Revealing Horseback Riding

When we heard of horse back riding we immediately think of Kings and Queens in Europe,cowboys in the US, and for some reasons, the movie "broke-back mountain" ( I am just a plain observer ). But to give us a broader understanding about this classy yet lousy sport, let's go down memory lane and learn more about horse-back riding or formally known as Equestrian.

According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, equestrianism is an art of riding and handling a horse. Horseback riding was practiced as far back as the Bronze Age and was thereafter adapted to commerce, industry, war, sport, and recreation. The first use of horses are unidentifiable, however, the best estimate is that horses first were ridden approximately 4,500 BC. Indirect evidence suggests that horses were ridden long before they were driven. There is some evidence that about 6,000 years ago, near the Dnieper river and the Don river, people were using bits on horses, as a stallion that was buried there shows teeth wear consistent with using a bit.

Because of this humble creature's popularity, the Ireland's Royal Dublin Society (1864) even started a horse show held among hunters,ponies,jumpers and three-and-five gaited horses. In the United States, horse shows started in the 1883, presently being held in Meadowlands, New Jersey.

In the 1912, Olympics opened its door for the Equestrian sports and included a three-day all-around competition that involves dressage, jumping, and endurance. A significant number of teams in international competition are military teams.

And until now, we still enjoy, fear and adore the agility and loyalty of this creature. Whether it is defying speed in the Olympics, or simply for recreational purposes, horseback-riding will surely here to stay as long as the grasses are green.