On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!

Horse racing has been one of the most popular equestrian sports throughout all of history. It has echoed throughout centuries, cultures, and the world. There is a reason horse racing has become and remained so popular: it celebrates the strength, power, and beauty of these amazing animals and excites the rider and those who love the sport. But who knew that there were so many different types of racing? 

We are getting so excited about these warmer temperatures that keep popping through the rainy cool days here in the Lowcountry. There isn't anything wrong with a brisk trail ride, and there is something to be said about a ride in a drizzle. But these sunnier and warmer days are getting us so excited for our southeastern springs because that means more trail rides and perfect days for trail rides! While we've been waiting for these perfect days, we have been doing our research and continuing our little educational tour on the history and types of equestrian sport. Our most recent tour lead us back to horse racing, and we were just floored by how many different types of racing we found and how much they differ from one another. While you wait for your next ride on our beautiful horseback riding trails, we hope you enjoy this little walk through equestrian sport history! 

We have learned through our research of horseback riding that the number of equestrian sports and the many ways you can play them is immense. It's such an exciting sport, and it continues to grow and be nurtured all over the world. In our past few blogs, we've shared some of the more unique equestrian sports and games, and for this blog, we wanted to take more of a classic approach. 

• Horse Racing 

Of course, you have to start with the original form of the sport if you're going to be talking about racing! This is one of many variants in the equestrian sport and it involves two or more riders (jockeys) riding their horses over a certain length to reach the finish line first. There are many different types of horse racing found all over the world. Some have been created and cared for out of cultural traditions. Some are based on the breed of horse, running a certain distance, running through certain trails or courses, and racing while the horse is doing a certain type of gait. In the long and short of it, there are four different types of horse racing. The first is called endurance racing. This is a race that lasts between 25 to 100 miles. The horse is trained to last this distance, to endure the length, and come out strong. The second type of racing is called harness racing. During this type of race, horses pull a driver in what is called a sulky, while they are trotting or going at a pace. The third style of racing is called steeplechase. In this style of racing, a horse races over many different obstacles. The final type of racing is called flat racing. This is also known as thoroughbred racing. This type of racing is the most common of the four. A horse is raced on a straight or oval track galloping from the starting line to the finish line. 

• Thoroughbred Racing 

This type of racing is very popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. In this world of racing, flat and jump racing are the most common. Flat racing is the most popular between the two, and many famous and exclusive races around the world celebrate this type of racing. In the United States, these races are conducted every year. The most popular being The Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and the Preakness Stakes. Together all three are known as the Triple Crown. In the United Kingdom, they have their famous races similar to the Triple Crown. They have the Guineas Stakes, the Epson Derby, and the St. Leger Stakes. Even though the US and UK are the most famous for these types of races, other countries around the world have similar races. You can find them in Ireland, Australia, and Canada. 

• Steeplechase 

In this form of racing, there are many jumps along the course. The competitors and their horses race long distances and throughout the course, there are several obstacles they have to jump over and get through before reaching the end. This type of racing originated in Ireland, and it is still popular there today. This type of racing is also popular and found in the UK, France, Australia, and the United States. Each of these courses is specially designed, and are usually about 6 miles in length. Obstacles could be hurdles, water jumps, and fences. The length between obstacles is also unique to each course. In the United Kingdom, this type of racing is called "National Hunt Racing". In the United States, the most popular steeplechase racing is the Breeders Cup Grand National Steeplechase. It is held every year in New Jersey with winnings of $500,000 going to the first place. 

There is so much to horse racing and equestrian sport that we could talk about it for blogs and blogs. We have so enjoyed sharing this information with you, and hope it sparks joy in your life. We hope it has inspired you to come to join us for a trail ride on the best horseback riding trails in South Carolina. Come visit us soon, we have a saddle with your name on it!