When the majority of people think of a sport dealing with horses, they think of something such as the Kentucky Derby where there is a horse race on a track or maybe even a game of polo that is done by the affluent and the elite in different parts of the world. There are actually, several sports that uses horses than a lot of people realize says the owner of equestrian helmet covers and riding helmet covers. Other events that the public are familiar with are the various kinds of horse shows where riders perform a variety of riding techniques. These are all of the more traditional sports but this article will examine a few of the other equestrian sports that you may have never heard of and details about them.
One of the newer events tht is gaining popularity is the Endurance riding events. The 1st endurance race was done in 1955 and known as the Tevis Cup and was a 100 mile one day ride from Squaw Valley, Nevada to Auburn, California. NowToday endurance rides and races come in a variety of distances from a ten mile trek to a difficult 100 mile race. It is appealing to every type of riders and of all ages as well. Just like a running race, you may run fast or walk it, it is up to you the way you wish to do it. The condition of the horse is very important and only ones that are equipped to handle long distances may compete after being examined by a veterinarian. Arabian horses are the perfect endurance horses.
Horseball is a cross between basketball and rugby all done while riding a horse. It is a very new sport having only started in France just twenty years ago and it has spread to several other countries, mainly in Europe where they now have a championship for it. You have to exchange or pass the ball a minimum of 3 times before being able to shoot the ball and the circle goal is vertical instead of horizontal like in basketball. Tackling is allowed like in rugby with some rules attached to it and also the ball is a junior sized football with straps hanging from it to be able to scoop it up when it is on the ground. It is a fast paced game with teams of 4 players on the field each and is fun to watch.
Vaulting is the final unique sport to be performed on a horse. It is essentially performing gymnastics while on top of a moving horse. Competitions are scored on doing compulsory moves and a freestyle routine that keeps in harmony with the horse. It is quite a favorite in England and is also done in America too. Just like Horseball, it combines another sport with horseback riding to make it a separate interesting activity.
There are more equestrian sports as well but these were a few of the more unique ones to learn about. As long as horses and people continue to work together, there will be different equestrian sports.
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