Equestrianism (from Latin equester , equestr- , equus , 'horseman', 'horse'), commonly known as horse riding ( Commonwealth English ) or horseback riding ( American English ), includes the disciplines of riding, driving , and vaulting . This broad description includes the use of horses for practical working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sport .
58-658: The London International Horse Show , formerly the Olympia London International Horse Show , is one of the UK's biggest equestrian competitions. It is best known as the host of the UK legs of the FEI World Cup series in dressage , show jumping and driving , however it also has multiple other showjumping classes, as well as fun competitions such as a Shetland pony race and a dog agility competition. Many competitions are broadcast live by
116-575: A First World War -era QF 13-pounder gun ; six teams are used in the unit's Musical Drive. The Troop's duties include firing salutes on royal and state occasions, participation in parades, and the duties of the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards for one month each year. The unit provides the gun carriage and team of black horses for state funerals. The unit is most often seen providing gun salutes on state occasions in Hyde Park , and Green Park . After
174-525: 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
232-633: 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
290-650: A break for their horses) to Norfolk. During this period, the King's Troop takes over responsibility for providing the mounted sentries. In the British Army Order of Precedence , the Household Cavalry is listed first and normally parades at the extreme right of the line. However, when the Royal Horse Artillery is on parade with its guns, they take on the honour of taking right of the line. A 35mm CinemaScope film, The Troop ,
348-582: 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
406-414: 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
464-603: A course jumping over obstacles to compete for the fastest time. Equestrianism 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
522-469: 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
580-421: 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
638-404: 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
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#1732780534556696-402: 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 ,
754-416: 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
812-528: 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
870-408: 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
928-468: 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
986-709: 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
1044-531: 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
1102-588: 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
1160-412: 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
1218-556: 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
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#17327805345561276-529: The BBC , and all are streamed . The show is held over six days during the week preceding Christmas, and typically involves over 400 horses and ponies. Previously held at Olympia, London , it has been hosted by ExCeL London since 2021. The show is run by the HPower Group, with Simon Brooks-Ward as Director. The event is owned by Clarion Events. The first London International Horse Show in its current form
1334-641: The Second World War , King George VI expressed the view that, following the mechanisation of the last batteries of horse-drawn artillery, a troop of horse artillery should be retained to take part in the great ceremonies of state. Accordingly the Riding Troop was reformed on 17 April 1946 at Shoeburyness as a six-gun Royal Horse Artillery battery for the Household Division . At the suggestion of Brigadier John Anquetil Norman,
1392-721: 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
1450-573: 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
1508-541: 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
1566-825: 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
1624-554: 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. King%27s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery , is a ceremonial unit of the British Army , quartered at Woolwich . It is a mounted unit and all of its soldiers are trained to care for and drive teams of six horses, each team pulling
1682-557: The BSPS, the BSHA and the ASAO. It also houses additional Kennel Club Dog Agility Classes and various Masterclasses with key individuals from the equestrian world. The show has FEI competitions in driving , dressage and show jumping as well as showing and mounted games . In more recent years, the show also has equestrian displays which show different forms of horsemanship from around
1740-687: The Big Drive, features the Scissors, where the whole team criss-cross at gallop, displaying choreography, teamwork and discipline. Another manoeuvre, the Wagon Wheel, depicts an inner wheel, spokes, and an outer wheel. For a "Hero's Welcome" event in Windsor in May 2008 there were six gun teams, each of ten horses and seven riders. Women, first admitted to the King's Troop in 1996, made up one-third of
1798-433: The King declared that the Riding Troop would be known as 'The King's Troop'. The King issued his proclamation on 24 October 1947 by amending the page on the visitors' book by striking out the word "Riding" and inserting "King's". On her accession, Queen Elizabeth II declared that the name 'The King's Troop' would remain in honour of her father. On 6 September 1997, members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carried
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1856-629: The King's Troop moves to Green Park , adjacent to Buckingham Palace , firing a 41-gun salute, which is a 21-gun salute with an additional 20 rounds fired because the gun position is in a Royal Park. One of the regular duties undertaken by the King's Troop is to mount the King's Life Guard on Horse Guards Parade . Although this is primarily the role of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment , every summer this unit goes away for 2–3 weeks for summer training (and to provide
