When it comes to equestrian events, the word “family-friendly” usually has you envisioning little kids playing dress-up in adult costumes, adults sharing cocktails with mud-splattered friends while their children watch from a safe distance. Though these images are common in the horse world, there are plenty of events designed for families and kids. Many of them actually cater more towards teens and young adults, but these events are still great for introducing kids to the sport at a young age. Horseback riding is a fun activity for the whole family and there are many different kinds of events out there to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you want to jump over fences, gallop through trails or even play polo with your horse at a local match, there is something for everyone. Here is a rundown of some of the top horse sports for families:
Jumping
When it comes to equestrian sports, jumping is one of the most popular activities. While you can jump almost any horse, there are a few specific breeds that are more suited for this kind of event.Jumping is an excellent introduction to the sport for kids because it is fairly easy to learn and doesn’t require a lot of experience or a special skill set. And because jumping events often take place at indoor venues, there is no need to worry about the weather or how muddy the trails get.There are multiple types of jumping events out there, but the two most popular are show jumping and eventing. Show jumping is a timed event where the rider must get their horse over a series of fences and perform a variety of maneuvers along the way. Eventing, on the other hand, is a competition where the rider must cross a series of fences in a timed course and also perform some basic dressage at certain points along the way.
Breeding and Showing
If you are interested in breeding and showing your horse, there are several different types of events out there. Some of the most popular are trail riding, hunt tests and horse shows. Trail riding is a great way for families to get out and enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s during the summer months or during the winter when the trails are covered in snow.Some trail rides also include hunting with a pack of hounds, so you can bring along your kids while they have fun chasing after an animal. Hunt tests are a great way for teenagers to learn more about the sport of hunting, and there are many organizations that host these events.Finally, horse shows are a popular way for horse owners to compare their horses with other competitors and win prizes.
Gymkhana and Dressage
Gymkhana is a timed event that is often held at indoor arenas. Riders compete against each other by going through a course and trying to complete various stunts and tricks. Some of the most popular stunts in gymkhana are the 360, the doughnut and the wall of death.Dressage is a type of riding that is usually reserved for more advanced riders, but there are a few events out there that are more family-friendly. These are usually held at indoor arenas and feature a low-interaction environment where people just sit on their horses and ride around the ring for a set period of time. The goal of these events is to perfect the horse’s dressage skills while also keeping them calm and collected.
Polo and Horse racing
One of the most popular sports for families is polo. There are many different types of polo events out there, including match play, tournament play and informal games. Many of these events are played at indoor arenas, but there are also outdoor tournaments that are held during the summer months.If you are interested in horse racing, there are numerous different types of events. Horseracing has become very popular in recent years, thanks to the introduction of online betting. There are many different types of horse racing events out there, including sprints, quarter-mile races and steeplechases. These events are great for families because they are low-pressure, and the racing usually takes place during daylight hours.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed some of the top equestrian sports for families, you should have a better idea of what is out there and what you should be looking for. If you want to learn more about any of the sports mentioned above, be sure to do some research and find a few events to attend.If you want your kids to enjoy a lifetime hobby, horseback riding is one of the best activities you can sign them up for. There are many different types of events out there, so you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy. No matter what your interests and skill level are, there is something out there for everyone.