Equestrian Equipment - Horse Walker

There are many people who show their fondness to their pets. Even so, a lot others fancy taking care of a horse for a pet. Ranches are common in various countries. Horses are most of the times used not only as favored pets but are treated for industrial and at times for commercial uses as well. As people search for some formal training with regards to rearing horses, they seek to become full fledged equestrians. Part of the training includes getting to know the appropriate equestrian equipment. Among of which are the horse walker and the horse tack.




Horse Walker for Equestrian Exercises:

For a person who is definitely serious in getting on with bringing up horses and then its stabling, you must know how important the horse walkers can become. What benefits can be derived out of the horse walker? For one, the horse walker is a recognized equestrian equipment to saving time when exercising or practicing your horses and in the attempt to have them cool down after a long day's ride. Among the rest of the uses of a horse walker is for halter breaking and the other is for nursing back the health of the animal should any illness has occurred. The everyday use of a horse walker is certain to make the horse stronger and then more physically able. Furthermore, the utilization of a horse walker before any ride starts up would mean that the animal would be able to focus at the task that is on hand as soon as it is taken out of the stable and get to be tacked up.



The Varieties of Horse Walkers:

There are several kinds of horse walkers to choose from but the common denominator among them is that they have the same features. Many of these horse walker types are capable of handling four up to six horses at a given time. Likewise, there are horse walkers which are put up for sale in the market and are able to cater to all numbers of animals to be taken out for a ride.

The common models of the horse walkers include the flatly packed and readily assembled ones right there on the site. However, for some other specifications, there are those which may be bought along with roofs and fencing. Various controls and speeds are also included in the features. The horse walkers involve the forward and reverse motions too.

On the other hand, the higher end models of the horse walkers permit the taking off of the pressure from all parts of the body of the horse which are too prone to injury. Moreover, this equestrian equipment stops it from bucking especially in relatively open fields. When the animal gets any wound, it is important that it fully heals. With this equestrian equipment, such is possible. Be certain that the equestrian equipment has enough space that would allow the animal to relax especially during long rides.

Safety must be a top priority as always. Inquire on the safety precautions that come together with the purchase. You may also seek the help of the experts in horse rearing because they are knowledgeable enough in the field. Before you purchase any horse walker, be sure that it would work well both for you as the handler and for your horse.

Equestrian Supplies: Horse Grooming Kits.

Apart from the horses clothing equestrians must take care of their horses. After all, the performance of the horse has a major impact on the scores. No matter what sports the horse is going to participate he must be well prepared before the event. This entails not just proper but also grooming. Riders are not the only ones who should look their best but also the horse. There are many supplies out there for the horse. Riders have a wide array of choices for their horses.

One of the most important of these supplies is the grooming kit. This is an essential kit when grooming and preparing the horse. With it riders will be able to maintain their horse's coat in good condition. This will also be a good time for them to check for any injuries, scratches and bruises on the horse. Grooming will also massage the horse and promote circulation.

Horse care: The grooming kit is made up of different combs and brushes to keep the horse clean. Each of these combs and brushes has a different purpose when cleaning the horse.

These are some of the basic brushes and combs in a grooming kit:

Dandy brush: These brushes are used to remove dirt on the surface of your horse's coat. They are used in the less sensitive parts of the horse. This brush has long bristles.

Body Brush: These brushes can be either hard or soft depending on your need. They have leather back. It is used to remove grease and dusts from you're horse' coat. They can be used in the sensitive areas of your horse's body.

Metal curry comb: This is not used on the horse but is rather used to clean the body brush when grooming. It removes dust and dirt from the brush so that you can use it again on the horse.

Rubber Curry Comb: They remove mud and loose hair from the mane and tail of your horse.

Water Brush: You are going to use water when washing or dampening your horse's coat. This brush is used when applying water on your horse.

Mane comb: As the name suggests these are combs used on the main and tail of your horse. They come in plastic and metal. There are variations of these combs for different purposes. Short metal combs are used for pulling manes. Other special combs are used to cut the mane thinner.

