Knowing the potential of my horse
Horses are wonderful and versatile animals that have been used for various purposes throughout history. In the equestrian world, each horse has unique abilities and aptitudes that are trained over the years to create a companion that fits the needs and goals of a very competitive world, such as the equestrian one.
A horse used for high-level competition in riding must have good conformation and movement, as well as the ability to concentrate and a balanced temperament that makes it suitable for performing in different disciplines.
According to the experts at Hacienda Barvak, some key characteristics that horses should have, depending on the discipline, are:
- Dressage: The goal is for the animal to obey the rider and perform the tests with harmony and balance. Dressage horses are usually calm, flexible, and attentive to the rider’s commands.
- Show jumping: It is an Olympic discipline within riding that demonstrates the horse’s power, speed, and skill, as well as its respect for the obstacle.
- Vaulting: Consists of gymnastics and dance exercises on a moving horse.
- Endurance riding: It is a test that evaluates the rider’s ability, knowledge, and capacity to manage their horse during long-distance rides, over various types of terrain and weather conditions.
The fact that the equine is in good physical and mental condition will provide safety to both the rider and the other participants in the sport and allow the rider-horse duo to be a perfect complement.
This connection will enable them to execute the lessons learned during many years of training, since this sport is not based on strength, but on concentration and balance between both.
Other elements to take into consideration when starting in the exciting world of competition are:
Level of competition
It is important to consider that at this high level of competition, contests are increasingly demanding, and equestrian competition judges evaluate the skill and performance of the rider and horse in various disciplines.
In these phases, they observe factors such as technique, rhythm, formation, safety, obedience, and control of the horse. Although their evaluation is subjective and based on their experience and knowledge, they consider compliance with the rules and guidelines established in each discipline.
During dressage, depending on the years of training and the skills of both the rider and the horse, progress is made through different levels of competition such as training, introductory, and training for first, second, third, and fourth levels. From there, one moves on to the San Jorge tournament, Intermediate, Grand Prix, and Grand Prix Special, which are competed in the Pan American Games and the Olympics.
Choosing a good trainer
To introduce the horse to the equestrian universe, first, a good trainer is needed and above all, one must be very persevering. Training requires working every day, a lot of discipline, and an understanding that the project of competing is built in the medium and long term.
The progress achieved in training will be dictated by the horse and its ability. However, there may also be external factors such as injuries, which is why it is important to have a good training facility and a track in the best conditions.
Some of the most recognized international trainers in this scenario are:
- Isabell Werth, a German rider and world champion in classical dressage who has competed in the Olympic Games six times. She has won twelve medals, seven of them gold.
- Charlotte Dujardin, a British rider, specialized in dressage. She has been a three-time Olympic champion, two-time world champion, and five-time European champion.
Transportation and safety
During the process leading up to the competition, it is also important to consider the transportation of the horses, as this will ensure that the animal arrives at the competition venue in good physical and emotional condition.
An organized and efficient transport ensures the safety and well-being of the horses during the trip, which allows them to be ready and focused to compete at their best level.
Beyond all these basic aspects, this competition horse must always be healthy, strong, and well-trained; with a safe and appropriate environment for its well-being, such as the one we offer at Hacienda Barvak.
Our new top-level tracks for horse training and conditioning have been designed to the highest standards and are complemented by qualified teachers with over 15 years of experience. In addition, Hacienda Barvak offers a range of amenities such as fully new and equipped rental stalls and services adapted to the needs of riders. Learn more about what we offer here.
Sergio Quesada
Horse Rider, expert in horsemanship
