Events of the World Equestrian Games

There will be eight different events taking place, for the very first time, during the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Each of these disciplines are exciting and fun to observe as thousands of horses will be competing during the two week time period. The technique and amount of skill needed by every rider and horse is astounding and mesmerizing. There is simply nothing else that can compare to the exhilaration that is taking place in the world of horses right now.

The Disciplines:

1. Dressage

Dressage is the guiding of a horse through a series of complex maneuvers by slight movements of the rider’s hands, legs, and weight. It is commonly referred to and known as “horse ballet”.

2. Driving

Driving is the skillful maneuvering by each driver of a team of four horses throughout the three competitions of the event. The three competitions are Driven Dressage, Marathon, and Cones Driving.

3. Endurance

An Endurance Ride is a competition that tests the speed and endurance ability of the horse. Each rider and horse is competing against the clock over a course of 100 miles.

4. Eventing

Eventing is an all around test of three distinct pieces of the competition. Each horse and rider must complete the Dressage test, Cross-Country test, and the Jumping test.

5. Jumping

Jumping is a test of various conditions and obstacles the horse and rider must successfully overcome. It gives the horse the ability to demonstrate freedom, energy, skill, speed, and obedience under the skillful horsemanship of the rider.

6. Para Dressage

Para Dressage is a discipline provided to give riders with physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in high performance equestrian sports. This is the very first time in the history of the equestrian sport that para dressage will be included in the World Equestrian Games.

7. Reining

Reining is an exciting display of the athletic ability of a western type horse. The horse and rider must run a pattern that consists of small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs, 360 degree spins done in place, back ups, and sliding stops.

8. Vaulting

Vaulting is a combination of gymnastics and dance performed to music on a cantering horse. It requires a melodious relationship with the horse and exceptional physical condition from the vaulter.