How Were Horses Used Initially?
Horse adoption is one of the most significant discoveries ever made. At first, Man used them to pull wheeled vehicles, chariots, and carts. Later, humans started riding horses and used them for hunting and war, all as means of transport. Suffice to say; horses have always been creatures of high prestige and importance. Everyone eventually dreams of owning a horse, don’t you?
When Did Humans Start Riding Horses?
It’s still unclear exactly when humans started domesticating horses, but the best estimate is around 3500BC. There’s still controversy over who the first horse riders were. In earlier times, horseback riding was a thing for police and military alone. Then the rich masses became interested, and schools that taught horse riding opened. The law officers rode horses for duty, and the rich rode for sport and fun.
What Are Some of The Equestrian Activities?
As mentioned earlier, equestrian is flexible enough to allow for competitive and non-competitive or recreational events. Horses are used in non-competitive or recreational events like fox hunting, trail riding, and hacking. In competitive sports, horses are used in dressage, eventing, show jumping, endurance racing, reining, tent pegging, vaulting, polo, rodeo, horse racing, and combined driving.
These events have been around for a long time, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that some equestrian events found their way into the modern Olympics. Only dressage, show jumping, and eventing made it to the Olympics among the many events. However, the World Equestrian Games organized by FEI has combined driving, endurance riding, reining, vaulting, dressage, show jumping, and eventing. FEI – the International Federation for Equestrian sports – is the international governing body of equestrian sports.
Who Can Be an Equestrian?
There was a time when only warrior men, military personnel, police, and rich people could ride on horseback. Only men were allowed to participate even when it was introduced into the Olympics. However, horseback riding evolved to include women and the poorer masses. Anyone can be equestrian as long as they have what it takes and can afford the cost involved in supporting an Equestrian sport.
What Does It Take To Be Equestrian?
As with several other forms of sport, being an equestrian is a career. For any successful career, one must be willing to commit to it. Being an equestrian is no joke; you should be sure you want this before getting into it. Even if you do not want to be a professional equestrian – perhaps you enjoy it as a recreational activity or fun – there are still basic requirements.
Being an equestrian is a lifestyle that demands passion, dedication, time, commitment, funding, listening, and learning from experts, experience, and foundation. It requires you to build a great relationship with your horse and love the mundane chores as much as you’d love to sit on your horse. It would help if you had the right equipment for your horse and yourself to excel in this world. This is perhaps the most prominent part of becoming an equestrian.
What Equipment Are Needed?
There are several items that you’ll need as an equestrian. Every equestrian’s bucket list is relative to their budget. However, whether you’re looking for luxury or affordable options, American Equus is the right place for you.
The company offers everything from equestrian spurs, monobloc horseshoes, riding helmets and equestrian stirrups to riding accessories, apparel, and much more. You don’t need to get overwhelmed if you are a beginner rider. The company guides the essentials you need. Whether a pro or a newbie, your horse(s) will need saddles, saddle pads, girths, equestrian spurs, bridles, reins, bits, equestrian stirrups, grooming tools, sheets, and first aid kids. You’ll need riding pants, shirts and vests, boots, half chaps, and helmets. All these are available at their store, tested, and trusted.
Simply getting the right equestrian spurs or equestrian stirrups can make your horse trust you, and in this world, a horse’s trust is paramount.
Summary
Becoming an equestrian can be very expensive and challenging. Nothing worth having ever comes easy, especially in the world of horses and horseback riders. But with your passion, your fulfillment will follow.