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Up To Eleven is a defunct trope


The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

to:

The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] days. There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

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Demonstrates the ability of the rider to rope and tie a calf in a maximum time - usually done with two people on a team.

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Demonstrates the ability of the rider to rope and tie a calf in a maximum minimum time - usually done with two people on a team.
team. In rodeo, in which this is a standard event, the team members are known as the "header" and "heeler", who respectively lasso the calf's head and hind legs, in that order.



The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

to:

The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding endurance riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]



** Horses too: "Big Red" for both Man O' War and Film/{{Secretariat}} and "The Grey Flash" for Australian sprinter Chautauqua are just two examples.



** If training for [[EpicRace endurance-riding,]] it's recommended to ''start'' with eventing, cross-country, or competitive trail-riding.
** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding is 5 years old [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome to avoid strain on a growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.

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** If training for [[EpicRace endurance-riding,]] endurance riding,]] it's recommended to ''start'' with eventing, cross-country, or competitive trail-riding.
trail riding.
** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding endurance riding is 5 years old [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome to avoid strain on a growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.
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The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

to:

The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]
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Fan Myopia.


Not to be confused with sports in [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Equestria]].
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The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

to:

The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]



* MundaneUtility: Depending on how well the trail is marked, the usual vet checkpoints in an endurance ride can also be a way to [[RealityEnsues find out if someone's having trouble.]] This can be anything from taking a wrong turn, getting injured/sick, or getting delayed from bad weather.

to:

* MundaneUtility: Depending on how well the trail is marked, the usual vet checkpoints in an endurance ride can also be a way to [[RealityEnsues [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome find out if someone's having trouble.]] This can be anything from taking a wrong turn, getting injured/sick, or getting delayed from bad weather.



** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding is 5 years old [[RealityEnsues to avoid strain on a growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.

to:

** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding is 5 years old [[RealityEnsues [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome to avoid strain on a growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.
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Equestrian sports developed out of the various uses of horses in history, including military warhorses, hunting horses, and working cattle horses. Today there are two main categories of equestrian sports: "English" and "Western".

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Equestrian sports developed out of the various uses of horses in history, including military warhorses, hunting horses, {{chariot race}} horses and working cattle horses. Today there are two main categories of equestrian sports: "English" and "Western".
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* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The meticulous, precise, and absolutely correct (but less thrilling) hunter-jumping versus the flashy and dramatic (but often sloppier) showjumping. In a larger sense, English (Technician) versus Western (Performer); though Western disciplines are just as precise and technical as English, the more cowboy-esque clothes of Western riding vs. the formal stock ties and hunting jackets (or top hats and tails, in the case of dressage!) of most English riding give this appearance.
** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for both disciplines; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay as quiet as possible, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working in loud, chaotic settings]] such as police-work, parades, and WARFARE, where English dressage is stated to derive from.

to:

* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The meticulous, precise, and absolutely correct (but less thrilling) hunter-jumping versus the flashy and dramatic (but often sloppier) showjumping. In a larger sense, English (Technician) versus Western (Performer); though Western disciplines are just as precise and technical as English, the more cowboy-esque clothes of Western riding vs. the formal stock ties and hunting jackets (or top hats and tails, in the case of dressage!) of most English riding give this appearance.
** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for both disciplines; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay as quiet as possible, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working constantly work in loud, chaotic settings]] such as police-work, parades, and WARFARE, where English dressage is stated to derive from.



** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding is 5 years old [[RealityEnsues to avoid potential strain on a still-growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.

to:

** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding is 5 years old [[RealityEnsues to avoid potential strain on a still-growing growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Just about any horse can be used for any of these competitions; some breeds, however, are better than others for certain competitions. For show-jumping, where the jumps are often up to six feet high, you're going to need a tall horse, like a Hanoverian or Dutch Warmblood. Three-day eventers need a horse with a strong constitution; Arabians, Barbs, and Thoroughbreds are popular choices here. Western riders tend to favor colorful horses, like [[http://www.ponykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/paint_horse2.jpg paints]], [[http://www.windriverhistory.org/exhibits/chiefjoseph/images/ideal%20photo%202.jpg Appaloosas]], and [[http://www.theequinest.com/images/palomino-horse.jpg palominos]]; gaited breeds, like [[http://www.sweetgrassranch-twh.com/picts/gen.jpg Tennessee Walkers]], [[http://www.mypets.net.au/upload/flex_img/16112008031227_177.jpg Saddlebreds]], and [[http://www.gaitedmeadows.com/Assets/Foal%20Joshua%20fall%2007.jpg Rocky Mountain Horses]] are specifically ''bred'' for Western riding.[[note]]All horses have four main gaits: Walk, trot, canter, and gallop; gaited horses have a fifth gait that is unique to their breed, and they must be trained to use this gait. A gaited horse that doesn't learn to use its fifth gait can be used for non-Western disciplines, but they will have a very awkward and hard-to-sit trot and canter.[[/note]]\\

to:

Just about any horse can be used for any of these competitions; some breeds, however, are better than others for certain competitions. For show-jumping, where the jumps are often up to six feet high, you're going to need a tall horse, like a Hanoverian or Dutch Warmblood. Three-day eventers need a horse with a strong constitution; Arabians, Barbs, and Thoroughbreds are popular choices here. Western riders tend to favor colorful horses, like [[http://www.ponykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/paint_horse2.jpg paints]], [[http://www.windriverhistory.org/exhibits/chiefjoseph/images/ideal%20photo%202.jpg Appaloosas]], and [[http://www.theequinest.com/images/palomino-horse.jpg palominos]]; gaited breeds, like [[http://www.sweetgrassranch-twh.com/picts/gen.jpg Tennessee Walkers]], [[http://www.mypets.net.au/upload/flex_img/16112008031227_177.jpg Saddlebreds]], and [[http://www.gaitedmeadows.com/Assets/Foal%20Joshua%20fall%2007.jpg Rocky Mountain Horses]] are specifically ''bred'' for Western riding.[[note]]All horses have four main gaits: Walk, trot, canter, and gallop; gaited horses have a fifth gait that is unique to their breed, and they must be trained to use this gait. A gaited horse that doesn't learn to use its fifth gait can be used for non-Western disciplines, but they will have a very awkward and hard-to-sit trot and canter.[[/note]]\\[[/note]]
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to:

** While the minimum horse age for endurance-riding is 5 years old [[RealityEnsues to avoid potential strain on a still-growing horse's joints,]] many riders note that some horses get BETTER at endurance as they get older, when it's usually the opposite situation.

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The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also determine if someone got lost due to [[RedAlert injury/sickness,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

to:

The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also determine if someone got lost due to [[RedAlert injury/sickness,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]



* MundaneUtility: Depending on how well the trail is marked, the usual vet checkpoints in an endurance ride can also be a way to [[RealityEnsues find out if someone's having trouble.]] This can be anything from taking a wrong turn, getting injured/sick, or getting delayed from bad weather.



** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for dressage versus reining; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay quiet, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform just fine to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working in loud, chaotic settings]] such as police-work, parades, and WARFARE, where English dressage is stated to derive from.

to:

** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for dressage versus reining; both disciplines; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay quiet, as quiet as possible, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform just fine to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working in loud, chaotic settings]] such as police-work, parades, and WARFARE, where English dressage is stated to derive from.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for dressage versus reining; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay quiet, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform just fine to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working in loud, chaotic settings]] such as warfare, parades, and POLICE-WORK.

to:

** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for dressage versus reining; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay quiet, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform just fine to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working in loud, chaotic settings]] such as warfare, police-work, parades, and POLICE-WORK.WARFARE, where English dressage is stated to derive from.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

** Starkly evident with the AUDIENCES for dressage versus reining; traditional dressage audiences are advised to stay quiet, theoretically to avoid spooking/distracting the horses, but reining horses perform just fine to deafening cheers and applause. Especially strange since [[CaptainObvious horses have long been working in loud, chaotic settings]] such as warfare, parades, and POLICE-WORK.

