Brand new in 2010, Horse Expo will be presenting the
Alltech International Equestrian Extravaganza!
The Alltech International Equestrian Extravaganza, on Saturday night of this year's expo, will highlight the disciplines featured in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this fall, the first time they will be held in the United States. Watch expert horseman demonstrate the eight equestrian disciplines that are recognized by the Federation Equestrian International (FEI), which include dressage, jumping, reining, eventing, para dressage, driving, vaulting and endurance. Come prepared to be awed by what these horses are capable of and to walk away with a better appreciation of the athletic ability and training it takes to compete at FEI levels. It won't all be serious though, as entertainment acts will be featured between the discipline demonstrations. The California Cowgirls will dazzle us in their fast paced drill routine, dog acts will give us a break from the horses and what about cheering on a dressage rider and reiner switching mounts and performing to music. This is a must attend event. Separate admission is required.
Dressage:
Sabine Rijssenbeek and Hilda Gurney
The FEI Rules describe the object of Dressage, which means "training" in French, as "the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider." Through the eyes of spectators, Dressage is like ballet for horses. Communication between horse and rider is crucial as they complete specific movements throughout an arena marked by letters. A well-performed test will look both elegant and accurate.
Driving:
Driving is a historical sport with a twist. Horse-drawn carriages are maneuvered by a single driver in a variety of situations. At the 2010 Games, teams of four horses will compete in Combined Driving. This competition requires the Driver to drive a course, testing the fitness, stamina and training of the horses, and the driving skill, judgment of pace and general horsemanship of the competitor.
Endurance:
Marcia Smith
An Endurance Ride is a competition testing the speed and the endurance ability of the horse. To be successful, the competitor must have knowledge of pace and efficient and safe use of his horse across country. Stamina and determination is what Endurance is all about, and anyone interested in watching a demanding, long-distance race should catch the Endurance competition.
Eventing:
Gina Miles
Eventing is like a triathlon, with athletic riders and horses competing in three very different elements of horse sport. An all around test of horse and rider, a Three Day Event or CCI comprises three distinct tests, taking place on separate days, during which the competitor rides the same horse throughout.
Jumping:
Stephen Bradley
If you enjoy life in the fast lane, you might want to check out Jumping. Jumping is all about agility and speed, as horse and rider are required to complete a course of jumps, sometimes more than five feet high, in a set amount of time. A Jumping competition is one in which the combination of horse and rider is tested under various conditions over a course of obstacles. It is intended to demonstrate the horse's freedom, energy, skill, speed and obedience in jumping as well as the rider's horsemanship. The competitor incurs penalties for knocking down rails, refusals, and course variations.
Para Dressage:
Susan Treabess
The para dressage discipline provides riders with physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in high performance equestrian sport along side able bodied riders. The experience of qualifying for and competing at the highest level offers each rider the chance to compete regardless of their disability.
Reining:
Bob Avila
If you like western riding this is the event for you. Reining is designed to show the athletic ability of a "ranch type" horse in an arena. The sport is traced back to the agility needed by ranch horses when herding cattle. In Reining, competitors are required to run one of several approved patterns. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs, 360 degree spins done in place, back ups and the exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.
Vaulting:
Mt. Eden Vaulting Club
The sport of Vaulting is a competitive discipline where both gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a cantering horse. It requires a harmonious relationship with the horse and outstanding physical condition from the vaulter; these two elements are imperative if a display of strength, co-ordination, rhythm and balance is to be achieved.
