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 around the world. The Federation was established in 1921 and the headquarters are located 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 additional nations joined. There are a total of 134 nations in the FEI today.
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 develop 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 perform a test that consists of a combination of movements and gates that must take place at predetermined areas in the arena.
Combined Driving: Combined driving consists of three competitions which include 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 include dressage, cross country and show jumping. Each event is held on a separate day and the entire competition is referred to as "Three Day Event."
Endurance: An endurance ride tests the speed and endurance 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 competing over various obstacles on a course.
Reining: Reining is the only western event at the World Equestrian Games. Competitors run one of several approved patterns.
Para Dressage: The para dressage discipline allows riders with physical disabilities to compete at a professional 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 various days throughout the 16 days. The World Equestrian Games is one of the most exciting two and a half weeks in the world of equestrian sports.
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