Added: 296

Changed: 468

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests where a march lasted a full day's ride, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also determine if someone got lost due to [[RedAlert injury/sickness,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. DoWellButNotPerfect and SecondPlaceIsForWinners is often an InvokedTrope, since [[ItsTheJourneyThatCounts trekking fifty miles without dying is an achievement in itself,]] and finishing FIRST doesn't always mean your horse is the ''best-conditioned,'' which is a separate award. While endurance-riding a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]

to:

The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests where a march lasted a full day's ride, tests, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover in a day [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also determine if someone got lost due to [[RedAlert injury/sickness,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. DoWellButNotPerfect and SecondPlaceIsForWinners is often an InvokedTrope, since [[ItsTheJourneyThatCounts trekking fifty miles without dying is an achievement in itself,]] and finishing FIRST doesn't always mean your horse is the ''best-conditioned,'' which is a separate award. While endurance-riding is a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]



* DoWellButNotPerfect / SecondPlaceIsForWinners: {{Invoked Trope}}s for endurance-riding, since [[ItsTheJourneyThatCounts trekking fifty miles without dying is an achievement in itself.]] Also, finishing FIRST doesn't always mean your horse is the ''best-conditioned,'' which is a separate award.




to:

** If training for [[EpicRace endurance-riding,]] it's recommended to ''start'' with eventing, cross-country, or competitive trail-riding.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests where a march lasted a full day's ride, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also be a way to check if someone got lost in case the weather turns bad, [[RedAlert someone gets injured/sick,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. DoWellButNotPerfect and SecondPlaceIsForWinners is often a goal, since [[ItsTheJourneyThatCounts trekking fifty miles without dying is an achievement in itself,]] and finishing FIRST doesn't necessarily mean your horse is the ''best-conditioned,'' which is an entirely separate award.

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The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests where a march lasted a full day's ride, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also be a way to check determine if someone got lost in case the weather turns bad, due to [[RedAlert someone gets injured/sick,]] injury/sickness,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. DoWellButNotPerfect and SecondPlaceIsForWinners is often a goal, an InvokedTrope, since [[ItsTheJourneyThatCounts trekking fifty miles without dying is an achievement in itself,]] and finishing FIRST doesn't necessarily always mean your horse is the ''best-conditioned,'' which is an entirely a separate award.
award. While endurance-riding a Western-type sport, using actual ''Western tack'' on a high-level ride [[RealityIsUnrealistic may not be a good idea.]] Western tack is certainly better-equipped to deal with harsh terrain and long rides than English tack, but it can be [[MightyGlacier too heavy and protected]] for the top-level races, and specialized "endurance-riding" tack is often a fusion of [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs English-style tack that got bulked up with Western-style protection.]]
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\n''Endurance Riding''
The EpicRace made into a sport, seeing as it deals with riding for a literal day across [[WildWilderness harsh terrain.]] While the literal need for long journeys has existed [[OlderThanPrint ever since people domesticated horses,]] the official sport was formed in America. Stemming from cavalry fitness tests where a march lasted a full day's ride, most official courses range from 50-100 miles long, as that's the generally-agreed distance that horses can cover [[RealityEnsues without dying of exhaustion.]] However, there are shorter distances of less than 50 miles for new riders and in-training horses, and [[UpToEleven longer rides that span MULTIPLE days.]] There will be checkpoints spread across the trail to check the horse's fitness levels, and the pair will be disqualified if the horse is deemed unfit to continue. Depending on how well the trail is marked, checkpoints can also be a way to check if someone got lost in case the weather turns bad, [[RedAlert someone gets injured/sick,]] and [[CellPhonesAreUseless if phone reception is bad, or their battery runs out.]] Most riders will try to take [[RealityEnsues at least one buddy on the ride to help out,]] and riding solo is a task best left for experienced riders. DoWellButNotPerfect and SecondPlaceIsForWinners is often a goal, since [[ItsTheJourneyThatCounts trekking fifty miles without dying is an achievement in itself,]] and finishing FIRST doesn't necessarily mean your horse is the ''best-conditioned,'' which is an entirely separate award.
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Of note is the fact that in neither category are any of these disciplines segregated by sex, even at the highest levels of competition.
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* FanNickname: Lots of them. God for Kiwi eventing rider Mark Todd, Mr Stickability for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp3nsdgeQGk his compatriot Andrew Nicholson]]. Beau Cavalier is given to Canadian jumping rider Eric Lamaze by his Lamazing Ladies. El Maestro ''defines'' his rival German Ludger Beerbaum. British eventing rider William Fox-Pitt is also known as King William or His Majesty William Fox-Pitt.

