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94-512: Horses are trained and ridden for practical working purposes, such as in police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch . They are also used in competitive sports including dressage , endurance riding , eventing , reining , show jumping , tent pegging , vaulting , polo , horse racing , driving , and rodeo (see additional equestrian sports listed later in this article for more examples). Some popular forms of competition are grouped together at horse shows where horses perform in

188-477: A double bridle , and martingales and bearing reins were prohibited. 17 riders from 5 countries participated in the dressage competition at the 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games. The test was now ridden required to be ridden from memory, and was held in a slightly larger arena (50m by 20m). "Slow" was changed to "Collected" on the test sheet. Collected walk, trot, and canter were required, as was extended trot posting followed by collected trot sitting. A 5-loop serpentine

282-430: A double bridle . Riders were required to be attired in informal uniform. There were significant changes in the format for the 1920 Olympics, most notable was the removal of the dressage test. 25 riders from 8 nations competed. Horses began on Day 1 with a 45 km roads and tracks test to be completed in 3.5 hours. This was followed by a 5 km cross-country test, with 18 obstacles between 1.1–1.15 meters high, with

376-525: A plow or other farm equipment designed to be pulled by animals. In many parts of the world they still pull wagons for basic hauling and transportation. They may draw carriages at ceremonies, in parades or for tourist rides. As noted in "horse racing" above , horses can race in harness, pulling a very lightweight cart known as a sulky . At the other end of the spectrum, some draft horses compete in horse pulling competitions, where single or teams of horses and their drivers vie to determine who can pull

470-482: A 20 meter by 40 meter space. The difficulty was much less than it is today, similar to the USDF Fourth Level. The test, as it is today, scored each movement on a 0–10 scale. Required gaits included the "free" and "easy" walk, the "slow" and "extended" trot, and the "slow" and "extended" canter, all of which were to be performed on both reins. The horse also had to demonstrate "ordinary turns," small circles at

564-630: A bicycle, was 9 times higher for adolescents and 5.6 times higher for younger children , but that riding a horse was less risky than riding a moped . In Victoria, Australia , a search of state records found that equestrian sports had the third highest incidence of serious injury, after motor sports and power boating . In Greece , an analysis of a national registry estimated the incidence of equestrian injury to be 21 per 100,000 person-years for farming and equestrian sports combined, and 160 times higher for horse racing personnel. Other findings noted that helmets likely prevent traumatic brain injuries. In

658-577: A car. Most falling deaths are caused by head injury. The use of riding helmets substantially decreases the likelihood and severity of head injuries. When a rider falls with a helmet, he or she is five times less likely to experience a traumatic brain injury than a rider who falls without a helmet. Helmets work by crushing on impact and extending the length of time it takes the head to stop moving. Despite this, helmet usage rates in North America are estimated to be between eight and twenty percent. Once

752-414: A combination of a bosal and bit, called a "two-rein", is used at some stages of training. The standard western bridle lacks a noseband and usually consists of a single set of reins attached to a curb bit that has somewhat longer shanks than the curb of an English Weymouth bridle or a pelham bit . Western bridles have either a browband or else a "one ear" loop (sometimes two) that crosses in front of

846-402: A confined circle (such as advanced roundpenning or longeing ), should wait until the horse is at least two years old. Common ground training techniques include: A horse is not ready to be ridden until it is accustomed to all the equipment that it needs to wear and is responsive to basic voice, and usually rein, commands to start, stop, turn and change gaits . For some disciplines, ground work

940-437: A designated discipline. Most young domesticated horses are handled at birth or within the first few days of life, though some are only handled for the first time when they are weaned from their mothers, or dams. Advocates of handling foals from birth sometimes use the concept of imprinting to introduce a foal within its first few days and weeks of life to many of the activities they will see throughout their lives. Within

1034-461: A domesticated animal that has previously learned to treat humans with disrespect. There are many horse training philosophies and techniques and details are far too extensive to describe in a single article. Also, horses have different conformation, athletic potential, temperaments and personalities, all of which may influence what techniques should be used to reap the best results. For further information on horse training and specific disciplines, see

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1128-449: A few hours of birth, a foal being imprinted will have a human touch it all over, pick up its feet, and introduce it to human touch and voice. Others may leave a foal alone for its first few hours or days, arguing that it is more important to allow the foal to bond with its dam. However, even people who do not advocate imprinting often still place value on handling a foal a great deal while it is still nursing and too small to easily overpower

