Horses have been used as beasts of burden from times immemorial. In the ages of yore when men did battle over territory, horses were used as the modes of transport to carry warriors and supplies to front lines. In times of peace these majestic beasts helped men to till land and drive carts. Communities in central Asia specialized in breeding horses and commanded advantage in times of battle with their superiority in breeding thoroughbreds.

From the times when men used to breed horses for use as beasts of burden, men have been amazed at the majestic gait and sheer power of the horse. The joy of a horse in sprint is unmatched. The pleasure of riding a horse and the royal feeling it gives is known to a few even today. Armies and their cavalries have been breeding horses and consequently they are the ones who have excelled in sports involving horses.

The term Equestrian refers to the skill involved in riding horses. It became an Olympic event in 1912 and has continued to be a popular sport. The three events of Dressage, Show Jumping, and Cross Country constitute Equestrian event in Olympics. Dressage is a French term meaning training. The key to a horse’s success in Dressage involves the horse’s natural gymnastic ability. A horse’s willingness and performance of athletic ability is tested in this event. Show Jumping consists of a horse’s ability to leap over barricades in its path. The time it takes to leap over a set of obstacles and the ease with which this task is accomplished is the key to a horse’s success in this event. Cross country is an event in which the horse’s ability to skillfully negotiate cross country tracks in the minimal time is tested.

We have assembled a compendium of sites for the avid horse enthusiast. Here there is information on horses, their breeds, history, events and clubs that provide training in these events.

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