?Events?
?Flat Racing?
Also known as simply horse racing. The only horses qualified to participate in this rigorous sport are Thoroughbreds. Built for speed and endurance, the racetrack is second nature to these horses, and they are the most hard worked. This is one of the most popular sport, and at its top is the Kentucky Derby. The age limits for participants are from 2-5 or 6 years of age.
?Show Jumping?
Qualified breeds for participation are quite numerous. Nearly any breed is able to participate, though the breeds most suited for it are Arabian, Hanoverian, Trakehner, Dutch Warmblood, etc. Age groups also vary. Style consists of training to clear high jumps, including oxers and water jumps. The competition itself is made up of completing a series of jumps at a canter, best time with least amount of faults wins.
?Cross Country?
Cross country is a huge test of endurance. Horses involved in this will spend most of their time building stamina. The sport consists of long distance running, along with clearing the many jump obstacles that are set up along the way. Breeds qualified for this are numerous.
?Dressage?
Considered the most noble of the horse sports, dressage is a sort of strictly disciplined dance where horse and rider are at full sync. The biggest factor here is discipline training. These horses must be precise with every move and action, along with grace. Breeds qualified are numerous as well, though a good tempered, easily trainable breed would be necessary.
?Three Day Eventing?
Three Day Eventing is basically Show Jumping, Cross Country, and Dressage all rolled into one. A single team of one horse and one rider will participate in all of the stated activities stretched out over a course of three days, one competition each day.