1222-405: A field, loaded into a horse trailer , and not to fear flapping or noisy objects. It also can be exposed to the noise and commotion of ordinary human activity, including seeing motor vehicles, hearing radios, and so on. More advanced skills sometimes taught in the first year include learning to accept blankets placed on it, to be trimmed with electric clippers, and to be given a bath with water from

1316-526: A great deal of work with young horses during their yearling and two-year-old years to prepare them for riding, others merely reinforce the basic lessons taught to the horse as a foal and simply keep the horse accustomed to the presence of humans. Occasionally, a young horse does not possess the necessary basic skills described above which would have been taught to it as a foal. Therefore, its adolescent years are spent learning or re-learning basic lessons. Several ground training techniques are commonly introduced to

1410-467: A helmet has sustained an impact from falling, that part of the helmet is structurally weakened, even if no visible damage is present. Helmet manufacturers recommend that a helmet that has undergone impact from a fall be replaced immediately. In addition, helmets should be replaced every three to five years; specific recommendations vary by manufacturer. Many organizations mandate helmet use in competition or on show grounds, and rules have continually moved in

1504-419: A higher hospital admittance rate per hours of riding than motorcycle racing, at 0.49 per thousand hours of riding and 0.14 accidents per thousand hours, respectively. Head injuries are especially traumatic in horseback riding. About two-thirds of all riders requiring hospitalization after a fall have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Falling from a horse without wearing a helmet is comparable to being struck by

1598-461: A hose. The foal may learn basic voice commands for starting and stopping, and sometimes will learn to square its feet up for showing in in-hand or conformation classes. If these tasks are completed, the young horse will have no fear of things placed on its back, around its belly or in its mouth. Some people, whether through philosophy or simply due to being pressed for time, do not handle foals significantly while they are still nursing, but wait until

1692-429: A human at a walk and trot, to stop on command and to stand tied. The young horse needs to be calm for basic grooming , as well as veterinary care such as vaccinations and de-worming. A foal needs regular hoof care and can be taught to stand while having its feet picked up and trimmed by a farrier . Ideally a young horse should learn all the basic skills it will need throughout its life, including: being caught from

1786-403: A human. By doing so, the foal should learn that no harm will be done to it at a human's hands (hopefully) and that humans should be respected. While a foal is far too young to be ridden, it is still able to learn skills it will need later in life. By the end of a foal's first year, it should be halter-broke , meaning that it allows a halter placed upon its head and has been taught to be led by

1880-404: A long history as well. Thoroughbreds have the pre-eminent reputation as a racing breed, but other breeds also race. Under saddle: In harness: Distance racing: Equestrian events were first included in the modern Olympic Games in 1900. By 1912, all three Olympic disciplines still seen today were part of the games. The following forms of competition are recognized worldwide and are a part of

1974-402: A more shallow seat for general ranch riding or Steer wrestling . Finished western horses are asked to perform with a loose rein controlled by one hand. The headstall of a western bridle may utilize either a Snaffle bit or curb bit . Bitless headstalls are also seen, such as a bosal -style hackamore on younger horses, or various styles of mechanical hackamore . In Vaquero style training ,

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2068-415: A rider competing at Prix St. Georges and above is also riding a test at Fourth Level or below, he or she must also wear a helmet at all times while mounted. The idea that riding a horse astride could injure a woman's sex organs is a historic, but sometimes popular even today, misunderstanding or misconception, particularly that riding astride can damage the hymen . Evidence of injury to any female sex organs

2162-546: A second test, the Grand Prix Special, which is shortened and emphasizes the piaffe and passage. The top 13 of this group then goes onto the Grand Prix Freestyle (first introduced at the 1996 Olympics), which is written by each individual rider according to strict guidelines, and set to music. These scores help determine the individual medalists. The test has remained relatively unchanged, except for

2256-473: A speed of approx. 230 meters per minute), immediately followed by a 5 km cross-country course at a speed of 333 meters per minute. Time penalties were given for exceeding the time allowed, but no bonus points were given for being fast. Day 2 was a rest day, before the horses set off on the Speed Test on Day 3, over a steeplechase course that was 3.5 km with 10 plain obstacles, at 600 mpm. Day 4

