The competition is a prestigious and stylish kind of equestrian sport

Horse riding is known since the domestication of horses. For many centuries they were constant companions of people. Before the invention of transport, their role in the development of civilization was key. True, with the development of scientific and technological progress, horses have become more domestic animals for entertainment. Over time, when the cavalry lost its former popularity, equestrian sport appeared. And with it new species, unknown to many people. Competition - is that for discipline? Consider below.

Hobbies with horses

There are many different entertainments with horses. For example, for the development of breeds of some horses, hippodrome tests are conducted-jogging and jumping. On the run, the horse runs trot, the one who comes first will win. In horse races, horses move at a gallop. According to the test results, the fastest horses are selected and allowed to breed.

There is still equestrian sport. It includes several types. Dressage is a beautiful ride by different elements, where you need to drive through the arena from letter to letter in a special way. Competition is overcoming obstacles of different heights. Eventing is the most difficult kind of equestrian sport. The competition lasts three days. They include dressage, field cross and competition. As a result, the sports couple, who scored less than all penalty points, wins.

Competition is a kind of equestrian sport for the brave. Due to its effectiveness, it is one of the most popular among the population. Even people who are not connected with horses, it is interesting to watch beautiful jumps through obstacles. The larger the tournament, the more difficult it is to overcome and the higher the barriers. Special people, cross-designers, decorate obstacles.

History

Equestrian sport appeared not so long ago. He appeared instead of cavalry, as the army no longer needed trained horses. Therefore almost a century ago there was a "contest-ippik". Its main organizers were cadets of the Saumur School of Riding. Spectators enthusiastically embraced this type of competition. Gradually the contest-ippik began to appear in different countries of the world. In Russia it appeared in 1895. The cavalrymen highly valued such trials, since in war conditions the horse must be perfectly carved, accustomed to various soils, and not be afraid of obstacles in its path.

Competition in Russia

Already in 1902 Russian riders took part in international competitions. Competition is not only an entertaining sport, but also extremely traumatic. Since during the overcoming of the obstacle the horse can fall or throw off the rider. The first performances were unsuccessful, but this allowed the athletes to learn from other people's experience. The result was not long in coming. Already in 1910 the Russian rider won the cup.

The competition is an Olympic sport, and not immediately the Soviet team managed to win gold. But already in 1959 they became winners. The second triumph was waiting for them in 1980, at the Olympic Games in Moscow.

Competition - what kind of sport and what kind of training is needed?

It seems to ignorant people that it is very easy to jump on a horse through obstacles. In fact, riding alone requires serious training of the rider. The competition is divided into a number of classes, different in complexity. For beginners, the barriers are simple, not more than 80 cm high, the route without sharp turns. The higher the qualification of the rider, the more difficult the tournaments become. The record for overcoming a single obstacle belongs to Albert Morales. He was able to overcome the barrier height of 2 meters 47 cm. No one else succeeded in repeating his feat.

In general, the competition can be divided into several types: power, style, speed. Obstacles can be of several types: high-altitude, wide and high-altitude. Obligatory condition - they must be easily destroyed. This is related to the safety of the rider and the horse. Since if the barrier is "dead", zapnuvshis about it at the time of the jump, the horse will fly somersault over his head and crush the rider. Barriers are different in structure: consisting of several poles or blocks ("wall" so-called), sometimes an obstacle is placed in the form of a ditch.

Preparation of the rider is carried out using low barrier heights. At this stage, the coach's task is to develop the correct landing for the athlete. The competition is a tandem of a rider and a horse. To the horse could overcome the barrier, a person should not interfere with him. To do this, he stands up in the stirrups and moves the body forward. Thus, it does not interfere with the balance of the horse and does not risk knocking the pole down.

Ammunition and equipment of the contest horse

Equestrian sport is a traumatic event. Therefore, riders must wear helmets. This is the only way to protect your head from falling. For official competitions, you must follow a special dress code: white breeches (special riding pants), a dressing gown (a riding jacket), a helmet. This is a tribute to the judges. Ammunition is selected for each horse separately. It should not be dangerous for the pet and hurt him. The Equestrian Sports Federation develops special lists of permitted ammunition. Strictly regulated by everything, right up to the used "iron" in the horse's mouth (on the bridle there are special bits that fit into the animal's mouth, the reins are attached to them outside).

Rules of contests

Competition is a sport in which there are rules. So, for every knocked down obstacle (shot down is that obstacle from which one or more poles or blocks fell) four penalty points are given. There is no limit on the number. But for a refusal (refusal to overcome an obstacle) the first give the same amount of penalty, and for the second disqualify. The penalty is also given for non-placement in the allotted time. Each route is given its own time. For every second over it is assigned by a penalty point.