“Is horse riding a sport?” It’s a question often pondered by non-equestrians. And, trust us, those five words alone are enough to send the majority of riders into a spiral of rage.
So, let’s get this straight. The answer is a firm yes – horse riding is formally classed as a sport (despite a hoof-load of controversy). In fact, it’s been a huge part of the Olympic Games, a major international multi-sport event, since 1912.
What’s the Definition of a Sport?
There’s no use in us simply telling you that horse riding is a sport. It’s much more helpful for you to understand the proper meaning of the word (to back up our case, of course).
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a sport is an activity or competition requiring physical skill and effort, whereby participants must adhere to a set of rules.
Believe it or not, horse riding demands that equestrians follow a set of rules when competing. And, it also happens to be (extremely) physically taxing.
Why Horse Riding is Considered a Sport
Contrary to popular misconception, you don’t “just sit there”. Although the level of actual activity can vary significantly depending on the types of equestrian sports. But whether show jumping, trail riding, competing in dressage, or hacking, riders expend lots of energy whilst using different muscles for balance and control.
Types of Competitive Horse Riding
1. Show Jumping
Requiring powerful leg muscles, show jumping involves moving with the motions of the horse whilst hovering and staying balanced in the saddle. The core muscles are a huge part of this, and help the horse perform more effectively, therefore maximising points. Of course, professional riders make show jumping look like a piece of cake, but a mind-boggling amount of time, effort, and fitness is involved to compete at the top.
2. Dressage
This is another discipline where clear leg movements are required to nail the dance-like routine. Especially for movements like a piaffe, the rider must be quick on the mark when changing position of the leg to execute the next movement. Squeezing of the thigh muscles indicates that the horse needs to slow down and different hand positions signify varying movements.
Dressage demands that the horse and the rider work seamlessly as one, so the rider is constantly working to direct the horse, resulting in a visually effortless (but physically strenuous) performance.
3. Cross Country
A long and challenging course with both jumps and obstacles, cross country is all about endurance and stamina. Riders need strong legs to push the horse over the jumps, steady hands to give and take when needed, and a ripped core.
The horse will go where the rider dictates by tilting the pelvis and distributing weight to aid direction. These animals are incredibly receptive to the smallest of movements, so precision and intent are a must. But this isn’t something that’s mastered overnight – it takes hard work every day to reach Olympic standards.
Other (Non-Olympic) Horseback Sports
If you’re wondering whether a particular horse riding discipline is a sport because it’s not in the Olympics, we’re here to lay down the law: every horse riding discipline is a sport.
Western riding, carriage driving, steeplechase, hunting, and polo all require effort and energy, and have a set of rules to be followed. And, of course, they physically challenge a rider’s fitness. For example, western riding involves precise placement of the hips and small movements with the legs, whilst hand movements are done by placing the reins on the neck for direction using one hand.
Physical Benefits of Horse Riding
There are so many fitness benefits to horse riding, such as building core strength, improving leg power, and perfecting coordination.
You only need to study the lifestyles of elite equestrian athletes to understand exactly what it takes to get a horse to do as you please. But what does it take to get started?
Fitness Levels Required for Horse Riding
Riding isn’t just about learning the skill – your initial fitness is crucial, too. You need strong thighs to squeeze gently for cues, a rock-solid core to stay upright over uneven ground, and toned calves to guide the horse’s pace.
Your arms and shoulders work too, holding the reins with a soft but firm grip. And that’s not forgetting the intense cardiovascular strain that equestrian sports have on the body. In short, horse riding is a whole-body workout masked as a leisurely pastime.
Mental Health Benefits of Horse Riding
Few activities clear the mind like a canter across open fields, do they? Spending time with a horse calms the nerves, lowers stress hormones, and boosts mood, thanks to the gentle rhythm and focus required. Whether riding or mucking out, many equestrians consider the stables to be a sanctuary or ‘safe space’.
Common Arguments Against Horse Riding as a Sport
In the ongoing horse riding sport debate, plenty of non-riders are sceptical, convinced that if the horse is doing the heavy lifting, it can’t really count as a human sport. Here are the typical objections:
- “The horse is the engine!” – Critics love to point out that the horse does the galloping, leaping, and dashing, while the rider merely tells it what to do.
- “Natural talent vs. team effort” – Success often hinges on the horse’s breeding, training, and temperament, making it feel less like a triumph for the athlete, and more like a win for the family legacy. We disagree, of course.
- “Where’s all the sweat?” – True, you don’t break into a Usain Bolt-style sprint, but maintaining balance, maximising core strength, and displaying lasting endurance are perhaps more important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Competitive Horse Riding
Is horse riding recognised as an Olympic sport?
Yes—dressage, show jumping and eventing have been Olympic staples since 1912.
What makes horse riding physically demanding?
It’s a full-body workout. Riders need core strength, leg power, arm control, and, maybe most importantly, stamina.
Do you need fitness to do horse riding?
A basic level helps, but you’ll get fitter with every ride, especially in competitive disciplines.
What skills does horse riding develop?
You’ll sharpen coordination, build endurance, and enhance decision-making with every ride.
Equestrian Gear at Rydale
Every sports person needs the right gear, and that includes horse riders. Shop our beloved range of mens and ladies equestrian clothing to take every discipline to the next level. And don’t forget to get your horse kitted out, too – we’ve got lots of stylish horse riding accessories suitable for every adventure on the saddle.