Hoof pick: They are used for removing dirt and stones that are packed into your horse's hooves. Dirt and stones usually collect on the underside of your horse's hooves when you go riding or when he's out there in the field. The hoof pick can be easily lost under your grooming kit so it's advisable to type in a baline twine.

Cotton Sponge: Used for cleaning the eyes, nose and wounds of your horse.

Sweat scraper: Wipe away sweat from the horse or excessive water when washing.

Stale rubber: Used for doing the finishing touches on the horse. They are used for polishing the coat of the horse. Stake rubber or linen cloth can be used.

Grooming kit box: Last but not the least, is the kit box. It can be any container or bag with ample storage for the brushes. You can also use a canvas bag with a drawstring.

How to Choose the Proper Equestrian Boots?

Why do you think is it important to consider a few things before purchasing the equestrian boots to be used either with or without any horseback riding competition? Do you think you can get on with a long ride without the proper equestrian boots? Read on and find out the necessity of choosing the appropriate equestrian apparel such as the boots for someone like you whose passion is all about horse-related stuff.

What are equestrian boots?

Equestrian boots are likewise termed as horseback riding boots. They are the footwear that you are required to use whenever you are going for a ride with your horse. The definition itself practically sounds too simple but of course there is a special reason as to why you must wear these. The general idea is that these boots are capable of keeping you safe and comfortable even as you take heavy and rugged terrains. You must understand that your horseback riding adventures are sure to engage several other difficulties and challenges, much more, accidents. If you are not wearing the proper footwear, then you just can't imagine what may happen to you should untoward incidents arise.

What are the different equestrian boots?

Did you know that there are several types and styles of equestrian boots? Surely, there are. They are like clothes which have various categories depending on what trend is hot and in for everyone. The same goes with these boots. Historically speaking, the equestrian boots were supposedly made out of higher heels which were geared towards the prevention of foot slipping. Now, today's versions of these boots come with low heels. But of course, some cowboy boots still have the same higher heels.

Now that you have known that there are different styles of the equestrian boots, how should you know which boots must you prefer for your rides? It is simple. Just take note of the following circumstances regarding the boots styles.

Some riding boots are for show riding while there are those which are meant for pleasure riding. Taller boots, those which are tailored just a little below the knees are mainly designated for the use in the field, for hunting, and for dressing.

For some dressing apparel instances, there is a standard set for that. The main point that you must look into is the capacity of your horse to handle its rider.

Some policemen likewise wear the same style of riding boots because these give them their desired comfort while mounting and getting off their motorcycles.

The field boots, or those riding boots which are characterized by ankle lacing design, are primarily effective to use for short length stirrups such as when doing show jumping, event jumping, and fox hunting. The usual colors are brown and black. The hunt boots, on the other hand, come with a top cuff. Male riders often use the hunt boot, which is very traditional in appearance. On the other hand, the dress boots bear no ankle lacing and they appear stiffer as compared with the regular riding boots. This kind of boots is designed to be knee-high in order to prevent any injury. Fox hunters and event riders typically wear this type.

Other types are the Paddock boots which may be used for daily rides and the cowboy or western boots which are both made of leather or synthetic materials and cost thousands of dollars or so.

Equestrian boots have been around for a long time and they continuously evolve in terms of style and design.

The Equestrian Helmets - Prevent getting Kicked in the Head.

Unlike their predecessors equestrian helmets of today serve a purpose beyond making people look good, i.e, safety. Not many people realize this, but competitive horse riding is a sport that can be fraught with danger. This is the reason why helmets of today are designed and standardized to make sure that a rider does not suffer serious cranial injuries when riding.

The helmet itself has an outer layer of plastic, which resists impact and prevents injuries in case of a fall. However, some helmets are designed with a cloth covering the shiny plastic in order to make the helmet look more attractive.

The brim of the helmet is designed to protect the eyes of the rider form the harsh glare of the sun. It also makes the helmet more attractive in terms of design. However, the brim is not made of the same materials as the "shell" of the helmet. Rather, it is designed to crumple during a fall. This makes the helmet safer in event a rider lands on the brim.

The inside of the helmet is designed with both comfort and safety in mind. Added padding makes sure that the helmet takes the brunt of the impact in case of a fall. The design is also very sport-specific: one of the reasons why an equestrian helmet is easily recognizable.

