History of Equestrian

The practise of using horses to carry riders dates back approximately 5000 years - while the origins of dressage go back around 2000 years.

Dressage was originally developed for the purposes of battle, as it allowed soldiers on horse-back to skillfully manoeuvre their horses.

The practise largely died out during medieval times - when soldiers began wearing heavy armour thus making it difficult to move fluidly - but was revived when soldiers later began using firearms in battle.

During the 15th Century artistry in riding became popular and as it coincided with a general cultivation of the arts, dressage became a popular practise.

Dressage was included in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1912 – after showjumping had been included in the Games since 1900.

Equestrianism for people with a disability was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation as it helped to improve physical skills, and it was not until the 1970s that Equestrianism for athletes with a disability developed as a competitive sport.

International Dressage competitions for riders with a disability first took place at the 1984 World Games in New York before being added to the Paralympic program in Atlanta in 1996.