Many people think that horseback riding is not a sport since you only are riding the horse and they do most of the work. Are they right?

For all asking, “Is horse riding a sport or not?“, it is a sport most of the time since it requires balance, skill, endurance, and physical strength.

However, there are also times when horseback riding is not a sport but just leisure, enjoying nature and relaxing.

Some enjoy riding a calm horse around a farm, but more riders are involved in equine sporting events.

For those who want to transition from a leisure activity to an actual sport, you need to understand more about horseback riding as a sport.

Is Horse Riding a Sport?

When we wonder and ask, “Why is horseback riding a sport?“, the unassailable argument is its inclusion in Olympics games, the largest sporting event in the world.

Horseback riding as a sport typically involves balancing on the horse’s back about six feet off the ground while the animal runs over a speed of 30 MPH.

The rider must retain their mental sharpness throughout the ride to control the horse, which normally weighs somewhere around 1,500 pounds. 

To accomplish this feat, the rider needs balance, mental sharpness, and muscle control.

It clearly answers why is horseback riding a sport. It is competitive and needs both the animal and rider to have athletic ability.

Different Types of Horse-Riding Sports

Now that you know how is horseback riding a sport, let us talk about the different types of horse-riding sports.

• Horse Racing

If anyone ever wonders, “Is horseback riding a sport?“, horse racing is a great example to give them.

Considered as the sport of the kings, horse racing competition is as old as 6,000 years when this animal was domesticated.

People who ride horses are considered as some of the fittest athletes in the world.

Not only are they strong but also agile with keen minds. Also, only the best riders in the world can make it to professional horse racing.

• Endurance Racing

Endurance racing is considered to be the marathoner of horse sports.

The rider and animal travel more than a hundred miles an hour.

This type of racing needs the horse and rider to be in the best possible shape physically and mentally. 

Riders participating in this will typically travel about 100 miles a day.

At present, the world record for a rider and horse to cover 100 miles is five hours, 45 minutes, and 44 seconds.

• Dressage 

Dressage is a sport wherein the horse, rider, and the whole team gets judged as one.

The team needs to compete in a series of established movements.

They get graded on how well they all perform together in a task.

It is important that the rider stays in control and cues the horse with the slightest possible action. The horse and rider must move together fluidly.

There are several dressage levels, and in order to advance from the 1st level to reach the Grand Prix, it takes the rider and horse years of training.

Dressage is also included as a sport in the Olympic games.

With how intense the training is, though, there are people who consider this sport too cruel.

• Showjumping

Showjumping is a timed event requiring the rider and the jumping horse to clear a specific number of hurdles set in a pattern.

It’s a team event requiring athletic ability, skill, and mental awareness.

With all the hurdles, you need to know how to put the horse in the right lead while adjusting your stride and knowing the moment to signal the horse to jump.

It is an exciting sport that takes a ton of practice and hard work in order to be good.

The best showjumpers get to participate and compete in competitions like the Grand Prix and Olympics Games.

• Gymkhana 

Gymkhana is another horse-riding sport involving multiple events.

It’s a timed event that will include pole bending, barrel racing, buddy pickup, and goat tying.

In addition to being a sport, this can also be a fun activity. That said, the successful participants are fearless and athletic.

Here, buddy pickup involves the rider and horse racing towards a person standing in the middle of the arena on a barrel.

The person standing on the barrel will then jump on the horse while they are circling the barrel, and then the three head back to the starting line.

The team completing this sport the quickest is the winner.

Gymkhana tends to vary considerably from one region to another.

In some, it is a part of the county fair competitions held at rodeos.

• Eventing

Eventing is a collection of three different horseback racing competitions, including showjumping, cross-country, and dressage.

Typically, eventing competitions can span over four days, but some are also completed within a day. 

Riders and horses competing in eventing need to have the stamina, ability, and discipline to succeed.

Cross country is typically followed by dressage and is the second phase of the competition.

This needs the rider and horse to jump many obstacles designed in a natural state like logs, creeks, and stone fences.

This is a timed event with variations to the courses and distances, and some competitions may also include endurance racing.

Eventing is a sport in the Olympics as well.

Horse Riding as a Hobby and Not a Sport

Keep in mind that not all horseback riding is considered a sport.

Like several athletic activities, you can also use it to relax.

Use horseback riding to take a walk around the fields, admire nature, bond with your loved ones and with your horse, or simply have some quiet alone time by yourself.

Is Horseback Riding a Sport: The Conclusion

Is horse riding a sport? Yes, when you want it to be, and no when you don’t want it to be.

It does not matter how it is classified.

While many people may not consider it a sport, they are the ones who never tried horseback riding.

Only those who have done it themselves know exactly how much hard work and skill is involved to participate in this sport.

Whether you horseback to compete or for leisure, remember to wear proper attire such as the best boots and horse riding helmets.