The design of the helmet makes sure that the whole head is protected. This is unlike bicycle or skating helmets, which focus the protection in the front and back of the head. It is also designed with the comfort of the rider in mind, with ventilation and positioning factored into the overall aesthetics.

Equestrian helmets are not known to be the biggest fashion sensation, but there are some stories behind them. The distinctive style of the helmet, kept even in these days of modern materials and cutting-edge design, still reflects the tradition of conservatism proliferated by the early English riding headdress.

There are many variations on the equestrian helmet based on the competition. Horseracing jockeys, for instance, wear helmets that are brimless and covered with a cloth matching the color scheme of their uniforms. Traditionalists frown upon the spreading use of brilliant colored helmets, but more and more people find the colors black, brown and gray boring.

There are also some varieties of equestrian helmets today that have been adapted to more "Western" designs. These helmets, however, are yet to be embraced by riders in rodeos (where they are obviously more needed).

Standardization varies across different countries. However, a rider who joins a competition must have a standard helmet or that rider will not be allowed to compete. People who have performed a 'conformity assessment' judge whether the helmet is up to standard.

The conformity assessment is a series of tests that show how safe the helmet is. Some assessments involve various tests that simulate a rider falling from a horse and even getting kicked by a horse in the head.

Today, the equestrian helmet is not yet required for riders. However, they are becoming common practice. In fact, riding instructors today are required by insurance companies to make their students wear riding helmets in order to get an insurance policy. Some people may feel that equestrian helmets are uncomfortable and hot, but you should always remember that these helmets keep you safe.

Equestrian Wear Riding Hats: Safety Guaranteed.

Equestrians also need their own set of gear for the competition. Each equestrian sport is unique which demand different skills from the rider. Their clothing is not just used for presentation but also to help them move freely during competitions. There are many types of clothing that equestrians need. There is corresponding clothing to protect the rider from head to foot.

The main clothing of an equestrian are composed of riding hats, jackets, boots, jodhpurs and breeches, body protector, chaps and gaiters. For a beginner it is essential to know each of this clothing. Each individual's preference may be different but it important to know the basics before buying any clothing. Horse back riding can be expensive and its clothing is not exemption.

The most important clothing is the riding hat. Obviously it protects the riders from falls which can be experienced whether you are in or out of a competition. Although horses can be trained they can still be unpredictable.

The rider's clothing:

The riding hat:

It is the most important piece of clothing which offers protection for your head. These hats are made of a hard shell which is lined with a material that absorbs shock. This is essential to provide protection for the rider in case he or she falls. It's also important to wear them even though they are not riding because the horse may kick them instead. It's advisable to wear them when handling horses on the ground.

If the rider suffers from a fall the hat should be replaced immediately. The fall can diminish the hat's protection. The protection also decreases over time as the padding compresses from daily use. Riding has should be replaced ever three to four years.

Three basic hats are available for the riders:

The first one is the classic riding hat. It's a traditional velvet hat available brown, black, or navy. It has a hard peak.

The second is the skull cap which is also referred to as the jockey cap. It has no peak and is usually worn by jockeys. It's now popular with other riders for leisure and competition. Silks which are peak covers can be placed over the skull cap. This gives them the appearance of a riding hat. There are also novelty silks available for children such as eyes and ears sewn on them.

The third one is the skull protector. It's a riding hat similar to a cycling helmet. It's very lightweight and ventilated. The hat is usually worn during the warm weather or summer.

Riding hats have chin straps and should conform to the riding hat safety standards. The United Kingdom has 3 safety standards. Riding hats should follow one of these standards for optimum safety of the rider. The chin traps should be able to secure the hat safely and securely on the riders head.

Riders should always remember to secure their hats. Beginners should also buy which is comfortable for them. Riding hats is a piece of equestrian clothing that should be regarded with importance. Sever falls can be very fatal. Riding hats can decrease the severity of the injury of the rider.

Rides should not buy a second hand riding hat. Although the damages cannot be seen from the outside it is most likely that they have reduced protection. Buy new hats for guaranteed protection.

