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Equestrian: the Ultimate Team Sport
Of all the sports
in the world, none resemble art as much as Equestrian.
Equestrian, also called Horsemanship, is actually considered
as competitive esthetics in many circles. But this is
somewhat misleading, as Equestrian most definitely requires
a combination of skill and form.
The term Equestrian literally pertains
to the rider of the horse. The proper designation for
the sport should be Equestrianism, which is a broad
label for the riding of a horse for practical and recreational
purposes. Throughout the years, however, the term Equestrian
has been accepted as a proper label for the sport.
Equestrian involves the handling, training
and riding of horses, and requires the rider to control
the animals gait and speed with utmost efficiency and
minimal effort. Generally, all of this activity culminates
in an Equestrian competition where the rider is expected
to maneuver the horse through a field populated with
a series of obstacles. More than completion of the course,
the horse and the rider are judged based on grace and
unity of movement.
Equestrian has always been viewed as
a sport for noblemen. It seems that in recent centuries,
only the rich were able to enjoy Equestrian, as they
alone had the means to purchase a horse and train it
well. This is a misconception though, as Equestrian
is quite accessible and there are many means available
to learn the basics of the sport. One such opportunity
might be to offer an exchange of your skills or labor
for riding lessons. Another possibility would be for
several people to combine their funds to purchase a
horse and share the upkeep expense of maintaining the
horse.
Horse control in Equestrian is achieved
by four fundamental aspects: balance, seat, hands, and
legs. The rider would manipulate these factors to control
and conform the movements of the horse. The objective
being unity of the horse and rider, resulting in a beautiful
show of grace and poise.
In Equestrian, the rider and the horse
are judged based on the latter's set of movements. These
are the walk, the trot, the canter and the gallop. In
some equestrian competitions, the canter and the gallop
are considered as one.
Overruling the horse is the worst sin
in Equestrian contests. The rider is expected to smoothly
work with the horse, and any forceful action is severely
penalized. In essence, Equestrian requires that both
the rider and the horse should move as one cohesive
unit.
In Equestrian, the rider communicates
with the horse through a combination of recognized movements
of hands and legs, using several types of equipment
such as bits, halters and bridles. It goes without saying
that a bond is required between the horse and rider.
This bond is developed only be working together and
jointly undergoing comprehensive training.
An important factor in creating this
team effort is that both the rider and the horse need
to be properly outfitted and equipped. The rider needs
to eat properly to maintain the stamina needed for rigorous
training and competition. The rider needs to have proper
riding apparel, either for in the arena or properly
outfitted for the weather. Riding helmets are often
required in competition for safety purposes. The horse
also needs to be given proper nutrition to be able to
perform as an athlete. Proper apparel is essential.
A good example would be horse boots, these can be performance
boots, galloping boots, or skid boots to prevent the
horse from slipping on slick surfaces. Horse apparel
can include such things as Anti-Sweat sheets, hoods
and shoulder guards, all of which can be custom monogrammed
if that is your preference.
As it is believed by many, Equestrian
is as much a team sport as other disciplines. That team
consists of the rider and the horse, and their accord
is the key to victory.
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