Introduction to the World Equestrian Games

The World Equestrian Games consist of eight equestrian sports. The games are held every four years just two years before the Olympic Games. The World Equestrian Games are governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (Fei). Due to this, the games are often referred to as the Fei games.

The Federation Equestre Internationale is the international governing body of equestrian sports colse to the world. The Federation was established in 1921 and the headquarters are placed in Lausanne, Switzerland. When the Fei formed, it joined the national equestrian organizations in the Us, Sweden, Norway, Japan, Italy, France, Denmark and Belgium. Later, 126 added nations joined. There are a total of 134 nations in the Fei today.

Equestrian Sports

The World Equestrian Games are the world championships for eight equestrian disciplines. These include:

Dressage: Dressage means "training" in French. The goal of this discipline is to establish the horse in to an athlete that is happy and moves in harmony with the rider. The horse should be calm, supple, loose and flexible. It should also be confident, attentive to the rider and keen. In competition, each horse and rider accomplish a test that consists of a blend of movements and gates that must take place at predetermined areas in the arena.

Combined Driving: Combined driving consists of three competitions which contain driven dressage, marathon and obstacle cones driving. The event is competed by four in-hand drivers with a team of four horses.

Eventing: Eventing consists of three competitions as well. These contain dressage, cross country and show jumping. Each event is held on a isolate day and the whole competition is referred to as "Three Day Event."

Endurance: An durableness ride tests the speed and durableness of the horse. The competition is a race against the clock over a 100 mile distance.

Jumping: Show jumping consists of a horse and rider team competitive over discrete obstacles on a course.

Reining: Reining is the only western event at the World Equestrian Games. Competitors run one of any beloved patterns.

Para Dressage: The para dressage discipline allows riders with bodily disabilities to compete at a pro level.

Vaulting: Vaulting combines gymnastics and dance elements that are performed to music on a cantering horse. Competitors can compete on an individual, pair or team basis.

The 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games will take place over 16 days at the end of September and the first ten days of October. Each event is staggered on discrete days throughout the 16 days. The World Equestrian Games is one of the most intelligent two and a half weeks in the world of equestrian sports.

Introduction to the World Equestrian Games