History of equitation

Throughout the history of mankind the horse has accompanied man on his long journeys as a means of transport, and of course as a companion, however as man has evolved. He has also done so with his relationship with the horse that gives rise to the discipline of Horsemanship becoming an elegant sport, where the rider uses all his skill to dominate his horse through constant training to jump obstacles and fences inside a circuit.

The Horse in Ancient Times

In the Bronze Age humanity saw that the horse could become a very useful animal. In this way the horse was integrated as a fundamental element in his daily tasks. Likewise, in the Ancient Age the horse was used for war. The main armies counted on cavalry. At this time appears the first horse famous in history: Bucéfalo, the horse of Alexander the Great, hunted and tamed by him.

Also in the Middle Ages was characterized by the Spanish cavalry or “School of Knights”. In those institutions, men and knights were formed to act in combat and war. After a long time and many battles, the steed was used in tournaments and horse games for peacetime, to train for wartime. Thus, equitation is born as a sport.

Beginnings of Riding

In the year 1539 the count of Fiaschi founds a riding school in the Italian city of Ferrara. Everything indicates that it was the first riding school of which we have news.

The Latin word equitatio arrived in english as equitation. The concept is used to name the discipline related to the management of an equine. It is an art and a sport whose practitioners show their skill for riding.

Cares to be considered

Equitation also involves knowledge to care for horses. It is important that the rider is aware that he stays in a stable with the optimal conditions for the good health of the equine. These conditions guarantee the good performance of the animal at the time of training. That is why it is essential to achieve competences in order to achieve excellent results.

Regarding the care mentioned above, there is a qualified staff that might be responsible for ensuring that the logistics are met. You should also take strict control with your veterinarian, as any condition will negatively affect the behavior of the horse.

Use of appropriate elements

Also for the training and competition of horse riding you need the use of appropriate equipment called rigging or rigging for the horse. These equipment are important when the equine is mounted since with this you have animal control. On the other hand, the rider must wear appropriate clothing such as boots, gloves, pants and blouse. The helmet is essential because it protects if at any moment the rider suffers a fall.

There is a basic type of equitation, where the main thing is to learn to ride. There are also more advanced modes, used to jump, run races, carry livestock, and exhibit. Additionally, horses are used for other equestrian sports of high competition, such as jumping, training or dressage, three-day test, high jump, raid, hooks, volte, pole, duck, equestrian and rodeo….

Positive effects of horses and riding

Horses are also mounted to achieve the rehabilitation of people with different diseases or disabilities. Its therapeutic effect positively affects the neurological, emotional, and psychomotor level among other benefits of equitation as a sport for people with disabilities.

Equitation is governed by the International Equestrian Federation. It is an Olympic sport since 1900 in the disciplines of jumping, training and full competition of riding. We leave you with a phrase that reflects the qualities of an excellent rider.