24 Horse Sports List (sorted by Popularity)

A list of 24 horse sports ranked by popularity, from horse racing, show jumping and dressage to gymkhana, carriage driving, horse pulling and jousting.

Every sport played on horseback is here, including the three Olympic equestrian disciplines and the western and folk events that never left their home regions. Each entry gives the origin, where it is ridden and the governing body.

Horse Sports List

1. Horse Racing
2. Show Jumping
3. Dressage
4. Eventing
5. Polo
6. Reining
7. Endurance Riding
8. Barrel Racing
9. Rodeo
10. Horseball

Horse Sports at a Glance

Every one of these tests a different quality in the horse, and the discipline column is the honest summary of what a judge or a clock is actually measuring.

Three disciplines carry the Olympic programme, and they are the three where a rider and a horse are judged as one unit. Polo was there until 1936 and remains the only Olympic horse sport that was ever played as a proper team game.

#1 Horse Racing

Horse racing has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian societies, with the sport being mentioned in mythologies and historical accounts.

Modern horse racing is popular in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. Prestigious events like the Kentucky Derby, Royal

Ascot, and the Melbourne Cup are some of the most celebrated horse racing competitions. Although not a part of the Olympic program, horse racing has long captured the attention of spectators and bettors worldwide.

#2 Show Jumping

Show jumping originated in the late 19th century in European countries like France, Germany, and Britain. Today, it is a popular equestrian sport played globally, particularly in North America and Europe.

Scheduled as part of the Olympic program since the 1912 Stockholm Games, show jumping is an intricate competition where horse and rider navigate a course of obstacles within a set time limit.

The World Equestrian Games, European Championships, and the FEI World Cup are among the top international events of the sport.

#3 Dressage

Dressage traces its roots to ancient Greece and the teachings of Xenophon before evolving through the centuries in Europe.

Today, dressage is known as the “ballet of horse sports,” requiring the utmost precision and harmony between horse and rider. Dressage competitions, held worldwide, focus on a series of predetermined movements to showcase the horse’s athleticism and obedience.

It has been an Olympic sport since the 1912 Games, with the World Equestrian Games and various national championships also being top competitions in the sport.

#4 Eventing

Eventing, also known as “the equestrian triathlon,” is a test of horse and rider skill, endurance, and adaptability. Originating from military cavalry competitions in the early 20th century, eventing has evolved into a popular sport enjoyed worldwide.

Eventing has been an Olympic sport since the 1912 Stockholm Games. The sport consists of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

In addition to the Olympics, top eventing competitions include the World Equestrian Games, European Championships, and various international and national events.

#5 Polo

Polo is believed to have originated in Persia more than 2,500 years ago, making it one of the oldest team sports.

Often referred to as “the sport of kings,” polo has since gained popularity in countries such as Argentina, United States, United Kingdom, and India. Though not an Olympic sport since 1936, polo is played at a high level in the World Polo Championship and various national and club tournaments.

The sport involves two teams of four players each, who try to score goals by hitting a small ball with long-handled mallets while on horseback.

#6 Reining

Reining, a Western riding discipline, originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Showcasing the athleticism and precise movements of the horse, reining is popular primarily in North America.

This horse sport demonstrates the refined skills required in ranch work, putting the horse through a set of predetermined patterns.

While not an Olympic sport, reining competitions are featured in the World Equestrian Games, National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) events, and other national and regional events.

#7 Endurance Riding

Endurance riding has its roots in ancient long-distance horseback riding challenges, yet this modern sport has grown in popularity since the 1950s.

It is a true test of stamina, speed, and strategy for horse and rider over distances commonly ranging from 50 to 100 miles. Endurance riding is popular in countries such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, and France.

While not an Olympic sport, it is included in the World Equestrian Games, the prestigious Tevis Cup, and regional and national championships.

#8 Barrel Racing

Barrel racing, a rodeo sport, originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. Primarily popular in the western regions of North America, this timed event involves horse and rider racing around three barrels arranged in a cloverleaf pattern as quickly as possible.

While not part of the Olympic program, barrel racing is a featured event in major rodeo competitions, such as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) rodeos, and the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

#9 Rodeo

Rodeo is an umbrella term for various competitive events stemming from the working practices of cattle herding in Spain, Mexico, and later in the United States and Canada.

Popular primarily in North America, the sport includes events such as bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and calf roping.

While not an Olympic sport, rodeo competitions such as the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Calgary Stampede, and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit regularly draw large crowds and impressive prize money.

#10 Horseball

Horseball, a team sport, originated in France in the 1970s as an adaptation of the Argentinian equestrian sport Pato.

The game, which combines elements of polo, basketball, and rugby, is played on horseback and is mostly popular in European countries like France, Spain, and Portugal.

