Equestrian Federation of Eswatini
Striving for Performance Excellence and Mass Participation
Equestrian Sport Diciplines
The Equestrian Sport has many different disciplines, varying from horse racing to mounted games. At Olympic level we see three disciplines including: Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing and at World Championship Level we see six disciplines governed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). In Eswatini we have four of the 6 disciplines currently available to Equestrian Enthusiasts on an official level. Clubs may host some of the other disciplines informally.
Showjumping
Showjumping requires athleticism, control and accuracy from both horse and rider over a set course of knockable fences. These are verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, with a variety of turns and changes of direction. The aim is to jump cleanly over the set course without knocking down the fences, refusing or running out. For many classes, this must be achieved within an allotted time to go through to the next round, known as the ‘jump-off’. The jump-off is against the clock over a shortened course and determines the winner – the combination with the fastest time and the least amount of faults wins. Some classes are one round on time with fastest time and least penalties being the winner.
Vaulting
Equestrian vaulting is often described as gymnastics on horseback. You don’t need to be able to ride to have a go at vaulting, but if you do ride then vaulting can greatly improve your riding skills. In training and competition, the horse is controlled by a lunger. The horse moves in a 15-metre circle, while the vaulter(s) performs exercises on the horse's back using specialist equipment, first in walk and then at canter. Vaulters with a background in dance, martial arts, gymnastics generally do well at this sport. With the use of music, vaulters work as a team to carry out a routine, but there is also the opportunity for vaulters to perform individually as well as in pairs or trios.
Dressage
Dressage is all about learning to work with your horse and help them achieve greater suppleness, flexibility and obedience.
It’s about knowing how to control your horse through the different paces from halt to walk, trot and canter, and how to steer the any given direction. At the highest level, it's about using the power, elegance and impeccable training to execute complex movements as required by the test.
Dressage is a sport for any rider at any age. RIder’s perform a test in a demarcated arena in front of at least one judge, who will provide a score out of 10 for each movement. The final score is then calculated as a percentage, and the rider and horse with the highest percentage wins the class.
Endurance
Endurance riding is the sport of competitive long-distance riding. Distances vary from the entry level of 16km right through to a 160km in a day. The foundations of the sport lie in good horse management and strict welfare controls. There are two main types of endurance rides – graded and competitive. In a graded ride, the challenge is to keep pace within set parameters while taking account of the varying terrain and passing veterinary checks at the beginning and end. The final grading is calculated from your speed and your horse's recovery rate. In a competitive endurance ride, all the riders start together, and the winning horse is the first one to cross the line, while stopping periodically to pass veterinary checks that deem your horse in good health to continue.
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Eventing
Eventing is a unique combination of three phases – dressage, cross-country and show-jumping. Each of the three phases is designed to test the horse's ability. Dressage tests discipline and obedience, Cross Country tests tests stamina, speed, jumping and bravery, with fences made from wood that don't easily fall down if knocked. The aim is to jump all the fences in order and with no refusals, within the set 'optimum' time. This phase is run on grass and goes across the country with the course normally taking advantage of the natural contours of the land. Eventing is like the triathlon in that it combines different disciplines in one competition and is run on a cumulative penalty basis – the competitor with least penalties at the end is the winner. .
Driving
Carriage driving is a friendly and inclusive sport. There are many different types of carriage driving available, whether it's simply for pleasure or for competitions, which are known as horse driving trials. Drivers control a carriage that's hitched to one, two (positioned in tandem or as a pair) or four horses or ponies. A driving horse trials is split into three phases: Dressage – drivers complete a sequence of set movements from memory, displaying the schooling and obedience of the horses being driven. Marathon – drivers move their horses through a set cross-country course and a set number of obstacles, which positioned through the final 10km leg of the marathon phase.Cone driving – a test of the skill and competence of the driver, and the suppleness and obedience of the horse(s). The carriage must be driven within a set amount of time through narrowly spaced pairs of cones situated throughout the course
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Become a Discipline Official
Each discipline competition is dependent on various qualified officials in different roles who ensure horse welfare and fair play. As a federation it is our responsibility to educate and to guide individuals who are interested in becoming more involved.
Becoming an official can open a career pathway and could see work opportunities at shows on a global stage.
A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care. Put your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand.
Pat Parelli
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