The athletic horse

The first race between horses was thought to be simple and informal.

It was created as naturally as it is for children to feel the need to excel in something. Thus, the very first impromptu race took place between two riders who simply tried to reach a specific point faster than the other.

The first official equine competitions were chariot races or “harness races”, given that horse driving had evolved much earlier than riding.
During the first Olympic Games, people could compete in “chariot racing” with 4 horses per carriage. This particular sport thrived during the Roman times, during which the first racetracks or “Hippodromes” were officially created.

The first “mounted competitions” were of course horse races which began in the late 11th century in England where the first jockey club was founded in 1750.

Over the years, several equestrian disciplines have been established. Some may be better or lesser known to the general public, but they all create an intense feeling of rivalry and fun to millions of our people. In many of the disciplines, huge amounts of money are invested in prize-giving and in the breeding of suitable horses.

For the sake of time and space, we will refer only to the equestrian disciplines included in the Olympic Games. As mentioned, there are innumerable equestrian sports, and we would need specific studies, knowledge and most importantly much more time to delve deeper into them.

As for the Olympic Games, Dressage, Eventing (equestrian triathlon), Show Jumping (overriding obstacles), Vaulting (Gymnastics) and of course the Paralympic Games are included.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), in addition to the disciplines mentioned above, has recognized 6 more equestrian sports, and is striving to do its best for the identification, maintenance and structurization of the appropriate infrastructure and technical knowledge necessary for their development.
In Greece, competitions are conducted in horse racing – which is administratively owned by The Jockey Club of Greece & the Organization of Horse Racing in Greece (ODIE) – show jumping, dressage, endurance, driving, and para dressage. All these disciplines are cultivated and developed under the wings of the Hellenic Equestrian Federation (EOI), whose purpose is to promote them, organize formal competitions, educate and train coaches and athletes, and in general be their main supporter and sponsor.