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* FanNickname: Lots of them. God for Kiwi eventing rider Mark Todd, Mr Stickability for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp3nsdgeQGk his compatriot Andrew Nicholson]]. Beau Cavalier is given to Canadian jumping rider Eric Lamaze by his Lamazing Ladies. El Maestro ''defines'' his rival German Ludger Beerbaum. British eventing rider William Fox-Pitt is also known as King William or His Majesty William Fox-Pitt. German eventing rider Michael Jung is known as The Terminator.
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Whereas show-jumping focuses on speed and power, hunter jumping focuses on form, discipline, and teamwork. The jumps are no more than three-and-a-half feet high, so there are quite simply ''no'' excuses for sloppy riding here. The horse and rider are judged on how well they work together, how well they cleared the jumps, and if they completed the course within the time limit. Falling off is still a Very Bad Thing (and will disqualify you) and points are still deducted for knocking down poles.

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Whereas show-jumping focuses on speed and power, hunter jumping focuses on form, discipline, and teamwork. The jumps are no more than three-and-a-half feet high, so there are quite simply ''no'' excuses for sloppy riding here. The horse and rider are judged on how well they work together, how well they cleared the jumps, and if they completed the course within the time limit. Falling off is still a Very Bad Thing (and will disqualify you) and points are still deducted for knocking down poles. \n Notably, this is ''not'' an Olympic sport, but many top-level showjumpers started as hunter-jumpers due to the latter providing an excellent foundation in equitation.
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* WorldOfBadass: It takes a {{Badass}} to just ''compete'' in eventing or driving, to name a few.

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* WorldOfBadass: It takes a {{Badass}} badass to just ''compete'' in eventing or driving, to name a few.
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English riding is largely descended from the hunting and warhorse traditions of Europe. Classical dressage developed in Greece and in cavalry units, and showjumping, cross country and hunt seat riding developed from the foxhunting traditions of English nobles. Today three different disciplines are competed in the OlympicGames.

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English riding is largely descended from the hunting and warhorse traditions of Europe. Classical dressage developed in Greece and in cavalry units, and showjumping, cross country and hunt seat riding developed from the foxhunting traditions of English nobles. Today three different disciplines are competed in the OlympicGames.
UsefulNotes/OlympicGames.
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* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The meticulous, precise, and absolutely correct (but less thrilling) hunter-jumping versus the flashy and dramatic (but often sloppier) showjumping. In a larger sense, English (Technician) versus Western (Performer).

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* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The meticulous, precise, and absolutely correct (but less thrilling) hunter-jumping versus the flashy and dramatic (but often sloppier) showjumping. In a larger sense, English (Technician) versus Western (Performer).(Performer); though Western disciplines are just as precise and technical as English, the more cowboy-esque clothes of Western riding vs. the formal stock ties and hunting jackets (or top hats and tails, in the case of dressage!) of most English riding give this appearance.
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Not to be confused with sports in [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Equstria]].

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Not to be confused with sports in [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Equstria]].
Equestria]].
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Equestrian sports developed out of the various uses of horses in history, including military warhorses, hunting horses, and working cattle horses. Today there are two main categories of equestrian sports: "English" and "Western".

