The Horse at the Olympic Games: History and Disciplines

Published: 19 July, 2024

Marina Rodríguez Alonso

Veterinarian | Master in equine physiotherapy | Brand & Product Leader Animal Health

 

Equestrian sport is the only Olympic sport where two athletes participate together and where one of them is an animal. In this article we would like to pay a small tribute to the sport’s greatest athletes: horses.

“Equestrian sports are one of the few in which men and women compete together on an equal footing.”

History of Horses in the Games

Equestrian sports have been an integral part of the modern Olympic Games since 1900. However, it was in 1912 at the Stockholm Games that it was more formally and continuously established. Equestrian sports are one of the few in which men and women compete together on equal terms.

The Olympic Stadium in 1912. Stockholm Olympic Games. [Image source: FEI.org]

Olympic Equestrian Disciplines

If your bond is not particularly strong with the world of horses, here we tell you a little about what the disciplines involved are and what they are about.

In equestrian sports there are many disciplines that horses practice. Races on flat or hilly tracks, with or without obstacles, trotting, Raid, vaulting… However, there are currently three equestrian disciplines that are included in the Olympic Games:

Dressage: Known as the ballet of the equestrian world, dressage is a discipline that demonstrates the training and harmony between rider and horse. The elegant and precise movements are performed in a series of compulsory figures and music.

Silver Medals in Show Jumping, Raimondo d’Inzeo and Merano. Melbourne Olympic Games, 1956. [Image source: FEI.org]

Eventing: This discipline is a test of versatility that combines dressage, jumping and cross-country. Horses and riders must demonstrate skills in a variety of areas, from dressage precision to cross-country speed and endurance to jumping technique.

Astier Nicolas (France) and Piaf de B’Neville, Gold Medalists in Team Eventing and Silver in Individual. Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. [Image source: FEI.org]

Show Jumping (Jumping): In this discipline, horses and riders must jump over a series of obstacles on a course designed with varying heights and widths. Speed and precision are key, as faults (knocking down obstacles, refusals or time overruns) affect the score.

Individual Silver and Team Gold Medals, P. Raymakers (The Netherlands) and Ratina Z. Olympic Games Barcelona 1992. [Image source: FEI.org]

Participation of Horses in the Olympics.

To participate in the Olympic Games, horses and riders must meet a series of qualification requirements established by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). These requirements include qualifications in specific international competitions and demonstration of skills and safety in the relevant disciplines.

Care of Olympic Horses

Horses competing in the Olympics receive intensive care to ensure their health and well-being. Some of the key aspects of their care include:

  • Feeding: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential. High-performance horses have specific dietary needs to maintain their energy and health.
  • Veterinary Care: Horses receive regular veterinary care, including check-ups, vaccinations and preventative treatments.
  • Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Like human athletes, horses can benefit from physical therapy to prevent and treat injuries. This can include massage, stretching and treatments with advanced technologies such as laser and radiofrequency.
  • Housing: Competition horses are often housed in specially designed stables to provide comfort and safety.

“Just like human athletes, horses can benefit from physical therapy to prevent and treat injuries. This can include massage, stretching, and treatments using advanced technologies such as lasers and radiofrequency.”

Preparing Horses as Athletes.

Preparing a horse to compete in the Olympic Games is a long and complex process involving several aspects:

  • Physical Training: horses must follow a rigorous physical training program to develop their strength, endurance and technical skills. This training is adapted according to the discipline in which they will compete.
  • Mental Training: Horses also need to be mentally prepared to compete. This includes desensitization to unusual noises and movements, and training in different environments to ensure they are not stressed during competitions.
  • Bonding with the Rider: The bond between horse and rider is crucial. It takes time and patience to develop the communication and trust necessary to compete at the highest level.
  • Preparatory Skills: Participating in previous competitions is essential to evaluate and improve the performance of horse and rider, as well as to adapt to the pressure of competitions.

Horses have been a fundamental part of the Olympic Games for more than a century, competing in disciplines that require a combination of strength, grace, endurance and technical skill. The preparation and care of these equines is comparable to that of any Olympic athlete, highlighting the dedication and teamwork between horse and rider to achieve success on the world’s greatest sporting stage.

In the next article we will discuss how Radiofrequency and Therapeutic Laser can become indispensable tools for the equestrian sports veterinary professional.

IMPORTANT: Diagnosis and treatment of any animal injury or illness should always be performed by a qualified professional.

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