2350-526: A study of equestrians seen at one hospital over a 6-year period found that helmet use both increased over time and was correlated with a lower rate of admission. However, 81% of admissions were wearing a helmet at the time of injury, In the second half of the study period, of the equestrians seen at a hospital, only 14% were admitted. In contrast, a study of child equestrians seen at a hospital emergency department in Adelaide reported that 60% were admitted. In

2444-408: A substantial saddle tree that provides support to horse and rider when working long hours in the saddle. The western saddle features a prominent pommel topped by a horn (a knob used for dallying a lariat after roping an animal), wide stirrups , and in some cases, both front and back cinches. The depth of the seat may depend on the activity, a deeper seat used for barrel racing or cutting cows or

2538-491: A team from Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, and the United States, with Great Britain again winning the gold medal. It was not until 1924, after Argentina sent a team to Paris, that the gold changed hands. Argentina also won gold at the 1936 Olympic Games. Vaulting was only held once, at the 1920 Antwerp Games. Vaulting included both a team and an individual competition, with the entrants having to perform movements at

2632-411: A time limit of 12.5 minutes. Day 2 consisted of a second roads and tracks test that was 20 km, with a time limit of 1 hour. The horse was then examined by a vet, and eliminated if lame or too exhausted to continue. The horse then went on to do a 4,000 meter steeplechase at 550 mpm. Unlike the previous year, speed was rewarded, with riders earning 1/2-point if they rode it at 600 mpm and 1 point if it

2726-467: A well-developed flight or fight instinct able to move quickly and unexpectedly. When mounted, the rider's head may be up to 4 m (13 ft) from the ground, and the horse may travel at a speed of up to 65 km/h (40 mph). The injuries observed range from very minor injuries to fatalities. A study in Germany reported that the relative risk of injury from riding a horse, compared to riding

2820-709: A wide variety of disciplines. Horses (and other equids such as mules ) are used for non-competitive recreational riding, such as fox hunting , trail riding , or hacking . There is public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world; many parks, ranches , and public stables offer both guided and independent riding. Horses are also used for therapeutic purposes both in specialized para-equestrian competition as well as non-competitive riding to improve human health and emotional development. Horses are also driven in harness racing , at horse shows , and in other types of exhibition such as historical reenactment or ceremony, often pulling carriages . In some parts of

2914-530: A wide-brimmed cowboy hat . A rider may wear protective leather leggings called chaps . Riders may wear brighter colors or finer fabrics in competition than for work. In particular, horse show events such as Western pleasure may much flashier equipment. Saddles, bits and bridles are ornamented with substantial amounts of silver, rider clothing may have vivid colors and even rhinestones or sequins. Horses, ponies , mules and donkeys are driven in harness in many different ways. For working purposes, they can pull

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3008-442: A young horse some time after it is a year old, but prior to being ridden. All horses usually have some or all of this ground work done prior to being ridden, though the time spent can range from hours to months. While a foal or yearling can be introduced to a small amount of ground work, a young horse's bones and joints are quite soft and fragile. So, to prevent joint and cartilage injury, intense work, particularly intense work in

3102-582: Is also used to develop specific types of muscling as well as to instill certain behaviors. When ground work incorporates both mental and muscular development, it may take considerably longer for the horse to be ready to be ridden, but advocates of these methods maintain that the additional time on the ground allows the horse to advance more quickly or with better manners once under saddle. The age that horses are first ridden, or "backed" (UK) varies considerably by breed and discipline. Many Thoroughbred race horses have small, light riders on their backs as early as

3196-462: Is beyond the scope of this article to go into the details of various training methodology, so general, basic principles are described below. The see also section of this article provides links to more specific information about various schools and techniques of horse training. The range of training techniques and training goals is large, but basic animal training concepts apply to all forms of horse training. The initial goal of most types of training

3290-587: Is controversy over the exact date horses were domesticated and when they were first ridden, the best estimate is that horses first were ridden approximately 3500 BC. There is some evidence that about 3000 BC, near the Dnieper River and the Don River , people were using bits on horses, as a stallion that was buried there shows teeth wear consistent with using a bit. However, the most unequivocal early archaeological evidence of equines put to working use

3384-501: Is geared toward making horses useful for a variety of recreational and sporting equestrian pursuits. Horses are also trained for specialized jobs from movie stunt work to police and crowd control activities, circus entertainment, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. There is tremendous controversy over various methods of horse training and even some of the words used to describe these methods. Some techniques are considered cruel; other methods are considered gentler and more humane. However, it