Equestrian Clothing: Body Or Back Protectors.

The most important role of equestrian clothing is for protection. Although horses can be trained they can be unpredictable when provoked. Riders are vulnerable while riding and handling horses, especially for beginners. They may seem to be friendly but they can easily gallop or kick someone when not handled correctly. Apart from riding hats, a body protector is also important equestrian clothing.

Apart from protecting your head any rider should also protect their body. Against a powerful kick of horse, any human can get thrown away like a dummy. Falls can not just injure your head but also break your spine. Riders can also suffer from other internal injuries during a bad fall.

Equestrian protection:

Horses are prized in equestrianism but riders are important too. The rider's ability to handle the horse also has a big impact on their performance. Fortunately there is clothing that can protect them from injury.

Body or back protectors are garments that protect the rider's chest and back. We all know that your spine is also as important as our skull. Our spine contains the spinal vertebrae which are composed of our body's nerves from head to foot. Any injury to the spine can paralyze the rider. Our chest on the other hand contains vital organs.

It's a vest type of clothing that is filled with foam. They are worn over the top of the rider's clothes. They can also be worn under the jacket. Its good protection for the rider in case they fall during a ride or get kicked by the horse while handling them.

Injuries from a fall cannot be completely avoided but their impact can be reduced. Wearing body or back protectors will provide preventive measure against possible injuries while the rider is with the horse.

The protector is divided into two: the front and the back. They are held together by Velcro fittings on each side and over the shoulder. The protector should be fastened securely and should not move while riding. At first they may seem uncomfortable but the foam moulds to adapt to the rider's body shape and contour.

All protectors should abide by safety standards. Riders should buy new and original ones for guaranteed protection.

There are three different types of protectors:

Level 1: The black label. It's only appropriate for licensed jockeys. It has the lowest level of protection.

Level 2: The brown label. It provides medium protection. It's appropriate for general riding with low risks. This does not include riding on hard surfaces such as roads. Jumping over obstacles and riding young excitable horses are excluded.

Level 3: The purple label. It offers the highest level of protection when riding horses. This includes normal and competitive horse riding. It's also used when handling horses.

Like riding hats body protectors should be replaced after three to four years. Second hand body protectors are not advisable since their foam padding have already been used. Other body protectors have additional attachments such as shoulder pads.

Although body protectors come in different sizes many manufacturers offer custom fitted ones. This provides ample adjustment for maximum comfort for the rider. Some may like it snuggly fit while others prefer it loose.

No matter what your preferences are prevention is still better than cure. Coupled with riding hat body protectors are also important pieces of an equestrian's clothing.

Equestrian Apparel – Combining Function and Style.

If you are into serious riding or you just want to have the equestrian look, then equestrian apparel is for you.

In choosing what clothing to use, the criteria are functionality and style. The rider must feel both elegant and comfortable at the same time. It is also important that the fabrics used are both light and hard-wearing at the same time.

To start of, choose a cool fabric that allows ease of movement. The more common kinds of fabric used for equestrian clothing is cotton and Lycra.

Choose also a fabric that acts as a moisture wick. This type of fabric works well in both hot and cold temperatures. During hot months, the fabric keeps you cool by allowing you to sweat. In cold months the fabric keeps you warm by moving sweat away from your body, keeping your skin dry. Since moisture does not penetrate the fabric weave, it evaporates quickly, causing the fabric to dry quickly as well.

As an added bonus, you can choose fabrics and fabric weaves that reduce moisture absorption, repel UV rays and insects.

What are the pieces of clothing that make up equestrian apparel? The basic piece is a shirt, usually made of cotton or wool crepe, and is usually white. Then you can add a waistcoat or vest to match.

For the lower body, breeches and jodhpurs are the more popular pieces. While others prefer full-seat riding breeches, there are still others who like jeans and jodhpurs. Make sure that the piece fits well. Also, choose one that can protect you from heavy rains and winds.

While tall riding boots look perfect for shows and competitions, short boots with trouser socks are a wise alternative during training or ordinary days.

To complete the look is a riding jacket. Choose one made of luxurious fabrics like tweed. Take note of details like silk lining or double satin piping, buttons and trims.

