Horse riding competitions are an exciting and rewarding activity for equestrians of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have been riding for years, participating in a competition can be a great way to challenge yourself and improve your skills. But what are horse riding competitions called?
The answer depends on the type of competition and the governing body that sanctions the event. In general, competitions are divided into two categories: show jumping and dressage. Show jumping competitions involve navigating a course of obstacles, while dressage competitions involve executing specific movements and patterns. Each of these types of competitions has its own unique set of rules and regulations.
Show Jumping Competitions
Show jumping competitions are also known as “jumping” or “jumper classes” and involve navigating a course of obstacles, such as fences and walls, with a horse. These competitions are typically divided into levels, from beginner to advanced. Depending on the level and the governing body, different rules and regulations may apply.
In the United States, show jumping competitions are sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The USEF has a number of different classes for show jumping, including hunter, equitation, and jumper classes. Hunter classes involve riding a course of fences and obstacles in a certain order, while equitation classes are judged on the rider’s form, technique, and overall performance. Jumper classes are similar to hunter classes, but the courses are more complex and require more technical skill.
Dressage Competitions
Dressage competitions involve executing specific movements and patterns with a horse in an arena. These competitions are divided into levels, with beginner and advanced riders competing against each other. The rules and regulations of dressage competitions vary depending on the governing body, but the basics remain the same.
In the United States, dressage competitions are sanctioned by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF). The USDF has a number of different classes for dressage, including introductory, training, and open classes. Introductory classes are designed for beginner riders, while training classes require more advanced skills. Open classes are the most challenging and involve executing complex patterns and movements with a horse.
Other Types of Horse Riding Competitions
In addition to show jumping and dressage, there are a number of other popular types of horse riding competitions. These include eventing, endurance, fox hunting, and polo. Eventing is a three-day competition that combines elements of show jumping, dressage, and cross-country riding. Endurance competitions involve riding long distances over a period of days or weeks. Fox hunting is a type of event in which riders follow a pack of hounds in pursuit of a fox or other small animal. Polo is a team sport in which riders use mallets to hit a ball around a grass field.
Conclusion
Horse riding competitions are an exciting and rewarding activity for equestrians of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have been riding for years, participating in a competition can be a great way to challenge yourself and improve your skills. The type of competition and the governing body that sanctions the event determine what the competition is called. Show jumping competitions are sometimes referred to as “jumping” or “jumper classes”, while dressage competitions are divided into introductory, training, and open classes. In addition to show jumping and dressage, there are a number of other popular types of horse riding competitions, such as eventing, endurance, fox hunting, and polo.