Read About Horse Shows

There are thousands of Horse Shows throughout the United States on a yearly basis. Showcasing all different sizes, types, and breeds of horses, Horse Shows can be both entertaining and beautiful.

Types of Horse Shows

  • Arguably one of the most beautiful types of horse show, dressage is commonly referred to as “horse ballet.” In dressage, the horse’s movements are trained to appear flowing, elongated, and effortless. Dressage was accepted into the Olympics as a sport in 1912.

  • Show-jumping originated in England and now is commonly seen throughout the world and at the Olympics. Horse and rider are set to a course with various obstacles, including fences and water jumps, and the object is to go through the course as quickly and cleanly as possible.

  • One of the physically toughest events, cross-country equestrianism is a test of the horse’s endurance and the rider’s knowledge of his animal. This event comprises several different divisions, including roads, tracks, the steeplechase, and cross-country. Types of obstacles used in cross-country events are stone walls, shark’s teeth, drop fences, water, and coffins.

  • Combining dressage, show-jumping, and cross-country, eventing was formerly known as “Militaire” or “horse trials.” Horses and riders are scored on myriad point systems that are added together to make one final score. Eventing was introduced into the Olympics in 1912.

  • Gaining its roots in the Old West, reining competitions are made up of riders guiding their mounts through a series of patterns, stops, and spins at a canter. Reining competitions are similar to the less formal rodeo.