Horse Riding Sports

Information about competitive equestrian disciplines including dressage, eventing and polo. Our articles cover training methods, equipment requirements, competition rules and governing body regulations.

Basic Rules of Polo

Polo is played on horseback between two teams trying to score goals across chukkas, with rules governing match format and player handicaps.

Considerations When Betting on Horses

Here's what to know before you start betting on horses, from bet types to understanding the odds.

Dangers of Horse Racing

Horse racing carries serious risks for both jockeys and horses, from fatal falls to career-ending injuries despite safety efforts.

Dressage Manoeuvres

Get the inside track on dressage manoeuvres, from basic gaits to advanced movements that test horse and rider precision.

Equipment for Eventing

Event riders need specific clothing, tack, and grooming gear for three different disciplines, all focused on safety and appearance.

Flat Racing

Flat racing is the world's most glamourous horse sport, offering bigger prize money and summer racing that draws global media attention.

Horse Riding Holiday Guide

Plan a horse riding holiday that suits your skill level, preferred scenery, and accommodation style across the UK.

How to Qualify for Point to Pointing

Get your horse qualified for point to point racing with these eligibility requirements for vets, registration and hunt connections.

Investing in Horses

Horse racing investments can be rewarding but risky, so you'll need the right team and realistic expectations before buying.

National Hunt Racing

Horse racing over jumps in the UK, from the Grand National to Cheltenham Festival, explained with its race types and appeal.

Olympic Equestrianism at London 2012

Britain's strong equestrian team competes at London 2012 with events held at Greenwich Park near the Olympic stadium.

Olympic Eventing

Olympic eventing is the only sport where men and women compete as equals, and where horses and riders are true teammates.

Other Horse Riding Governing Bodies

Horse riding has multiple governing bodies that work together to regulate different disciplines and keep the sport safe.

Point to Points

Point to point racing is grassroots horse racing where anyone can compete without a permit, tracing back to 19th-century hunts.

Polo Equipment

Polo players need helmets, knee pads and proper tack because falls and collisions with horses are common in this contact sport.

Polo Player Positions

Each polo position demands different skills, from the goal-scoring number one to the defensive number four player.

Racing for Change: The Organisation and Its Aims

Racing for Change is trying to attract new people to horseracing by modernising the sport, from changing odds formats to building bigger names.

Riding the Grand National

Amateur riders can race on the Grand National course through a yearly charity event that selects and trains ordinary horse enthusiasts.

Royalty and Equestrianism

Princess Anne pioneered the Royal Family's modern connection to equestrianism, competing in the 1976 Olympics and winning major sporting awards.

The Best Racecourses Around Britain

Britain's best racecourses offer unique experiences, from the iconic Grand National at Aintree to hidden gems worth exploring.

The Cheltenham Festival Explained

Cheltenham Festival is England's most prestigious racing event, drawing top horses, trainers and fans from around the world each March.

The Dressage Training Scale

A step-by-step framework for training horses in dressage, starting with the basics and building toward advanced movements.

The History of National Hunt

National Hunt racing is a winter jumping sport with deep roots, though it now runs year-round and attracts dedicated racing fans.

The Hunting Ban Facts and Figures

The hunting ban has led to fewer prosecutions than expected since it became law in 2005, with only 48 convictions recorded in 2007.

Training for a Three-Day Event

Get ready to tackle three-day eventing with tips on building the riding skills, horsemanship, and fitness your horse and body need.

What Do I Need to Start Horse Racing?

Starting as a jockey means working in stables first, building skills with horses and learning the system from the ground up.

What Is Eventing?

Horse eventing combines dressage, showjumping and cross country to test the complete abilities of horse and rider.

Which Breed Is Best for Which Equestrian Sport?

Different horse breeds excel at different equestrian sports, so choosing the right one matters if you're serious about your discipline.

Who Are the Countryside Alliance and What Do They Do?

The Countryside Alliance represents 100,000 rural members and campaigns for countryside traditions while helping farmers adapt to modern challenges.

Why Horseracing Is So Popular in Ireland

Ireland's deep roots in horseracing span world-class jockeys, legendary trainers, and a cultural passion that shapes the sport globally.