3478-409: Is ridden, even for the very first time. Horses that have never been taught to be ridden can learn at any age, though it may take somewhat longer to teach an older horse. An older horse that is used to humans but has no prior bad habits is easier to put under saddle than is a completely feral horse caught "wild" off the open range as an adult. However, an adult feral horse may be easier to train than

3572-411: Is scant. In female high-level athletes, trauma to the perineum is rare and is associated with certain sports (see Pelvic floor#Clinical significance ). The type of trauma associated with equestrian sports has been termed "horse riders' perineum". A case series of 4 female mountain bike riders and 2 female horse riders found both patient-reported perineal pain and evidence of sub-clinical changes in

3666-554: Is thrown over the head of a calf or the horns of adult cattle, and the animal is secured in a fashion dictated by its size and age. In spite of popular myth, most modern "broncs" are not in fact wild horses, but are more commonly spoiled riding horses or horses bred specifically as bucking stock. There are many other forms of equestrian activity and sports seen worldwide. There are both competitive events and pleasure riding disciplines available. Handling, riding and driving horses have inherent risks. Horses are large prey animals with

3760-437: Is to create a horse that is safe for humans to handle (under most circumstances) and able to perform a useful task for the benefit of humans. A few specific considerations and some basic knowledge of horse behavior help a horse trainer be effective no matter what school or discipline is chosen: Regardless of the desired goal of training, most horses are exposed to a general series of steps that will ultimately prepare them for

3854-568: The 1912 Games in Stockholm and only a polo event was held in 1908. These three disciplines would be held at every Summer Olympic Games through to the present day. Until the 1952 Summer Olympics , only commissioned military officers and " gentlemen " were permitted to compete in the Olympic equestrian disciplines, which had the effect of excluding all women and all men serving in the military but not holding officers' commissions. An exception

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3948-721: The South African Lipizzaners and the Hollandsche Manege of the Netherlands . Horse shows are held throughout the world with a tremendous variety of possible events, equipment, attire, and judging standards used. However, most forms of horse show competition can be broken into the following broad categories: In addition to the classical Olympic events, the following forms of competition are seen. In North America they are referred to as " English riding " in contrast with western riding; elsewhere in

4042-571: The United States each year an estimated 30 million people ride horses, resulting in 50,000 emergency department visits (1 visit per 600 riders per year). A survey of 679 equestrians in Oregon, Washington and Idaho estimated that at some time in their equestrian career one in five will be seriously injured, resulting in hospitalization, surgery or long-term disability. Among survey respondents, novice equestrians had an incidence of any injury that

4136-633: The XV Olympiad in Helsinki in 1952, women and men compete on equal terms. Together with the equestrian component of Modern Pentathlon , it is the only Olympic event that involves animals. The horses are considered to be athletes as much as the riders. The international governing body for equestrian sports is the Fédération Équestre Internationale . The first Olympics held under its authority were in 1924. Equestrian events were first held at

4230-419: The canter and at the halt, both with a saddle and bareback . Three nations sent teams: the gold medal-winning Belgium, France, and Sweden. The individual competition was again made up of competitors from only Belgium, France, and Sweden, with Belgium's M. Bouckaert winning gold medal, and the silver and bronze medals going respectively to France's M. Fields and M. Finet. Dressage has changed dramatically since

4324-537: The clitoris ; the relevance of these findings to horse riding is unknown. In men, sports-related injuries are among the major causes of testicular trauma. In a small controlled but unblinded study of 52 men, varicocele was significantly more common in equestrians than in non-equestrians. The difference between these two groups was small, however, compared to differences reported between extreme mountain bike riders and non-riders, and also between mountain bike riders and on-road bicycle riders. Horse-riding injuries to

4418-825: The equestrian events at the Olympics. They are governed by the rules of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). The additional internationally sanctioned but non-Olympic disciplines governed by the FEI are: combined driving ; endurance ; reining ; and vaulting . These disciplines are part of the FEI World Equestrian Games every four years and may hold their own individual World Championships in other years. The FEI also recognizes horseball and tent pegging as its two regional disciplines. Para-equestrian competition at