1914-698: The Troop. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery performed their Musical Drive at every Royal Tournament from its formation in 1947 to the final Royal Tournament on 2 August 1999. The Musical Drive can be seen at shows around the United Kingdom and always at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May every year. Many of the manoeuvres of the Musical Drive have remained unchanged since it was first performed in 1897. The start, known as
1972-600: 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
2030-483: 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
2088-427: The coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales on a gun carriage to her funeral. On 14 September 2022, members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carried the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on a gun carriage from Buckingham Palace to lie in state at Westminster Hall . The King's Troop was for 65 years stationed at St John's Wood Barracks before it was relocated to Napier Lines (also known as King George VI Lines) at
2146-583: 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
2204-465: The display team. Major Erica Bridge was the first female officer commanding the King's Troop. Together with the Household Division the King's Troop has appeared every June since 1997, when it made its first appearance, at Trooping the Colour , on Horse Guards Parade to celebrate the King's/Queen's Official Birthday. At the end of the event, the King's Troop ranks past the King. After the ceremony,
2262-509: 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
2320-567: The event go to the Bob Champion Cancer Trust. Every season concludes with the Christmas Finale, a mix of theatricals, dancing and singing, ending with a visit from Father Christmas in a horse-drawn carriage. The show hosts popular dog agility classes from The Kennel Club in several sections including ABC (Anything But Collie) and small, medium and large dog breeds. Directed by their handlers, dogs run around
2378-568: 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
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2436-637: 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,
2494-527: 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
2552-432: 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
2610-411: 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
2668-587: 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 ,
2726-480: 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
2784-480: The traditional Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich in February 2012. Because of the greater distance from central London, the troop can no longer ride to many ceremonial events. Horses are transported by vehicle to stables in central London for appearances at Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and elsewhere. The King's Troop has about 140 members. Women were able to apply from 1996, and eventually made up about 40% of
2842-590: 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
2900-408: 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
2958-633: The world. Participants have included the Metropolitan Police Service 's mounted regiment, the Household Cavalry and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery . Each year there is also a Shetland Pony Grand National in which a group of riders aged 8–14 ride Shetland ponies around a track over small jumps mimicking the Grand National steeplechase held at Aintree. Many of these riders, such as Sam Twiston-Davies , have progressed to become professional jockeys. All proceeds from
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#17327805345563016-722: Was held as CSI 5*-W ( Show Jumping World Cup event) and CDI-W ( Dressage World Cup event). The 2020 Olympia London International Horse Show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . In 2021 the show moved to a new venue at ExCeL London and was renamed the London International Horse Show. In 2023, the organisers announced a new second full-size arena for the show which is named the New Horizon Plastics London Arena. This houses additional showing classes in association with
3074-610: Was held at Olympia. It was resurrected in 1947 at a different venue in White City, London . However, in December 1972, Reginald Heaton and Raymond Brooks-Ward decided to bring a horse show back to Olympia. "Olympia – The London International Horse Show" became a highlight of the equestrian calendar and part of the equestrian Christmas tradition. The Olympia London International Horse Show celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007 as "one of Europe's oldest equine competitions". In 2010 it
3132-615: Was held in 1907; however an agricultural show (known as the first great horse show) was held at the Olympia venue from 1888. Reginald Gardiner Heaton, a horse breeder from Chatteris in Cambridgeshire , is said to have thought up the show. Early in 1906, Gardiner Heaton invited friends to dinner with the intention of persuading them to organise an international show on similar lines to those in New York, Paris and Brussels. The dinner
3190-458: 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
3248-495: Was successful and Reginald Heaton became the managing director, a post he held for over 25 years. The inaugural show was attended by aristocracy and royalty including Edward VII , Alexandra of Denmark , George V , Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge , and the competitors were from countries including France, Italy, Belgium and Russia. Lord Lonsdale , then president of the National Sporting Club of Britain,
3306-413: Was the show's first President. The directors listed in early programmes included many prominent and wealthy patrons, with at least 10 dukes, 11 marquises, 54 earls, 25 viscounts, 80 barons, and 28 knights who were made honorary vice-presidents. The show was closed during World War I and suffered from the economic instability and industrialisation between the wars. In 1939 the last International Horse Show
3364-568: 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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