply show jumping, – overcoming obstacles, the height of which in our time is 1.6–2 meters.

High class show jumping – overcoming 18 obstacles, some of which are 1.7 meters high, 3 meters wide, and a ditch length of 5 meters.You need to jump through them along a specific route. The winner is the one with the lowest number of penalty points.

There are show jumping without a specific route: the rider has the right to choose the obstacles. The more difficult the obstacle that the rider overcame, the more points he gets.

Eventing is held over three days on the same horse. The program includes three types of equestrian competitions: on the first day, dressage riding (alternating gaits, volts, stops, etc.), on the second day field trials – horse racing over rough terrain, on the third day show jumping, jumping over obstacles.

I will mention two more traditional and very difficult competitions: the Pardubetsky in Czechoslovakia (founded in 1874) and the Grand National Steeplechase in Liverpool (held since 1890). These are obstacle races on rough terrain (6.9 kilometers in Pardubieck and about 7.2 in Liverpool). The obstacles are very difficult. Dozens of riders start in these competitions, only a few come to the finish line, others get there later, not having overcome all the rules of the route, or leave the race with various injuries to horses and riders.

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