Equestrian events were included in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1900 and then in 1912, in a format very similar to that which was used at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

In the past, the three-day event (Eventing) was restricted to military officers, while the jumping and dressage competitions were open to civilians, but only a handful of civilian riders competed up to 1948. Up to that time, the growth of modern sport had been rapid, but relatively few competitors were involved in international competitions. They all knew each other and the judges and were accepting of local variations to the fairly simple rules which existed. With the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic Games, it became obvious that some internationally recognised rules for the three Olympic disciplines were essential. In May 1921, delegates from 10 national equestrian organisations met in Lausanne to discuss the formation of an international federation.

Equestrian consists of three disciplines: Jumping, Dressage and Eventing (Three-Day Event).

Disciplines' origin

Dressage

The sport of training horses for competition has existed for several centuries. Dressage developed as a method of training horses for war, teaching them precise movements. There is some evidence that dressage-type manoeuvres were developed by the ancient Greeks. Modern dressage began during the Renaissance when the Neapolitan nobleman Federico Grisone founded a riding academy in Naples in 1532. France quickly became the top nation in dressage and embraced it enthusiastically. In the 20th century, Germany replaced France as the top nation in this event.

Jumping

Modern jumping events are based on the foxhunting tradition. Hunting enthusiasts in Britain and America sought ways to test the talents of their horses more systematically. Jumping competitions for horses were first organised in the 19th century in Ireland by the Royal Dublin Society. Modern jumping techniques were developed by the Italian Federico Caprilli, who is considered the "father of modern riding."

Eventing

Three-day eventing, usually abbreviated by horse enthusiasts to "eventing", began as a test of the cavalry horse. Military horses were required to travel long distances, negotiate the many natural obstacles, and then perform strict parade manoeuvres. Competitions began in this event in Europe in 1902 and interest in the sport is still concentrated mainly in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.


Rules
Dressage
1. The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.

2. The freedom and regularity of the paces.

The harmony, lightness and ease of the movements.

The lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hindquarters, originating from a lively impulsion.

The acceptance of the bridle, with submissiveness throughout and without any tension or resistance.

3. The horse thus gives the impression of doing, of his own accord, what is required of him. Confident and attentive, submitting generously to the control of the rider, remaining absolutely straight in any movement on a straight line and bending accordingly when moving on curved lines.

4. The walk is regular, free and unconstrained. The trot is free, supple, regular and active. The canter is united, light and balanced. The hindquarters are never inactive or sluggish. They respond to the slightest indication of the rider and thereby give life and spirit to all the rest of his body.

5. By virtue of a lively impulsion and suppleness of the joints, free from the paralysing effects of resistance, the horse obeys willingly and without hesitation and responds to the various aids calmly and with precision, displaying a natural and harmonious balance both physically and mentally.

6. In all the work even at the halt, the horse must be “on the bit”. A horse is said to be “on the bit” when the neck is more or less raised and arched according to the stage of training and the extension or collection of the pace, accepting the bridle with a light and soft contact and submissiveness throughout. The head should remain in a steady position, as a rule slightly in front of the vertical, with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck, and no resistance should be offered to the rider.

7. Cadence is shown in trot and canter, and is the