Dressage, show jumping and eventing at the riding hall
The passion of our CEO, Barbara Pasquarelli, for horse riding and in particular for the Dressage, inspires a series of articles dedicated to this fascinating world in which the understanding between man and horse is celebrated.
Dressage and show jumping are some of the noble forms of horse riding. A sport to discover and get to know at the riding school made special by the relationship that is created over time between the horse and the rider. It is in fact a bond that is not based on domination or exploitation, but which refers to trust and feelings.
On the other hand, the horse has always had, over the centuries, a particular relationship with man. Used as a means of transport and work, over time it has become the protagonist of the battles of the great leaders. Its pride and nobility made it a special animal and the first riding schools were born in the 16th century. With the introduction of motor vehicles, the role of the horse has radically changed and horse riding has become a competitive discipline linked to the different traditions from the English to the American one.
In 1900 with the show jumping, the discipline also entered the Paris Olympic Games. Later other specialties were introduced such as dressage and suit, both in team and as an individual sport.
Horse Riding: the show jumping
Show jumping is one of the oldest forms in horse riding. According to some scholars, the first manual that talks about this specialty was written in 1350 BC by Kikkuli, a master of horses of Mitannic origin. Later Xenophon wrote on horseback riding which made the discipline a real art linked to military circles and to high-ranking personalities. Show jumping characterized hunting trips for a long time, until it became a real Olympic sport.
What is it about? Show jumping involves a course with obstacles to overcome whose height varies according to the categories, ranging from 40 centimeters to 1.60 meters. Exceeding 2 meters in power competitions. The races can be held on two different tracks ranging from a minimum of 700 meters to a maximum of 1000 meters. In the first case the riders have to overcome 12 obstacles in the races, while in the second 15. The horse’s progress is always sustained with an average of 400 meters per minute.
To participate in show jumping competitions, degrees are required. The A license is issued by an equestrian center and allows you to participate, 6 months after issue, in categories up to 80 cm in height. The patent, on the other hand, allows you to participate in categories with a maximum height of 115 and is issued by an instructor. We then find G1 (first degree) and G2 (second degree). G1 authorizes to participate in categories with a height between 115 cm and 135 cm. G2, on the other hand, allows you to jump from 135 upwards.
For the competition you need a uniform with a blue or black jacket, black boots or gaiters, white pants, black cap, white blue or gray. Finally, there is a white tie for knights or a white plastron for women.
Horse Riding: the eventing
With a eventing riding competition, a competition with a combined ranking consisting of three tests is indicated, in which training, physical skills and finally the relationship between horse and rider are evaluated. The scheduled tests are dressage, show jumping and cross-country, and are distinguished with different difficulties depending on the categories.
Horse Riding: the dressage
Dressage is an equestrian sport that is based on horse training. The goal is to highlight the animal’s abilities and its natural gait. The horse performs movements in certain specific areas within a rectangular-shaped field that has dimensions of 20X40 meters in low-level competitions and dimensions of 20 × 60 in medium-high level competitions.
Dressage has various categories which are divided into:
E (elementary);
F (easy);
M (average);
D or Grand Prix (difficult).
Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special represent the highest level which is also the one with which riders take part in the Olympics. The figures of this discipline are pre-established and focus on the link between horse and rider. We also find the Kur (or freestyle) in which the rider is called to perform a take that he has personally created with movements that are mandatory in the category and are accompanied by music. There are three gaits: step, trot and gallop.
The dressage outfit includes a dark jacket, white trousers, white shirt with plastron, white gloves, spurs and black boots. The whip is only allowed in categories from F upwards, but it is not used in championships, trophies or cups. The tailcoat can be worn in categories M, D, it is not required in categories E and F, it is mandatory in categories D. The horse harnesses include snaffle or bridle in category D, English-style saddle, cap, while in the competition field bands or protections are not accepted.
Horse Riding: the cross-country
Cross-country is an equestrian sport that features a speed test on a varied terrain and the overcoming of fixed obstacles that can be found in nature such as artificial lakes, ditches, hedges or logs. Since the distances can be very long, the races often last several days. It is no coincidence that in various high-level competitions the “veterinary gate” is mandatory, ie a stage in which the conditions of the horse are monitored.
The cross-country outfit includes riding boots or ankle boots with gaiters (trekking shoes are not allowed). A helmet with or without a flexible visor, a protective bodice and solid-color riding breeches must also be worn. The rider must also wear a sweatshirt or a long-sleeved shirt with a white high collar or with the colors of the stable to which he belongs. The completed health card must be applied to the calf or arm of the rider. Finally, the use of the whip with a maximum length of 65 cm is allowed.