As the national governing body for equestrian sport, the United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) promotes the sport at the grassroots level as well as trains and funds the US Equestrian Team, which competes in the Olympic Games and other prominent international competitions. The organization recognizes 11 horse breeds, including Arabian, Friesian, and American Saddlebred, as well as 18 competition disciplines, eight of which are contested in international events.
Below is a look at six of those international equestrian disciplines.
Jumping
One of the most recognizable equestrian events to casual observers, jumping is relatively easy to understand and spectator friendly. Essentially, it is an obstacle course that tests the horse’s athleticism and agility as well as the rider’s responsiveness, precision, and accuracy. This means that a strong partnership between the horse and rider is required to succeed. Jumping has been a popular equestrian event since the early 20th century and is one of three Olympic events, with the others being eventing and dressage.
Obstacles in jumping are classified as either fences or jumps and can include more than two dozen variations. Upright, also known as verticals, is the most common and basic jump and consists of two uprights with at least two poles positioned vertically. The horse must clear the top pole without contact. Other obstacles feature different configurations and might require the horse to make multiple jumps within one or two strides (combinations). Examples include the oxer, triple bars, bounce, water tray, and joker, among others.
US Equestrian manages several senior and youth jumping programs, including the U.S. Nations Cup Teams and USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program.
Endurance
An event dominated by Arabians and their close kin, endurance events test the stamina and fitness of horses as well as the horsemanship skills and discipline of riders over long distances. Endurance events are typically contested over trails varying in length from 50 to 150 miles with periodic checkpoints conducted by qualified veterinarians and judges to measure the fitness and health of both the horse and rider. These rides can take place over multiple days.
In addition to Arabians, cobs and ponies are also capable of competing in endurance events but all precautions must be taken to ensure horse safety. Riders should carry rain sheets, coolers, blankets, sponges, and buckets to keep their horse clean and at an optimal temperature. They should also carry water and feed such as hay, grain, and supplements. Wet beet pulp is a popular energy booster for horses.
Dressage
Dressage is a showcasing competition in which the horse and rider are required to complete compulsory exercises with judges selecting a winner. There are nine progressive tiers of competition as well as special classes, including musical freestyle, that allow the horse and rider to exhibit creativity and individual expression. It is one of three equestrian Olympic disciplines.
There were three medal events at the 2022 FEI Dressage World Championships, which were held from August 5-10 in Herning, Denmark. Great Britain won a pair of gold medals and Denmark won the other. Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl of Germany is the defending Olympic champion in dressage, having won the gold medal at Tokyo 2020 with a score of 91.732.
Vaulting
One of the oldest equestrian events, vaulting has a history dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when it was known as “La Voltige” and primarily performed by knights and noblemen. The modern variation of the sport was developed in Germany in the mid-20th century as an effective means of introducing children to equestrianism. The first official vaulting event occurred in the US in 1969. Today, there are more than 140 registered American Vaulting Association clubs in the US.
Competitions involve riders directing horses through compulsory movements while showcasing flexibility, strength, and balance. Competitors are also judged on the artistic expression and technical difficulty of their freestyle routines.
Reining
Designed to highlight the athletic abilities required by working ranch horses, reining competitions take place in a show pen and involve the owner guiding the horse through one of 13 approved reining patterns. Compulsory movements include quick 360-degree spins, large fast circles, and flying changes of leads, meaning horses need to have good balance and be quick and responsive to commands.
Reining is one of the fastest-growing equestrian events with a 40 percent increase in global participation over the past decade. There are now more than 700 reining competitions worldwide.
Combined Driving
A unique event in which riders can drive either a single horse, two horses, or a team of four horses, combined driving tests the driver’s ability as well as the horse’s speed, athleticism, and obedience. Created by Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, and modeled after the triathlon, the carriage event has three phases: driven dressage, marathon, and cones. Competitors receive penalty points throughout all three phases, and the overall winner is the driver/horse(s) combination with the fewest points at the end of the event.