4512-742: The scrotum ( contusions ) and testes ( blunt trauma ) were well known to surgeons in the 19th century and early 20th century. Injuries from collision with the pommel of a saddle are mentioned specifically. Horse training Horse training refers to a variety of practices that teach horses to perform certain behaviors when commanded to do so by humans. Horses are trained to be manageable by humans for everyday care as well as for equestrian activities, ranging anywhere from equine sports such as horse racing , dressage, or jumping, to therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities. Historically, horses were trained for warfare , farm work, sport and transport purposes. Today, most horse training

4606-493: The "ordinary" and extended canter. They also had to show small circles, the halt, reinback , and counter-canter. There was new rule this year that required a double bridle but would not allow martingales , bandages, or bearing reins. Riders could now wear hunt caps in addition to silk hats. The cross-country test on Day 3 was similar to what is now called the "long format" test, and was a true endurance test, taking 2 hours, 1 minute, and 47 seconds. It consisted of 5 phases. Phase A

4700-463: The 1900 Paris Olympic Games. Five different equestrian events were held: individual jumping , high jump , long jump , hacks and hunter combined , and mail coach . The polo competition consisted of 4 mixed teams made up of players from Britain , France , Mexico , Spain , and the United States . Grand Prix Jumping, which was similar to today's show jumping event, had 45 competitors entered, though only 37 competed. The first and second place

4794-480: The 1912 Olympics. The dressage horse no longer has to jump, but the test on the flat has become increasingly difficult, emphasizing the piaffe and the passage . Today's horses are specifically bred for dressage and have movement far more extravagant when compared to the horses of the early 20th century. Only individual medals were awarded at the 1912, 1920, and 1924 Games, with team medals awarded at all Olympics following that point. The 1912 Stockholm Olympics held

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4888-505: The 1932 Olympic Games. The Berlin Games saw new rules designed to help protect the horse, mostly regarding the use of performance-altering drugs, especially stimulants and sedatives. Additionally, horses that were exhausted or lame following the endurance test were to be eliminated. The weight requirement of at least 165 lbs, previously required for all rides, was dropped for the dressage phase, although it remained for stadium jumping and

4982-639: The Bibliography and the articles below, which cover many of the concepts and different schools of thought on training and handling horses. The websites of The Horse Trust and the Equine Behaviour and Training Association also provide uptodate information on evidence-based approaches. US Equestrian also offers more information concerning international and national disciplines. "Breed & Discipline Updates." US Equestrian, https://www.usef.org/compete/breeds-disciplines . Equestrian at

5076-660: The Summer Olympics Equestrian sports were first included in the Olympic Games in the Summer Olympics of 1900 in Paris . They were again included in 1912, and have been included in every subsequent edition of the Games. Currently, the Olympic equestrian disciplines are dressage , eventing , and show jumping . In each discipline, both individual and team medals are awarded. Since

5170-537: The United States, an analysis of National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data performed by the Equestrian Medical Safety Association studied 78,279 horse-related injuries in 2007: "The most common injuries included fractures (28.5%); contusions/abrasions (28.3%); strain/sprain (14.5%); internal injury (8.1%); lacerations (5.7%); concussions (4.6%); dislocations (1.9%); and hematomas (1.2%). Most frequent injury sites are

5264-479: The United States, for example, indicate that about 30 million people ride horses annually. On average, about 67,000 people are admitted to the hospital each year from injuries sustained while working with horses. 15,000 of those admittances are from traumatic brain injuries. Of those, about 60 die each year from their brain injuries. Studies have found horseback riding to be more dangerous than several sports, including skiing, auto racing and football. Horseback riding has

5358-450: The age of two and four, and completing all ground training as well as training for riding at the same time. However, waiting until a horse is full grown to begin training is often far riskier for humans and requires considerably more skill to avoid injury. After a young horse is taught to lead and other basic skills, various tasks can be introduced to the horse as it matures while it is still too young to be ridden. Some schools of training do

5452-408: The best riders, irrespective of sex. Driving events were included in the inaugural 1900 Olympic Games. Polo was also included in 1900 Games, but unlike driving it would be held an additional 4 times: at the 1908 London Games, the 1920 Antwerp Games , the 1924 Paris Games , and the 1936 Berlin Games . The 1908 Olympics had just 3 polo teams, all representing Great Britain. The 1920 Games included

5546-481: The bronze was given to Constant van Langendonck of Belgium, whose mount, Extra Dry, cleared 1.70 meters. However, Constant van Langendonck and Extra Dry were able to clinch the gold in the Long Jump competition, clearing a distance of 6.10 meters. Trissino and Oreste won the silver, clearing 5.70 meters, and M. de Bellegarde of France won the bronze with the 5.30 meter jump by his mount Tolla. Equestrian competition

