8
The Eight Disciplines
We thank the FEI for providing us the following guide to the eight disciplines that make up the games. [Click each discipline to expand]
SHOW JUMPING
The
challenge of show jumping is straightforward - jump a course of approximately
10-13 obstacles with no penalties and within the allowed window of time. Penalties
or 'faults' are incurred if a horse knocks a rail down, refuses to jump or
falls at an obstacle or jump. Penalties can also accumulate if riders fail
to complete the course in the time allotted.
Visit the Jumping section of the official games website»
DRESSAGE
Dressage
is a French term meaning 'training', and is often described as 'horse ballet'.
Gaits and movements performed at the highest level, Grand Prix, include collected
and extended walk, trot, and canter; trot and canter half-pass; passage (a
slow-motion trot); piaffe (a trot in place); one and two-tempi changes (a 'skip'
as the horse changes leads in the canter); canter 'zigzags'; and pirouettes.
Visit the Dressage section of the official games website»
EVENTING
Eventing
could be termed an 'equestrian triathlon'. It involves working with a horse
both on the flat and over fences. The three phases are: dressage, endurance
(or cross-country), and show jumping. Over the centuries it has developed from
the test of the ideal military charger to an exciting sport attracting hobby
riders to professionals.
Visit the Eventing section of the official games website»
PARA DRESSAGE
ENDURANCE
The
endurance test is like a marathon race. Horses must run a 160-kilometer course
in the shortest time possible. In addition to the titles of individual and
team champion, the Veterinary Commission will elect the horse deemed to be
in 'best condition' from the ten fastest in the classification.
Visit the Endurance section of the official games website»
VAULTING
Vaulting is most easily described as gymnastics performed on a moving horse. Participants
are judged on a set of compulsory moves and in freestyle competition. With
a history extending back to Roman sports, vaulting requires the teamwork of
the vaulter, horse and longeur, who controls the horse in a circle on a longe
line. Vaulters may compete as individuals, in pairs, or as a team.
Visit the Vaulting section of the official games website»
REINING
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch-type
horse. Contestants are required to work one of ten approved patterns which
includes small slow circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks,
360-degree spins done in place, and the exciting sliding stops known of the
reining horse.
Visit the Reining section of the official games website»
DRIVING
Driving
competitions are held for teams of four horses. Two days dedicated to dressage,
one to marathon, and the last to driving an intricate course marked by cones.
The lowest total cumulative faults from all three tests determine the individual
and teams championships.
Visit the Driving section of the official games website»