The Sport of Kings By: Anna C.

Table of Contents Introduction History of the Domesticated Horse Equipment for Riders – English and Western Equipment for Horses – English and Western How To – English and Western Types of Riding in English and Western English vs. Western Competition Is It A Sport? Conclusion Glossary Resources

Introduction For millennia, the sport of kings has been around. Longer than written records hold, horses and humans have been sharing and working together. Modern day horses can do amazing stunts and unbelievable acts of bravery and loyalty. This book will give you the knowledge of the modern day Sport of Kings.

History of the Domesticated Horse Domestication of the horse has been around for longer than we can know for sure. It started in Central Asia in around 4500 B.C. They saw how useful the horse was and made them into work horses, carrying many packs of food and supplies on the strong backs. In North America, when the Native Americans first saw horse herds they started catching them, taming them and using them for war and traveling. Later, when white men came and took almost all the horses, Native Americans would trade mostly anything, even wives, for a horse.

History of the Domesticated Horse During Greek, Roman, and Spartan times, horses were important for battle. They were used to pull chariots or to have only a rider. In Spain the Lipizzaner Horse was made from two of North Africa’s breeds, the Arabian and the Berber. The King of Spain had a herd of 97 and he wanted to make them only one color, white. He breed them to make that color. Later, he made a school where only the finest riders could attend.

History of the Domesticated Horse In Ireland, Norway, and Iceland, the Icelandic Pony was the main breed for almost everything. The pony’s breed is one of the strongest pony breeds, and can be ridden by even young adults. The reason horseback riding is called “The Sport of Kings” is because back in medieval time, horses were only owned by nobles and royals, hence sport of “Kings”.

Equipment for Riders The equipment the riders use is very important for the safety of the rider and sometimes the horse. The equipment is special. There is important equipment from head to toe. This is just the basic riding lesson attire. Helmet-The helmet protects your head if you fall of and can act as a sun visor. Gloves-Gloves protect your hand from the rein if you have to suddenly pull back and from slipping out of your grip. Pants-The pants are used for protection from the saddle. The pads on the outer knee protects your legs. Half Chaps- Half chaps are there to protect your ankles and shins from hurting while riding. Boots-Boots are one of the most important parts of riding equipment. the are the protection of your feet and help your feet stay in the stirrups.

Equipment for horses The equipment for horses helps them keep safe while riding depending on their individual body shape. Bridle-The bridle helps control the horse and to ask it to stop. For different horses you use a different bridle and bit. Saddle Blanket-The saddle blanket is made to be comfortable on the horses back and protect it from the saddle. Saddle Pad- The saddle helps support the saddle on the horses back and makes the saddle more comfortable to carry. Saddle-The saddle helps the rider to stay on and helps the horse carry the rider. Polo Wraps-Polo wraps are to protect the front of the horses and to help them not trip. Splint Boots- Splint boots are to help the horses not hit their heels together. 8

English vs. Western English is a more strict sport. It has more rules and requires fancy equipment. Western riding is a less strict sport than English riding. It requires stronger equipment

Is It A Sport? Yes. Horseback riding is a sport. The definition of sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Horseback riding requires physical activity to stay on the horse while going top speed or toward an object that is taller than the animal you are riding.

Resources Google Images The Young Rider by Lucinda Green