One of the most popular entertainments of Europeans is horse racing. Insane speed competitions, in their complexity and entertainment are not inferior to Formula 1 races.

A bit of history

First of all, it is worth remembering that horse racing has nothing to do with the classical understanding of equestrian sport. This type of competition is a test of various characteristics of the animal. They are held not so that the public can tickle the nerves and earn extra money at the stakes, but to determine the strongest, fastest and strongest representatives of the breed. This is very important, because it is precisely such representatives of the horse brethren who can become followers of their kind. The essential difference between horse racing and horse racing from equestrian sports is that the teamwork is not assessed (as in the same dressage), not the rider’s ability to choose the best route. The attention of the judges in such tests will be focused only on the work of the horse itself, its ability to maintain pace and endurance. The rider, or as it is called here – the jockey, should not interfere with the animal to show its best.

Horse races, chariot competitions enjoyed great love, as ordinary citizens of ancient Greece, and the greatest emperors of Rome. This interest did not fade in Middle Ages, although the nature of equestrian tournaments was somewhat different from our usual understanding of racing or racing. The active development of the modern institute of horse racing began in England. This is not surprising the country is distinguished by deep affection and respect for all types of horse trials, as well as classic equestrian sports. It was in England that the famous breed was bred – a thoroughbred racehorse.

Soon after, the first hippodromes were opened (special isolated running areas, where it is customary to run and jump on horses.). The first rules of horse racing were also proposed in England, and then spread to jockey clubs all over the world. So, soon the races began to be held in France, Germany and America. Due to its entertainment and drama, horse racing is popular in our time. They are reflected in literature and in cinema. A huge number of films praise work and courage, both famous riders and great horses. The Secretariat, Rezvaya, Far Lap – these are the names of horses that have become legends; they are known even to people far from the equestrian world.

The revival of horse racing occurred in eighteenth century England. The British have created a special race breed, derived from Arabian trotters, who have the maximum strength, speed and endurance. In the same century, they began to build racetracks, some of which are still active and allow for competitions. We are talking about racecourses in Doncaster, Ascot and Epsom. Horse racing has its own set of rules, which up to today with respect and reverence is observed and passed down from generation to generation. For example, horses are weighed: fifteen minutes before the start – of all the horses and the first four – after the finish. If any horse lost in the mass of more than three hundred grams, then there is a process of disqualification. They will also remove a horse from the race that does not obey the jockey, offends other participants, or the jockey leads dishonest and dangerous tactics. The winner will be the horse that first touches his head to the finishing tape. In modern times, photo-recording helps to determine this moment. It also happens that two or even three horses get to the finish line at the same time. If this was confirmed by photo-fixation, then the prize fund is divided equally among all the winners.

Features: racing tips

Horse racing is carried out with two objectives: the definition of agility and endurance of animals. The best representatives of the breed then become the sought-after producers, the foals of which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is also customary to conduct tests for different breeds of horses and ages. The most popular competitions for horses are derbies (stallions and mares compete with each other) and oks (only mares participate in competitions). Animals are allowed to them in 3 years. Derby and OX can be held in the classic version (2400 meters), and in the truncated (2000 meters). The main feature of the test can be safely called a tote. Excitement and desire to win is not only the public. Strange as it may sound, any horse always strives for victory. For them it is important, there is nothing better than to run ahead of the herd.

The success of a horse depends on whether the jockey can stop him from expressing himself. That is why in serious world competitions great attention is paid to the weight, height and muscular development of the jockey. Also, they should not forget about protective gear. The fact is that a fall from a horse or with it during a race, most often leads a person, if not to death, then to serious injuries. Huge speed and weight of the animal and hard ground do not forgive riders mistakes. Therefore, only the best of the best become jockeys. Most often, thoroughbred racehorses, trotters or Arabian racers take part in such races. It is these animals that are able to achieve huge speed indicators. Jockey needs not only good physical training, but also a perfect sense of balance, the ability to feel the animal.

It is customary to highlight such tests as running. This competition for trotter breeds. Most often carried out using a special rocking chair (two-wheeled light crew). It is worth remembering that running and racing – this is not the same thing. The difference is in the work of the animal. So, races are held at a trot, but now the races are at a good working gallop. Before participating in competitions, the horse must pass a thorough examination at the veterinarian.

Most popular types

It is customary to distinguish several types of races and races, which, as a rule, differ in soil coverage.

• On flat surface is most popular type. Here they are divided by significance for the horse’s advancement and by load. So, the first classification looks like a kind of pyramid. It is based on competitions for young horses, one might say, this is their first race. There are two types of jumps according to the degree of load: fixed and non-fixed.
• Staple chase. The second name – jumps with obstacles. 4-year-old horses take part in them, which take part in 4-7 km races. Throughout the route, a certain number of barriers are installed, usually not reaching a meter height.
• Trotting. Another type of equestrian testing, which, as mentioned earlier, can not be called jumps. Participants must overcome the distance from 1600 to 3200 meters at a trot.
• Racing endurance. In horse rides also revealed the winner for the best time of the route, but the main role in the victory brings not speed, but endurance, since the distance is several hundred kilometers. It is also important to maintain normal physiological parameters in the animal at the finish and control points. Races are held in natural conditions, but the route is divided into control points to which the signposts lead. Animal control at the checkpoints is carried out – animals are not allowed to be used. Also in the rules of different countries include requirements for the speed of the route (maximum performance is limited) and the weight of the animal with a rider and ammunition.

In the United States, the ballroom practice of assessing the passage of obstacles, natural and artificial, is also common. Criteria for passing the route: the time of the stages is recorded between the points of veterinary control; the final stage of the race is fixed by passing the finish; the speed at competitions with restrictions must not exceed the allowable one; for this, the average is calculated by the ratio of the distance between points and times; the winner is determined by the shortest time on the course, but on condition that the requirements for speed and the state of health of the horse are met. For the first time distance racing appeared in Arab countries as an element of endurance horse training. Further development of the industry has already received in the 17-19th century. The most popular runs used in our country – we know a lot of horseback riding through the whole country, as well as in distant states.

So, horseback riding on the modern classification is attributed to the testing of animals that test their speed and endurance. Many horse lovers and people far from horse breeding may mistakenly relate horse racing to equestrian sports, but this will be wrong. Horse races are divided into classic (traditional races on the smooth track of the hippodrome), obstacle races (steeplechase) and runs (distant routes that test endurance). The format of the races has not changed since their appearance (and this is one of the oldest types of horse riding competitions). At least two jockeys take part in them, among which the fastest is determined at a specific distance (distance, form, presence of obstacles). There are several formats of races, determined by the distance, the number of competing riders, the participation of specific breeds, the type of coverage and obstacles. At most horse races arranged tote – a system of cash bets on the winner, the result series. Horse racing has long been and still is a popular and fascinating activity. In South Africa, official races were held back in 1975. In the 20th century, horse racing spread throughout the world.