| The strong muscular form and graceful gait, this is a | | | | also known as stadium jumping, rider and animal are |
| showcase of some of the best athletes in the world. | | | | judged on their successful completion within the |
| We're not talking about the Olympics, but the | | | | allotted time of the obstacles laid out on the course. |
| competition is often just as fierce and the | | | | The pair is scored objectively based on whether they |
| participants have been training just as hard and for | | | | attempt the jump and their successful clearing of the |
| just as long. Welcome to the horse show - one of | | | | obstacle. |
| the oldest forms of non-human competition. | | | | Meanwhile, show hunters are another class of |
| If you're an avid horseback rider, you may be looking | | | | jumpers where animal and rider are judged on their |
| to start competing in any number of fields. There are | | | | style, manner and grace as they complete each jump. |
| various different types of horse shows on regional, | | | | Show hunter competitions are considered more |
| state and international levels, regulated by a number | | | | subjective than show jumping as much of the final |
| of internationally recognised organisations. The events | | | | score is determined by form. |
| you choose to take part in depending on your style | | | | Rodeo and Cattle Events |
| and preferences when riding - and the abilities of | | | | Moving away from the English traditions, Western |
| your horse. | | | | style riding has become increasingly popular, especially |
| Types of Horse Shows | | | | in the US and amongst cattle ranchers in Australia. As |
| Dressage | | | | a result, competitions and shows demonstrating this |
| The English are especially known for their equestrian | | | | unique way of riding and handling a horse have |
| events and English style riding features a number of | | | | emerged. Rodeos and cattle ranching events let |
| different competitive areas. One of the oldest | | | | riders demonstrate the technical precision and |
| professional level equestrian competitions, featured in | | | | exceptional teamwork that is often required for |
| the Olympic arena, is dressage. Traditionally, dressage | | | | working on a ranch. |
| is considered one of the most advanced forms of | | | | Certain breeds of horse naturally take to particular |
| riding as it requires years of training for both the rider | | | | types of competitions. While most events don't have |
| and the horse. Dressage almost resembles a ballet - | | | | particular breed specifications, animals will usually |
| rider and mount work together to complete a series | | | | compete against other entrants in a similar weight |
| of complex moves and routines. They are then | | | | class. Many breeds excel in particular areas or |
| judged on their technical ability and skill in executing | | | | competition - Thoroughbred horses are known to be |
| these manoeuvres. | | | | great show jumpers while quarter horses stallion |
| Jumping | | | | services are sometime selected by the their |
| There are generally two types of jumping events, | | | | performance in rodeos. |
| show jumping and show hunters. In show jumping, | | | | |