5640-581: The direction of requiring helmet use. In 2011, the United States Equestrian Federation passed a rule making helmet use mandatory while mounted on competition grounds at U.S. nationally rated eventing competitions. Also in 2011, the United States Dressage Federation made helmet use in competition mandatory for all riders under 18 and all riders who are riding any test at Fourth Level and below. If

5734-474: The dressage horses for the 1948 Games. Therefore, piaffe and passage were not placed on the tests. However, half-pass , renvers , canter pirouettes, and tempi changes were included, with the highest coefficient on the one-tempis. Today, the format for the dressage competition begins with a Grand Prix test to determine the winners of the team competition. The top 25 competitors in the Grand Prix then perform

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5828-425: The end goal of all methods is to have the horse calmly and quietly allow a rider on its back or behind it in a cart and to respond to basic commands to go forward, change gaits and speed, stop, turn and back up. Ideally, a young horse will have no fear of humans and view being ridden as simply one more new lesson. A properly handled young horse that had adequate ground work will seldom buck, rear, or run away when it

5922-507: The end of the Ice Age . Horses were brought back to North America by European explorers, beginning with the second voyage of Columbus in 1493. Equestrianism was introduced in the 1900 Summer Olympics as an Olympic sport with jumping events. Humans appear to have long expressed a desire to know which horse or horses were the fastest, and horse racing has ancient roots. Gambling on horse races appears to go hand-in hand with racing and has

6016-493: The fact that renvers is no longer included in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special Classes. Introduced in 1912, three-day eventing originally only allowed active military officers to compete, and only on mounts either owned by themselves or by their military branch. The competition was held over 5 days. Day 1 was the Endurance Test, consisting of 55 km (34 mi) on roads (with a time allowed of 4 hours, giving

6110-519: The fall of their yearling year. Most stock horse breeds, such as the American Quarter Horse , are ridden at the age of two. Most horses used in harness have a cart first put behind them at age two, and even some horses not ridden until age three will be trained to pull a light cart at two, in order to learn better discipline and to help develop stronger muscles with less stress. The vast majority of horses across disciplines and throughout

6204-470: The first Olympic dressage competition, featuring 21 riders from eight countries ( Belgium , Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States). Dressage horses were required to perform three tests: a test on the flat, a jumping test, and an obedience test. The test on the flat could only be a maximum of ten minutes in length and was ridden in what is now called the "small arena,"

6298-422: The foal is weaned from its dam to begin halter breaking and the other tasks of training a horse in its first year. The argument for gentling and halter-breaking at weaning is that the young horse, in crisis from being separated from its dam, will more readily bond with a human at weaning than at a later point in its life. Sometimes the tasks of basic gentling are not completed within the first year but continue when

6392-417: The format to what would be seen today. 44 competitors from 13 countries took part. Dressage was held over two days due to the large number of entries. The test was now required to be held in a 20x60 meter arena, and a time limit was instituted (10-minute 30 seconds maximum). Riders had to demonstrate the walk, the "ordinary" (working) trot both rising and sitting, the "slow" (collected) trot, the extended trot,

6486-634: The ground and the Spanish Walk). Extra points could be earned if the rider rode with both reins in one hand, especially if this were performed at the canter. Additionally, all dressage horses were required to jump four obstacles which were a maximum of 1.1 meters high, and another fence with a 3-meter spread. They were then asked to perform an "obedience test," riding the horse near spooky objects. Riders were required to wear informal uniform if they were military officers, or black or pink coats with silk hats if they were civilians. Horses had to be ridden in

6580-463: The horse is a yearling . Yearlings are larger and more unpredictable than weanlings, plus often are easily distracted, in part due to the first signs of sexual maturity. However, they also are still highly impressionable, and though very quick and agile, are not at their full adult strength. Rarer, but not uncommon even in the modern world, is the practice of leaving young horses completely unhandled until they are old enough to be ridden, usually between

6674-568: The horse's ear. Two styles of Western reins developed: The long split reins of the Texas tradition, which are completely separated, or the " Romal " reins of the California tradition, which are closed reins with a long single attachment (the romal) that can be used as a quirt . Modern rodeo competitors in timed events sometimes use a closed rein without a romal . Western riders wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants or jeans, cowboy boots , and