Do not forget your riding gloves.

As for the head gear, choose one that fits perfectly. The usual piece is a helmet, although there are others who like to wear black top hats. Helmets have now incorporated easy-fit systems, so it is safe to use. Some riders like to customize their helmets by putting decals or crystals.

What are the trends and forecasts in equestrian apparel? As for the colors, the trend is softer, more subtle pastel tones of blue, green, pink and purple. The same goes for show breeches. Light tans are also in for breeches, although white continues to be popular. Show coats and dressage coats can be in any color, although the trend is towards darker navys and black instead of the more common light shades of brown and khaki. You can also see stripes and patterns in the coats instead of the plain, solid-colored ones.

As for accessories, you will see glittery accessories like stock pins and jewelry. Swarovski crystals in belt buckles, spurs, helmets and everything else are also becoming popular.

Tall leather boots with zippers are the more popular footwear for shows. Back zippers make the boots easy to take off. For those who are into serious training, half chaps and paddock boots are still in because of their durability.

Equestrian apparel is all about fashion and ease. With the many styles and designs available, finding one that suits you perfectly should be no problem at all.

Equestrian Employment: Where can You be Good at?

The term equestrian has been around for several decades or so. With this comes the concept known as equestrianism which points out to one's skill of driving and riding horses. Such a broad description, isn't it? However, for a simpler understanding of it, equestrianism includes the use of the horse for practical, recreational, and working purposes and activities. Likewise, it is worth mentioning that equestrianism also means employing the said animal in a competitive sport.

With the great number of people who express their fondness for horses, the number of equestrians especially in the entire United States has tremendously increased. With this fact, equestrian employment has also widened in scope. Equestrian colleges started to open here and there and the horse industry drafted more and more equestrian employment to cater to all these individuals who have decided to turn their passion into a career.

A Review of the Equestrian Activities

Before the horses are ridden and enlisted for competitions, they are first trained. Some horses are trained to do practical work in ranches whereas a great deal of them are used for various competitive sports. Among which are eventing, racing, reigning, dressage, endurance racing, tent pegging, show jumping, polo, vaulting, driving, horse racing, and rodeo. For these competitions, these animals execute movements of various disciplines.

However, there are also those horses which are employed in non-competitive activities. Donkeys and mules, for example, are mostly engaged in recreational purposes like trail riding, fox hunting, and hacking. Horse trails are often available for public use. There are ranches, parks, and public stables that provide places both for independent and guided riding.

Besides all these, horses are also involved in therapeutic causes such as the paraequestrian competitions and some other non-competitive riding sprees, to name a few. Both activities are directed towards the improvement of human health and the enhancement of one's emotional maturity.

The animals are then employed to do farming, pulling carriages, in exhibitions, and other historical reenactment ceremonies. All countries have their own special usages meant for the horses.

Types of Equestrian Activities

To exactly know where you may excel in line with equestrian employment, you have to know the following activities.

Horse rearing: Horses are among the common animals which are reared and bred. Ranches all over the world attend to this kind of stuff. Now if you would like to rear and breed horses, you have to get the proper training for it.

Horse racing: It has been so much of an addiction for humans to test the speed of their horses. Horse racing is one way of determining which horse can outrun the rest of its competitors. Gambling is often a part of horse racings. The spectators bet on which animal is more capable of attaining the highest speed that can be recorded on the dot.

Horse rider: For the sake of the prestigious Olympic discipline, you may be employed as a rider to compete with delegates from all over the world. The horse has to bear a certain field of specialization and must execute movements without difficulty.

Horse trainer: As a trainer, you must let the animal recognize your superiority as its master. You are the one who is in command in practicing its skills and in basically taming it.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to equestrian employment. You just have to know where you can find the fulfillment and where you may be good at. After all, being an equestrian is a career path that you have to harness.

Equestrian Careers: Find the Right Path For You

There are just people who have fallen in love with horses. They may be both young and old, man or woman. It is not a new scenario to see a kid who asks for a pony as a birthday gift. For them, it feels like heaven just to spend some time with their beloved animals. There are even instances when they can't spend a day without having to visit their pet's stable. No wonder, many individuals have turned out to be equestrians.

