Every four years the world’s top athletes gather to test their skills and discover the best of the best among them. The Olympic games include three equestrian competitions: dressage, stadium jumping, and eventing. Becoming an Olympic equestrian involves dedication, a willingness to seek sponsors, and a commitment to the sport that feels like a way of life. It takes an entire team to get one individual to these top competitions. This includes coaches, grooms, and veterinarians. It also requires an enormous amount of money to travel from your backyard to the Olympic podium.
Getting Started
Many top riders begin in horse oriented families. Riders usually spend their childhood involved with Pony Club, 4-H, or other local riding organizations. In the early years, an Olympic wannabe may also want to compete in local schooling shows and in open show circuits. Some may join a high school or college team. A good coach is essential to guide you through these competitions
Most states or provinces have an official organization that organizes circuits in one or more riding disciplines. Because some Olympic equestrian sports are team competitions, you must be able to work individually and with a team. Of course, coaching, practice, and having the right horse are critical to success. Developing riders usually need a different coach to take them to each new level for which they strive.
Young Rider Program
Young Rider programs exist throughout North America and accept youth riders from ages 14 to 21. The governing body for Olympic Equestrian competition exists as The International Federation for Equestrian Sports DFW(FEI). Young Rider programs offer progressive levels of competition in all FEI-recognized sports. The programs also provide an introduction to competing under FEI rules including dress and the expectations of international competitions. There may also offer opportunities to compete in events such as the Pan-Am and Commonwealth Games as well as the Grand-Prix and high events in Europe and other parts of the world.
In addition, the Young Rider Program serves as a stepping stone to selection to a national team such as the Canadian or United States Equestrian Team. Aspiring riders can prove themselves by placing consistently in major competitions such as Rolex and Badminton. From the best of these riders, a national team forms. The selection begins as a long list, and then depending on points and other factors, a shortlist comes into existence. From this pool, riders are chosen to compete at World Championships, World Equestrian Games, and the Olympics.
No Fairytale Path
In reality, the dream of taking a backyard horse to the Olympics isn’t likely to happen. Movies and novels might consist of these fairytale stories. There have been some unlikely horses and competitors who succeed in competition at the international level usually requiring a pool of horses. These horses come at a high price and frequently come from Europeor elsewhere. Most of these horses are leased. However, programs promoting the breeding of international level competition horses in North America do exist. In any case, the cost of keeping horses, travel, competition fees, memberships, and other expenses remain costly. Sound financial planning and maintaining sponsorships continue as a necessity.
Not Just for Youngsters
No age restrictions exist on the Olympic Equestrian team. Riders in their seventies have debuted at the Olympics and successfully competed. While youth remains beneficial in some sports, experience and intuition are important. This sometimes favors older riders.