6768-634: The horse, but when reported separately each of these mechanisms may be more common than being kicked. In Canada , a 10-year study of trauma center patients injured while riding reported that although 48% had suffered head injuries, only 9% of these riders had been wearing helmets at the time of their accident. Other injuries involved the chest (54%), abdomen (22%) and extremities (17%). A German study reported that injuries in horse riding are rare compared to other sports, but when they occur they are severe. Specifically, they found that 40% of horse riding injuries were fractures, and only 15% were sprains. Furthermore,

6862-527: The international level, including the Paralympics , are also governed by the FEI and offer the following competition events: The haute école ( F. "high school"), an advanced component of Classical dressage , is a highly refined set of skills seldom used in competition but often seen in demonstration performances. The world's leading Classical dressage programs include: Other major classical teams include

6956-518: The jumping test. This Olympic Games was similar to the 1924 Olympics. A few changes were made, however. In dressage, the time limit was raised to 11 minutes, and competitors lost 2 points for every second over this limit. Endurance day saw an increase in the steeplechase speed from 550 to 600 mpm. Stadium jumping rules changed to specify the course- 12 obstacles to be ridden at 375 mpm, with the competitor losing 1/2-point for every second over time. The format and rules remained relatively unchanged through

7050-431: The lower trunk (19.6%); head (15.0%); upper trunk (13.4%); shoulder (8.2%); and wrist (6.8%). Within this study patients were treated and released (86.2%), were hospitalized (8.7%), were transferred (3.6%), left without being treated (0.8%), remained for observation (0.6%) and arrived at the hospital deceased (0.1%)." Horseback riding is one of the most dangerous sports, especially in relation to head injury. Statistics from

7144-411: The most weight for a short distance. In horse show competition, the following general categories of competition are seen: Rodeo events include the following forms of competition: Roping includes a number of timed events that are based on the real-life tasks of a working cowboy, who often had to capture calves and adult cattle for branding , medical treatment and other purposes. A lasso or lariat

7238-585: The percent indicating the amounts in relation to all injuries as reported by a New Zealand study, include: Among 36 members and employees of the Hong Kong Jockey Club who were seen in a trauma center during a period of 5 years, 24 fell from horses and 11 were kicked by the horse. Injuries comprised: 18 torso; 11 head, face or neck; and 11 limb. The authors of this study recommend that helmets, face shields and body protectors be worn when riding or handling horses. In New South Wales , Australia ,

7332-399: The slow trot, 8-meter circles at the canter, figure-eights at the canter (both performing a flying change in the center, as well as without a flying change, the second circle being at counter canter ), four or more flying changes on a straight line, turn on the haunches, and reinback. At this time, piaffe, passage, and all other haute ecole movements were not allowed (including the airs above

7426-477: The study noted that in Germany, one quarter of all sport related fatalities are caused by horse riding. Most horse related injuries are a result of falling from a horse, which is the cause of 60–80% of all such reported injuries. Another common cause of injury is being kicked by a horse, which may cause skull fractures or severe trauma to the internal organs . Some possible injuries resulting from horse riding, with

7520-413: The time allowed for the test, from 10 up to 13 minutes. Riders lost 2 points per second over the time. The most significant change at the 1932 Los Angeles Games was the introduction of the piaffe and passage. 29 riders from 11 countries participated. The test length increased again to 17 minutes. The test included an 8-second halt, half-turns on the haunches at the walk, riding with reins in one hand at

7614-523: The time, adding 1/4-point for every second over. Unlike today's show jumping tests, some obstacles had to be cleared multiple times during the test, at a different part of the fence each time. Riders gained points for refusals, run-outs, falls, and going off-course. The required weight was reduced to 75 kg, where it would remain for several decades. Riders could also wear dark or "pink" coats instead of informal uniform attire. All riders had to wear cream breeches and silk hats. The 1924 Games again changed

7708-421: The trot, "ordinary" and extended trot while posting, a 5-loop canter serpentine with each loop 8-meters in diameter, the canter pirouette , four-, three-, two-, and one-tempi changes, and the piaffe and passage. The highest coefficient for the test was bending on two-tracks at the collected trot and collected canter. 19 riders from 9 countries competed. Due to World War II, there was not sufficient time to prepare

7802-456: The world are first put under saddle at the age of three. However, some slower-maturing breeds, such as the Lipizzan , are not ridden until the age of four. The act of getting on a horse for the first time goes by many names, including backing, breaking, mounting, and simply riding. There are many techniques for introducing the young horse to a rider or to a harness and cart for driving, but

