Glossary of Equestrian Disciplines and Competitions
The equestrian world encompasses many disciplines, each with its own name and characteristics. This glossary summarizes the main competition and horseback riding modalities, to help navigate the varied landscape of equestrian sport.
Terms
- Dressage
- A discipline that develops the harmony and obedience of the horse through flatwork figures; it is an Olympic sport.
- Show Jumping
- An Olympic discipline in which the horse and rider combination navigate a course of obstacles without knocking them down and against the clock.
- Eventing (CCE)
- An equestrian triathlon with three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping; an Olympic discipline.
- Endurance Riding
- A long-distance discipline with veterinary checks; stamina is paramount.
- Doma Vaquera
- A Spanish discipline born from field work, ridden one-handed with the Iberian horse.
- TREC
- An outdoor discipline with tests of orientation, control of gaits, and natural obstacles.
- Vaulting
- Gymnastics and acrobatics on a horse lunging in a circle; an excellent introduction for children.
- Horseball
- A team equestrian sport in which a ball with handles is disputed to score in a hoop.
- Reining
- A precision western discipline with sliding stops, spins, and galloping circles.
- Driving
- A discipline of driving carriages pulled by one or more horses with long reins.
- Working Equitation
- A modality that regulates field work and cattle handling on horseback.
- Para-Equestrian
- Adaptive equestrian sport for people with disabilities; para-dressage is Paralympic.
- Acoso y Derribo
- A traditional field practice of chasing and bringing down fighting bulls on horseback with a garrocha (long pole).
- Rejoneo
- Bullfighting on horseback, a strong Iberian tradition, which requires highly trained and brave horses.
- Showing
- A conformation competition that evaluates the horse's build and presentation.
