Doma Vaquera is a traditional style of riding and horsemanship originating from Spain, closely associated with the work of cattle herders (vaqueros). It is distinct from the more internationally known discipline of classical dressage, with its own unique style, equipment, and history. Doma Vaquera has its roots in the practices …
Jousting is a medieval sport that has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. It is a competition between two armoured knights on horseback who charge at each other with lances, with the goal of knocking their opponent off their horse. Jousting was a popular sport in the Middle Ages, …
The Kentucky Derby, also known as the Run for the Roses, is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is the …
Reining is a Western riding sport and discipline that showcases the athletic abilities of horses and the horsemanship skills of riders. It’s often described as “western dressage” because it involves precise patterns and manoeuvres performed on horseback, similar to dressage in English riding. Reining, however, has its own distinct set …
Horses have been an integral part of human society for thousands of years. These majestic creatures have played a significant role in shaping the course of human history, from transportation and agriculture to warfare and entertainment. The domestication of horses is believed to have occurred around 4000 BCE in the …
The stirrup is a small but essential component of horse riding equipment that has been in use for over 2,000 years. It is a piece of equipment that has had a profound impact on the history of horsemanship, from the development of cavalry warfare to modern-day horseback riding. So, when …
Mules and donkeys are fascinating animals that have played an important role in human history for thousands of years. While they are often lumped together, mules and donkeys are two distinct species that have different physical and behavioural characteristics. Mules and donkeys both belong to the genus Equus, which also …
The evolution of the horse is a fascinating subject: it covers over 50 million years of geographical and biological changes. While such an expanse of time will always leave some questions open and some puzzles unsolved, the horse is comparatively well studied. This means that there’s a lot of information …
The horseshoe is a device that has been used for centuries to protect horses’ hooves from wear and tear caused by rough terrain. The invention of the horseshoe stems from working horses being exposed to harsh conditions on a daily basis that led to excessive wear and damage to their …
