The Disciplines...

Trinidad & Tobago Equestrian Association Home About Page Gallery Affiliated Stables Contact Page Rules and Regulations Show Results The Disciplines Committees Guest Book Page

The Disciplines of Equestrian Sport

Dressage, the French word for 'training', forms the basis of equestrain sport. Through a stadard training scale, the horse develops rhythm and regularity of his paces, elasticity and relaxation of his body, equal contact from his mouth to the rider's hands, impulsion from the hind legs through his back, straightness (i.e. his hind legs should match the path of his front legs on a straight line and on a bending line) and ultimately, the ability to collect his entire frame.

In competitive dressage, riders and horses are given the chance to show off how well they have followed the training scale through riding a dressage test made up of natural movements for the horse. The horse and rider pair are scored out of ten points for each element in the test and the result is given as a percentage.

Eventing is the equine version of a triathlon! This sport encorporates Dressage, Showjumping and cross-country phases. Traditionally, the competition is held over three days (at the higher level), with Dressage being held on day 1.
Day 2 takes the excitement up a few notches, as horse and rider hit the cross-country course. The jumps on course are built to mirror natural obstacles one may find in the field, and is meant to be negotiated at a rather quick pace.
Day three consists of showjumping, where these amazing athletes must navigate a course which tests both the horses scope and mind. In the end, the winning team is that which has the least combined penalties over the three days.(below-right)

Showjumping

Show jumping by itself is an Olympic sport. The horses are guided over a series of obstaces which increase in difficulty further into the course. Courses are designed to challenge both athletic ability of the horse, as well as the technical substance of the rider. (immediate right)