equestrian

The Equestrian competition at London 2012 Olympics is made up of three activities: Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping. Each activity requires different skills from both the riders and horses competing.

Dressage is a French term for horse training. It is a competitive sport in the Equestrian event. It’s when the rider and horse is expected to memorise certain movements. There are expectations depending on the competitive level of the participants, more precisely if the entrants are amateur or at an Olympic level. The horse should respond smoothly to the rider’s actions and transitions. For example, rising trot to a extended canter.

Eventing also known as Horse Trails or cross country. The horse has to trust his or her rider as there may be a high degree of hilly declines to navigate as well as water jumps. The risk of slipping is high, which could cause serious injuries.

Show Jumping also known as Stadium Jumping is when the horse and rider have to jump poles at certain heights . If the horse’s hoof knocks down a pole, that’s a penalty. Each penalty costs the rider 4 points. The goal is to get a low time and the least number of penalties.

Great Britain won 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.

Germany won 2 gold ,1 silver and 1 bronze.

Switzerland won 1 gold.

Netherlands won 3 silver and 1 bronze.

Sweden won 1 silver.

Ireland won 1 bronze.

Saudi Arabia won 1 bronze.

New Zealand won 1 bronze.