Two teams compete to score goals by passing the ball through a hoop. In recent years, horseball has gained recognition internationally with the organization of the Horseball World Championship and European Horseball Championship competitions.

More Horse Sports

1. Vaulting: Vaulting, often known as gymnastics or dance on horseback, can be traced back to ancient Rome’s displays of acrobatics and horsemanship. The sport is popular in Europe, particularly in Germany. Vaulting was demonstrated at the 1920 Olympic Games and has since been featured in the World Equestrian Games and European Vaulting Championships.
2. Steeplechase: Steeplechase, a form of horse racing involving jumps over various obstacles, originated in Ireland in the 18th century. The sport is popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. While not an Olympic discipline, steeplechase events are held under the National Hunt Racing umbrella, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.
3. Cutting: Cutting, a western equestrian sport, was developed in the American West as a demonstration of a horse’s ability to separate cattle from a herd, an essential skill in ranch work. Cutting is popular in North America, with events organized by the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and other regional organizations.
4. Western Pleasure: A western riding discipline, western pleasure showcases the comfortable, smooth gaits of a well-trained horse intended for leisure riding. Primarily popular in the United States, western pleasure competitions judge the horse on manners, gait, and overall appearance. It is featured in events organized by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA).
5. Trail Riding: Trail riding, often viewed as a recreational activity rather than a competitive sport, involves horse and rider navigating natural and artificial obstacles found on outdoor trails or in simulated arenas. It is popular worldwide in locations with suitable terrain for leisurely rides or organized group rides. Competitive trail riding, a timed event over longer distances, evaluates the horse’s fitness and performance.
6. Team Penning: Developed in California in the 1940s, team penning is a western equestrian sport where a team of riders on horseback must separate specific cattle from a herd and move them into a pen within a set time limit. The sport is popular in North America and governed by organizations such as the United States Team Penning Association (USTPA) and the Canadian Team Penning Association (CTCPA).
7. Hunter Jumper: Also known as “hunt seat,” hunter jumper competitions originated from traditional fox hunting in Europe. The sport is popular in the United States, Europe, and Canada, testing the horse and rider combination over a course of jumps and judged on form and style. Events are managed under organizations such as the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the European Equestrian Federation (EEF).
8. Polo Cross: Also known as “polocrosse,” this team sport originating in Australia in the 1930s combines elements of polo and lacrosse. It is popular in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The sport is played with a ball and netted racquet, with teams attempting to score goals against each other. Polocrosse is governed by international and national organizations such as the International Polocrosse Council (IPC) and the American Polocrosse Association (APA).
9. Saddleseat: A style of English riding, saddleseat focuses on the elegance and animation of gaited horses, such as the American Saddlebred. Originating in the United States, the sport is now popular in countries like Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Competitions typically judge the horse on performance, manners, and presentation in both rail classes, where horses are ridden in a group, and pattern classes, where individual performances are evaluated on a predetermined pattern.
10. Gymkhana: Gymkhana is a term referring to equestrian games that test speed, agility, and horsemanship of both horse and rider. Gymkhana events, which include barrel racing, pole bending, and keyhole race, are popular worldwide, particularly among younger equestrians. These events can be found in local fairs, 4-H programs, and regional organizations.
11. Horse Pulling: Horse pulling, as the name suggests, is a competition where teams of heavy draft horses pull weighted sleds across a specific distance. Originating from working practices in agriculture and logging industries, the sport is popular in rural areas of North America and Europe. Horse pulling follows a series of weight classes, and the events are organized by associations such as the North American Horse Pulling Association (NAHPA) and the European Horse Pulling Association (EHPA).
12. Mounted Games: Mounted games are a group of exciting, fast-paced equestrian events that test the skill, agility, and teamwork of horse and rider. Played by individuals, pairs, or teams, these games have roots in equestrian disciplines originally intended for military training. Hugely popular with Pony Club members and in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, mounted games cover a wide variety of races, such as the flag race, sock race, and balloon race.
13. Carriage Driving: Carriage driving, also known as combined driving or horse driving trials, evolved from traditional carriage driving for transportation and pleasure. It is a competitive equestrian sport popular in Europe and North America. The sport consists of three disciplines: dressage, marathon, and cone driving. International championships include the World Equestrian Games, the European Driving Championships, and other regional championships under the governance of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).
14. Jousting: Jousting is a medieval equestrian sport that gained prominence in Europe in the 12th to 16th centuries, where knights on horseback would engage in armored combat with lances. Today, jousting has been revived as a niche equestrian sport and a historical reenactment in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Though not an Olympic discipline, various competitive jousting events and tournaments are organized worldwide, drawing enthusiasts and spectators interested in the sport’s historical and cultural significance.

FAQ