If you live your day breathing horses, sleeping with them, eating with them, going for adventures with them, then perhaps you happen to realize that you can start off a career with it. Equestrian careers are common not only in the United States but in many other countries as well. You can always land yourself in a useful career in the horse industry and get on with a better way of spending your daily routines.

In the past years, surveys have showed that there are nearly seven million horses in the United States alone and the more it gives rewarding opportunities for the horse lovers. The American Horse Council further points out that it supports an estimated 1.4 million full time jobs for the equestrians. The horse industry features a wide spectrum of equestrian careers ranging from the hands-on tasks of large animal veterinarian up to those that include becoming a supplement and feeds distributor. Other equestrian careers are research, breeding, showing, education, health, recreation, product manufacturing, and a lot other service industries. Sure enough, you would find something that would be perfectly appropriate for you.

So, how can you possibly gauge the rightful opportunity that is most apt for you as an equestrian? Before you practically send out your resumes to the horse industry related offices, you first need to seek out the opportunity or career that would suit you best. You need time to attend to this. As much as you want to be employed as a veterinarian or technician, no one in his right state of mind would surely hire you if you can't show the documents that would serve as your credentials. Hence, take time to research on the various equestrian careers, then find out the requirements for those and then work on how you would be able to earn the credentials. Trainings and certificates are most likely needed.

Here are some of the questions that you would have to ask yourself.

What do you really want for a career involving horses? What are you most fond of doing? Are you much in contact with these animals? Or would you rather go for a job that includes working in some supporting field? Here are the pros and cons for them.

The supporting field role can make you earn more because the job is more stable, requires you to report in the regular hours, and of course, you have the benefits to be enjoyed. Meanwhile, a hands-on equestrian career can provide you with more flexible and greater chances of getting in full contact with your favored animals.

What degree of education can you boast of? You would need trainings and the right education in order to get admitted into the horse industry careers. If you prefer to be a barn manager, a horse trainer, a riding instructor, or perhaps a public relations expert, a vet, or a writer, then seek out the required trainings or degrees for them.

It is important that you know your goals especially when you are eyeing for an equestrian career. If you keep in focus, then you'll be successful in the end.

United States Equestrian Federation: A Brief Review

The United States Equestrian Federation or USEF formerly bore the name of American Horse Shows Association. USEF is the national foremost institution which handles the equestrian sports that there are in the United States. Among those equestrian sports which the Untied States Equestrian Federation administers include the eventing, dressage driving, hunt seat equitation, endurance riding, hunting, jumping, roadster, paralympic, reigning, vaulting, saddle seat equitation, trail, western equitation, and several other related equestrian events.

The job scope of the USEF is so vast that it is a recognized governing body in equestrian related activities. The following are the job functions and scope of USEF.

The breed shows such as the Lusitano, Andalusian, Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, half-Arabian, Friesian, Connemara, Hackney, American Saddlebred, Morgan, Paso Fino, National Show Horse, Shetland, and the Welsh breeds that are practically conducted in the whole of the Untied States are all governed by none other that the United States Equestrian Federation.

It is also the task of the United States Equestrian Federation to closely monitor the yearly points earned by the competitors in the horse shows and other related events. The points are actually accrued by the individual horse shows all throughout the year. USEF then renders special awards to the winners and their merits are based on the accumulated points. The points are summed up at the end of every year. The horse shows which are under the wings of the United States Equestrian Federation are rated with AA, A, B, or C ratings. The shows that earn the AA ratings are those which are considered to be the most prominent ones in the country and big prizes come at stake too. However, those shows which are rated with a C are those called local horse shows and of course, a lesser amount of money is specified for a prize.

The other governing organizations that work hand in hand with USEF are the United States Hunter/Jumper Association or USHJA, the United States Dressage Federation or USDF, and the United States Eventing Association or USEA. All of the competitions which are spearheaded by the abovementioned governing organizations are ruled by the bylaws set by USEF itself.

