The majority of equestrian sports and businesses around the world would not exist without competition. Whether it be team sports, individual events or breeding, most advances in the equine world are made possible because of the drive that comes from horse competitors.
The Racing Industry
Perhaps the largest employer with regards to horses, being in the top 10 employers in Australia, the racing industry flourishes because of crowds drawn to watch horses race, observe fashions on the field and partake in the betting of horses. Without competition, stable hands and trainers wouldn’t be employed. The breeding industry would also find itself without the need for as many vets and staff to be employed to get mares in foal and look after stud horses.
Varying Disciplines
Competition affords horse enthusiasts and riders the opportunity to consider many disciplines. For example, there is the possibility to pursue forms of racing, polo and polocrosse, showing in hand, dressage, show jumping, eventing, western disciplines and even unique events like tent pegging and the ride and tie. These are all available to consider, because organising committees are able to gain funding and offer advertising through competition events.
Horses for Pleasure
Not all riding or horse work is competitive. However, even lower level pleasure riding or breeding benefits from competition.
Horses are able to be acquired from off the track, after a competitive race career for which they were initially bred and then be utilised for pleasure riding. If a mare, the owner may decide down the track to breed her, for the pleasure of having their own foal that can be started under saddle and maybe one day raced or used as a pleasure mount like its mother.
The variety of horses that are available to riders is largely due to demand from competitors. Breeders compete to have the most appealing, athletic horse with the best pedigree. Consequently, the number of horses that are available to potential owners’ increases, perhaps even higher than the number of those seeking mounts for competition. This affords the pleasure rider with more choices, even if not pursuing a competitive career with the horse they are looking to buy.
Whatever facet of the horse industry people are interested or involved in, competition has no doubt assisted in some way. Whether it is the improvement of horse welfare due to raised awareness, an increase in the number of quality horses’ available, variations in tack and riding apparel or an abundance of jobs with horses, the equine industry owes a lot to competition.
Source
- Racing and Wagering Western Australia, accessed October 20, 2011.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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