Riverton

Horses participate in competitions in Riverton every day. There's large events that happen throughout the year, usually with the seasons, that offer much larger prizes than the everyday competitions at the Equestrian Center. They also tend to require higher-skilled horses.

Competition Types

Dressage, often referred to as "horse ballet," is a discipline focused on the harmonious relationship between horse and rider through precision, grace, and fluid movements. This competition emphasizes the horse's training, obedience, and ability to execute a series of tests which increase in complexity as the levels progress. Riders aim to showcase the horse's natural athleticism and responsiveness, as well as their own technical skill, while adhering to strict standards of posture, control, and subtlety in their cues. Dressage is judged based on the accuracy, elegance, and ease with which the horse performs each movement, highlighting the artistry and discipline of the sport.¹

Racing is highly competitive, where horses compete to cross the finish line first over varying distances and track surfaces. Often regarded as one of the oldest sports, it comes in various forms, including flat racing, steeplechase, and harness racing, each with its own rules and challenges. Flat racing typically involves purebred horses, such as Thoroughbreds, galloping at high speeds, while steeplechase incorporates jumps and obstacles, demanding versatility and stamina. Horse racing combines rigorous training, skillful riding, and the innate speed and determination of the horse.²

Show jumping is a dynamic sport where horse and rider must navigate a course of jumps within a set time limit while avoiding penalties for faults. The course is designed with various obstacles, including verticals, oxers, and combinations, that test the horse's agility, power, and ability to judge distances. Riders must demonstrate precision and skill in guiding their horse through the jumps, maintaining rhythm and balance, and effectively communicating to ensure clear rounds. Scoring is determined by faults incurred, such as knocking down poles or refusals, and often includes a timed component, rewarding speed and efficiency. Show jumping combines athleticism and strategic planning, making it a thrilling and competitive discipline.3

Showing encompasses a wide range of tests designed to evaluate the horse's conformation, movement, and overall suitability for its intended purpose. Horses are judged on physical attributes and grooming, as well as assess the horse's manners, way of going, and responsiveness. Judges evaluate factors such as balance, temperament, and presentation, rewarding horses and riders who demonstrate superior performance and adherence to the standards of the class. Horse showing celebrates both the aesthetics and functionality of equine excellence.⁴

Skill Combinations

Competitions use different sets of skills depending on the type of competition:

• Dressage uses intelligence, temperament, and reactivity.
• Jumping uses agility, intelligence, and reactivity.
• Racing prioritizes speed, endurance, and agility.
• Showing uses reactivity, temperament, and intelligence.

If your horse is happy and healthy, you can train a horse every 6 hours in the Training Center for $500.

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