'''''English Riding'''''

English riding is largely descended from the hunting and warhorse traditions of Europe. Classical dressage developed in Greece and in cavalry units, and showjumping, cross country and hunt seat riding developed from the foxhunting traditions of English nobles. Today three different disciplines are competed in the OlympicGames.

''Showjumping'' or ''Stadium Jumping''

Possibly the most famous discipline of riding, showjumping requires speed, fast turns and high jumps. It is held in a standard arena with a "course" or jump sequence specified as well as a maximum time. Going over the time earns you time faults, knocking down poles incurs more and falling off is A Very Bad Thing and gets you disqualified. Riders would usually rather rack up a couple of time faults than knock down a pole because time faults are much less serious than pole faults. A round where no poles come down is called a "clear" round: if more than one rider goes clear there will be a jump-off and whoever goes clear fastest (or has the fewest faults fastest) wins the competition. Horses can earn thousands of dollars in top levels of competition.

''Hunter Jumping''

Whereas show-jumping focuses on speed and power, hunter jumping focuses on form, discipline, and teamwork. The jumps are no more than three-and-a-half feet high, so there are quite simply ''no'' excuses for sloppy riding here. The horse and rider are judged on how well they work together, how well they cleared the jumps, and if they completed the course within the time limit. Falling off is still a Very Bad Thing (and will disqualify you) and points are still deducted for knocking down poles.

''Dressage''

Developed out of Spanish and Austrian military discipline, dressage is elegant, refined and depends on the rider's ability to control the horse with virtually no visible signals. Riders enter the arena, bow, and ride a pattern of circles, serpentines (S-shaped figures) and straight lines to demonstrate their horse's obedience. Higher levels require lead changes (switching which forefoot leads every canter stride): the inside foot must always be leading and a change of direction requires a lead change. In addition internationally competitive horses do a move known as a "tempi" - the horse swaps leads every or every other stride and appears to be skipping. Another famous move, the piaffe, is the horse trotting in place and takes years to train.

''Three-day Eventing''

Three-day eventing is a combination of showjumping, dressage and cross-country riding over three separate days. Cross-country is similar to showjumping insofar as there is a time limit and horses go over jumps, but the jumps are usually solid (in a contest between a stadium jump and a horse, the horse wins; in cross-country it's the other way around), involve water and hills, and courses are usually much longer. This is usually the most difficult phase and is generally held on the second day of competition.


'''''Western Riding'''''

Western riding developed out of the working cattle ranches of the American West. Although no Western riders compete in the Olympics, due to the sport largely being confined to the United States and Australia, reining has recently been added to the World Equestrian Games. The National Reining Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, National Paint Horse Association and National Cutting Horse Association are affiliated governing bodies and between the four of them largely govern Western riders.

In recent years reining has seen an absolute explosion in growth, becoming quite popular in Western Europe - indeed, the woman widely considered to be the world's best dressage rider, Anky van Grunsven, has recently begun competing in reining. Should Western events ever be added to the Olympics, this is likely to be the first to make it in.

''Reining''

Reining is often referred to as "Western Dressage" and the name is apt, as it serves largely the same purpose: to demonstrate the obedience and ability of the horse. Reiners ride patterns, usually figure eights and circles, and demonstrate their ability to lengthen and shorten a horse's stride, swap leads "on the fly" and change direction. Reiners are known for two other moves: spins, in which the horse sets back on a hind foot and spins very fast many times in a circle; and sliding stops, where the horse will plant its back feet under its hindquarters and literally slide to a stop. World-class horses can slide for thirty feet or more - roughly halfway across the arena. Rollbacks, another famous move, involve the horse sliding to a stop, pivoting 180 degrees on a hind foot and galloping off the other direction.