7896-590: The world, if a distinction is necessary, they are usually described as "classic riding": Western riding evolved from the cattle-working and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish , and both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy on ranches in the American West . The most noticeable feature of western style riding is the western saddle , which has

7990-405: The world, they are still used for practical purposes such as farming . Horses continue to be used in public service, in traditional ceremonies (parades, funerals), police and volunteer mounted patrols and for mounted search and rescue . Riding halls , also known as indoor arenas or schools, enable training of horse and rider in all weathers as well as indoor competition riding. Though there

8084-428: Was a 7 km roads and tracks test at 240 mpm, followed by Phase B, a 4 km steeplechase at 550–600 mpm, then Phase C, a second roads and tracks at 240 mpm that was 15 km long. The horse then went on the 8 km cross-country test (Phase D) at a speed of only 450 mpm. Unlike today, the rider then had to complete a 2 km canter on the flat at 333 mpm (Phase E, which was abolished in 1967). The 4th day held

8178-581: Was dropped from the 1904 Olympic Games , and owed its return to Count Clarence von Rosen , Master of the Horse to the King of Sweden, for bringing it back. The 1906 IOC Congress agreed to his proposal to add dressage, eventing, and show jumping to the program of the upcoming 1908 Olympic Games in London. However, due to problems with the newly formed International Horse Show Committee, they were not introduced until

8272-439: Was introduced, to be ridden at the canter, both with flying lead changes and with counter-canter loops. The counter change of hand with flying changes was also introduced, as was 4-, 3-, 2-, and 1- tempi changes . The halt was performed through the walk, and followed by a salute. The Paris Games had 24 riders competing from nine countries. The test was similar to that used for the 1920 Games. The 1928 Olympics saw an increase in

8366-458: Was of horses being driven. Chariot burials about 2500 BC present the most direct hard evidence of horses used as working animals . In ancient times chariot warfare was followed by the use of war horses as light and heavy cavalry . The horse played an important role throughout human history all over the world, both in warfare and in peaceful pursuits such as transportation , trade and agriculture . Horses lived in North America, but died out at

8460-437: Was ridden at 650 mpm (this system of bonus points was eliminated in 1971). They were penalized 1 point for every second under the time. A new rule was also instituted which eliminated riders after three refusals, run-outs, or falls. The jumping test consisted of 18 obstacles, a maximum of 1.25 meters high, on a 1,150 meter course. There was a 3-minute time limit, again rewarding speed with an extra 1/2-point for every second under

8554-413: Was taken by riders from Belgium (1. Aimé Haageman on Benton, Illinois, 2. Georges van der Poële riding Winsor Squire), while a French rider, Louis de Champsavin , on his mount Terpsichore, got the third place. The High Jump competition resulted in a tie between French rider Dominique Gardere on Canela and Italian Gian Giorgio Trissino on Oreste, with both of their horses clearing 1.85 meters, and

8648-787: Was the hacks and hunter combined event at the 1900 Olympics , in which three women competed. In 1952, however, all men were permitted to compete in all equestrian disciplines, and women were permitted to compete in Dressage. Women were later permitted to compete in Jumping in 1956 and in Eventing in 1964. Since then, equestrianism has been one of the very few Olympic sports in which men and women compete with and directly against one another. In team competition, teams may have any blend of male and female competitors, and are not required to have minimum numbers of either sex; countries are free to choose

8742-567: Was the Jumping Test ("Prize Jumping"), which consisted of 15 obstacles, maximum 1.3 meters high and 3.0 meters wide. Day 5 was the Dressage Test ("Prize Riding"), which was similar to the individual dressage test that year, except the horses were not required to do figure-eights, flying changes , or the jumping and obedience tests that were required of the dressage horses. Horses had to carry at least 80 kg and had to be wearing

8836-566: Was threefold over intermediates, fivefold over advanced equestrians, and nearly eightfold over professionals. Approximately 100 hours of experience are required to achieve a substantial decline in the risk of injury. The survey authors conclude that efforts to prevent equestrian injury should focus on novice equestrians. The most common injury is falling from the horse, followed by being kicked, trampled and bitten. About 3 out of 4 injuries are due to falling, broadly defined. A broad definition of falling often includes being crushed and being thrown from

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