Below you can see in detail the three main Olympic disciplines of equestrianism.
Jump Test
In this category, rider and horse are called a set and their objective is to overcome obstacles scattered around the track. In general, there are between 8 and 12 obstacles, with a maximum height of 1.60 m. Knocking down an obstacle is considered a foul. The winner is the one who manages to finish the route with the fewest faults.
Two types of tests are performed in this category: individual and group. In the individual event, there are three qualifiers to reach the number of 20 riders (men and women compete side by side) for the medal dispute. The groups have 4 components each and the 8 best teams compete for medals in the end.
Dressage (Also Called Dressage)
This event is known behind the scenes as “the ballet of equestrianism”, as it consists of the performance of movements by the horse based on the rider’s training. The competition has predetermined moves that must be performed, the “figures”.
The competitor cannot speak to the horse, the animal must be instructed otherwise to perform the movements. The criteria evaluated are the consistency, order, and perfection of the figures. The aim is to make it appear that the horse performs these movements of its own volition.
Complete Riding Competition (CCE)
This category is formed by three events: Jumping, Dressage, and Cross Country. The first two proofs are equivalent to what we explained above. The difference is in Cross Country, which offers obstacles in the form of elements of nature, such as fences, uneven terrain, among others, as a challenge to the set. There is a dispute in the individual and group categories, being the most difficult modality of equestrian. Carried out in three days, there is one day for each stage.
Paralympic Equestrian
Included in the 1996 Paralympics, Paralympic equestrianism can be practiced by people with different disabilities, and in each case, the necessary adaptations are made. Practiced in over 40 countries, this modality that encompasses several different types of restrictions is also used as rehabilitation.
Equestrian is an elegant sport that promotes alignment between horse and man!