A Brief History of the United States Equestrian Federation

Everything started to boil up in January 20 of the year 1917 when the delegates from various horse shows set up a meeting in New York City. The council was then governed by Reginald C. Vanderbilt. The council's main goal was to unify all horse shows and to conduct clean competitions inside the horse show ring. They then solidified the organization under the banner of the Association of American Horse Shows and upon its initial meeting in the year 1918; exemplary organizers of the twenty six prestigious horse shows were all present. By the year 1924, the then twenty six horse show members increased to sixty seven.

By February 1933, its original name of Association of American Horse Shows, Inc. was altered to a new one, the American Horse Shows Association, Inc. It was in 2003 that the United States Equestrian Team merged with the United States of America Equestrian to form a new national governing body and the name United States Equestrian Federation or USEF came into being.

It is the USEF that provides an all out support to all equestrian sportspersons, establishes a clear future for all equestrians, and endorses international excellence in the horse sports field.

Lucinda Green's Equestrian Challenge

Lucinda Green is a record holder in the Badminton Horse Trials. She won the trials for an astounding six times! What's more, she rode six different horses during those trials! Isn't that just amazing? Now, you can share her experience in the thrills of being an equestrian through Lucinda Green's Equestrian Challenge.

The game challenges players on three fronts: cross country, show jumping and dressage. The ultimate goal of the game is for you to win all four-star events in Adelaide, Badminton, Burghley, and Kentucky. Before you get ahead of yourself, however, you need to cover the basics.

The game starts with you as a young two-star equestrian taken under the wings of Lucinda Green. Full customization of the character allows you to create a rider that truly matches who you are or, at least, who you perceive yourself to be.

You also get to take care of your own horse. This is a very important aspect of the game, as your success depends on the amount of work you put into training and caring for the horse. It must be fed, watered, brushed, among other things. You also need to make sure that its attributes are distributed properly so that you will be able to grab the prize every competition.

There are four "stats" or attributes that you need to balance. They are: Speed, Stamina, Jumping, Agility, and Trust. Each person will be able to develop a horse differently by simply adjusting the allotment of stats.

Lucinda Green teaches you and trains you until you can compete in the four-star competitions. At this level, you will pit your character in various contests against the biggest names in riding today.

Graphically, the game is stunning. That is, if you compare it to other equestrian games today. The customizability of the character is also a nice touch. However, the gameplay is nothing revolutionary. The game just does not push any gaming boundaries.

It is less tedious than other games, which means you can enjoy yourself more and take care of the details less. After all, gamers who buy equestrian games are more interested in the competition rather on the simulated horse-care lessons, right? The life of the game is also quite good: you are able to enjoy the different challenges and you don't end up feeling a bit disappointed because of the length.

However, the repetitive motions that one must go through in order to compete and the actions involved in taking care of the horse can be very dull at times. The menu is also quite clumsy and this means that you might have a hard time navigating around the controls.

Not many people are bound to buy equestrian games. It just doesn't seem like a genre that appeals to the common couch soldier/strategist/athlete. Equestrian challenge attempts to change this through lots and lots of eye candy. However, its sticking to realism doesn't really help in making it more popular with gamers. Even a little bit of imagination could surely have helped this game.

The bottom line is this: Equestrian Challenge is a great game. In fact, it's superior to any equestrian games available today. However, if you are not fond of the sport, you might not see enough in this game to try it out. You should get this game if you love horses, but if you are the typical point-and-shoot guy, you might want to skip it.

Men Love Equestrian Events

Loving the competition--this is presumably the very motto of men. They do enjoy any form of competition. The competition that they take too much interest in range from the simple basketball games wherein they bet for their own favored teams to bring home the bacon and down to enlisting themselves as members of a specific sports event team and work on taking home the victory.

Now there is another addiction that men would die for and that is rodeo. When asked which variety of rodeo they engage themselves in, most of them would give a ringing answer of barrel racing. Why would they not love it when really engaging women are the ones who are participating in the sports league? This then is one of the main reasons that influences them to also pay attention to equestrian events.

Equestrian events showcase the participant's speed. Perhaps one more reason as to why men patronize equestrian events is because they get to witness women competing against men in this sport of speed. Isn't it too enticing and astounding to see pretty women who are too talented to enlist themselves in such kind of sport which had been for long a time regarded as a man's stuff? But of course, there are innumerable men who are equestrians themselves.

