RACING HORSES

Since the dawn of human civilization, men have raced horses. From Roman chariot races to medieval tournaments to Native American contests, equestrian speed and athleticism have always been prized.

In the United States, racetracks offer pari-mutuel betting for spectators and others, as jockeys gallop their thoroughbreds on oval sand or grass tracks. The Triple Crown of racing includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. In the US, thoroughbreds are the most popular racehorses under saddle. Arabian and Quarterhorse racing circuits are common as well.

Harness racing garners crowd appeal as well and offers wagering too, both at the racetrack and through off-track betting centers. Harness racers have their own Triple Crown. This sport is most popular in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Standardbreds are usually employed in harness racing. Sulkies, or trotters, are perennial track favorites.

Steeplechase is equestrian racing gone extreme, with riders guiding their horses over a countryside course with jumps, fences, water landings and other obstacles. Steeplechase is an Olympic sport. In steeplechase, the vast majority of horses are thoroughbreds, although some warmbloods and other breeds may excel at this discipline.

In the United Kingdom, National Hunt Racing is popular, as horses leap fences or other obstacles to speed to the finish line. This event, which is much like steeplechase, may also be called jump-racing. Flat Racing is also widely practiced.

Biathlon offers another form of horse racing. A mounted biathlon race includes completion of a preset course and target-shooting, while on horseback. (Olympians practice this too.)

Stadium jumping is another speed sport, which also appears in the Olympics. In this event, horses and riders compete over a course of jumps in the fastest time with the fewest faults possible. In stadium jumping, a clean round is one in which the horse clears every fence without fault.

In combined training, competitors must complete equestrian events in both dressage and jumping. Three-day eventing also includes steeplechase. Certain equestrians consider three-day eventing the pinnacle of athletic training and endurance for horse and rider.

Worldwide, many other forms of horse racing are popularly practiced. Desert and countryside equestrian races have historically been practiced.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about A guide to the different types of horse races?
We want to hear your view. Write now!