''Cutting''

Demonstrates the abilities of the horse to cut (separate) a cow or calf from the herd and prevent it from rejoining for a given length of time. This discipline has obvious roots in stock management and requires a horse with agility, intelligence, and good balance. Ideally the rider will loosen the reins and give no direction once the animal has been cut from the herd. Good horses can not only read the animal's body language (a trait known as "cow sense") and be ready to counter any swerve or plunge, but will work with style, energy, and evident enjoyment.

''Roping''

Demonstrates the ability of the rider to rope and tie a calf in a maximum time - usually done with two people on a team.

''Rodeo''

Rodeo covers bucking horse contests and similar disciplines, as well as gymkhana-style events, such as barrel racing and pole weaving, which are largely contested by women and seem to be nothing so much as an agility test for the horse. Rodeo and gymkhana are often the most colorful and exciting of all Western riding disciplines and can draw huge crowds in the American West.

''Western Pleasure''

Should demonstrate that a horse is "a pleasure" to ride: riders wear colorful and often glittery clothes, unlike reiners and cutters, and make it a point to go as slow as possible at a walk, jog and lope. The rider should not look like he or she is doing any work.



'''''Popular Breeds For Equestrian Sports'''''

Just about any horse can be used for any of these competitions; some breeds, however, are better than others for certain competitions. For show-jumping, where the jumps are often up to six feet high, you're going to need a tall horse, like a Hanoverian or Dutch Warmblood. Three-day eventers need a horse with a strong constitution; Arabians, Barbs, and Thoroughbreds are popular choices here. Western riders tend to favor colorful horses, like [[http://www.ponykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/paint_horse2.jpg paints]], [[http://www.windriverhistory.org/exhibits/chiefjoseph/images/ideal%20photo%202.jpg Appaloosas]], and [[http://www.theequinest.com/images/palomino-horse.jpg palominos]]; gaited breeds, like [[http://www.sweetgrassranch-twh.com/picts/gen.jpg Tennessee Walkers]], [[http://www.mypets.net.au/upload/flex_img/16112008031227_177.jpg Saddlebreds]], and [[http://www.gaitedmeadows.com/Assets/Foal%20Joshua%20fall%2007.jpg Rocky Mountain Horses]] are specifically ''bred'' for Western riding.[[note]]All horses have four main gaits: Walk, trot, canter, and gallop; gaited horses have a fifth gait that is unique to their breed, and they must be trained to use this gait. A gaited horse that doesn't learn to use its fifth gait can be used for non-Western disciplines, but they will have a very awkward and hard-to-sit trot and canter.[[/note]]\\
And then there are breeds who can do any and all of these disciplines. The most popular horse in the world is the American Quarter Horse; thanks to their build (strong hindquarters, deep chests, and long necks) and extremely pleasant personalities, Quarter Horses are suited to almost every discipline imaginable (though, as they tend to be on the small side, they're not often seen in show-jumping arenas) [[note]]An Appendix Quarter Horse is half-Quarter and half-Thoroughbred; they often have the slight build of a Thoroughbred and the height and malleable temper of the Quarter[[/note]]. Similarly, Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and most warmblood breeds are popular in many disciplines, and for short riders, taller pony breeds like the Connemara are more than capable of clearing hunter-jump obstacles.

Not to be confused with sports in [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Equstria]].

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!!Tropes that apply to equestrian sports:

* FanNickname: Lots of them. God for Kiwi eventing rider Mark Todd, Mr Stickability for [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp3nsdgeQGk his compatriot Andrew Nicholson]]. Beau Cavalier is given to Canadian jumping rider Eric Lamaze by his Lamazing Ladies. El Maestro ''defines'' his rival German Ludger Beerbaum. British eventing rider William Fox-Pitt is also known as King William or His Majesty William Fox-Pitt.
* TechnicianVersusPerformer: The meticulous, precise, and absolutely correct (but less thrilling) hunter-jumping versus the flashy and dramatic (but often sloppier) showjumping. In a larger sense, English (Technician) versus Western (Performer).
* WorldOfBadass: It takes a {{Badass}} to just ''compete'' in eventing or driving, to name a few.

'''This page is still under construction. Any help appreciated.'''
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