There are several other kinds of equestrian events that men can join and be good at. It is very very important that they know how to choose the appropriate horses to ride on. Safety and comfort are two of the key factors to consider. When one talks about competition, the very thing that comes into the mind is winning. What is the sense of a competition if no one can be declared as the winner, right?

This just makes all sorts of competition pretty exciting. And in order to win, the horse's condition plays a major role. Just take reigning as an example. Reigning is an equestrian event that features the rider completing a pattern set while on board his horse. The pattern includes difficult obstacles wherein various maneuvering must be finished off with ease and confidence.

Other important equestrian events which are most sought after and which deserve to be noted are The National Horse Shows, the Olympia London International Horse Show, and the Arabian Horse Show.

The National Horse Show caters to all equestrians in the United States who have all the intentions of showing off what they've got. It is organized by the National Horse Show Association of America and is held at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club that is located in Wellington, Florida. Thousands of spectators come around to witness the competition. The event is focused on the display of horsemanship. As an equestrian sport, the main goal is for the competitors to show off their excellence in the said field.

The Olympia London International Horse Show on the other hand is held in London, England annually in the month of December. Elite people who own the elite horses join this prestigious equestrian event. The common categories in the competition are the dressage or the show jumping.

The Arabian Horse Show that is sponsored by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona is a tough competition for the equestrian and a lot of money is involved as the price.

Equestrian events are really that interesting. No wonder, men are passionate enough to indulge in all of these.

Equestrians: More than Just Horse Riders

Horses have played a vital role in the history of mankind. They have served several purposes from transportation to heavy cavalry. Nowadays due to the development of technology horses are no longer used anymore. They can be mostly found working for humans in ranches, farms, circuses and driving carriages for amusement rides.

Although horses are not as vital as they were back in the days the tradition of riding them did not falter. Equestrians were regarded as nobles in Rome who are members of the cavalry. Nowadays they are riders who participate in a number of equestrian sports.

Equestrians in this day and age are more known for equestrianism. It refers to the ability to ride and drive horses. This definition does not just include the use of horses for recreational activities and sports but also for working and practical uses. Contrary what most people would think the term refers to other skills not just riding them for equestrian sports.

Equestrians before:

Horses were used in variety of purposes. They were both used in war and peaceful pursuits. They were used from transportation, agriculture and warfare. In Rome Equestrians were regarded as elite. Horses were expensive at that time so owning one meant that you were rich and does not need to do manual labor. They were members of a social upper class in Rome. This class was most often referred to as knights. They were both a military and a political group because horsemen received financial compensation from the government.

As Rome expanded it relied on its allies for cavalry. There were no use from equestrians and they lost their military functions. They did not engage in war anymore but their titles still remain and indicate nobility. The equestrians were rich and governed the provinces. At that time senators were equal to equestrians.

The senators dominated the magistrate offices but were forbidden to operate business and gain commercial income. The equestrians on the other hand continued to invest in marketing and tax farming companies. Conflicts arose between the two of them. Equestrians made as much money as they can while senators notice rebellions due to overtaxing. During civil wars the two elite collaborated and their orders were defined as reforms were done.

Equestrians today:

There are popularly known for participating in equestrian sports during Olympics. Like before horse back riding is reserved for the rich. Even today horses are still expensive and prized.

Equestrian events include dressage, show jumping and eventing. Equestrians should be able to make the horse carry out natural movements on request while running loose during competitive dressage. It is also referred to as “Horse Ballet”. Its goal is to develop a horses’ athletic ability and its initiative to perform to maximize its potential.

Show jumping is a timed event where equestrians are required to jump over a series of obstacles with the fewest mistakes. Riders and their horses should be able to go through the obstacle with the least knocked over portions of obstacles.

Eventing is the combination of dressage and show jumping. The horse and the rider have to go through a series of fixed obstacles such as stone walls, water, logs banks, ditches with the fastest time possible.

Although the role of equestrians has changed through the centuries it still holds that aura of nobility that it once enjoyed in medieval times.