Polo is an equestrian sport.
The etymology of the equestrian term takes us to the Latin word equestris . The concept, in its first meaning, refers to what is linked to the horse .
To define equestrian, therefore, we first have to pay attention to the concept of horse . This is the name given to a mammalian animal that is part of the order of perissodactyls and that is used as a pack animal or as a mount.
Horses are characterized by their large size, with very long limbs. They have numerous bristles on the tail and neck .
The equestrian world
When referring to equestrian matters, in short, something is being pointed out that has to do with horses. Equestrian sports , in this framework, are those that are carried out using these animals .
Many times the idea of equestrian refers specifically to horse riding . This activity, also considered an art , consists of riding and mastering the horse correctly .
As a sporting discipline, horse riding involves the evaluation of the horse and the rider. Classical dressage , eventing and show jumping are the tests that make up horse riding as an Olympic sport.
Other sports and activities
Among equestrian sports we can also name turf . These are horse races , where the usual thing is that spectators can bet and take money if they guess the winner or the positions of the competition.
Cowboy dressage , rodeo and horseback riding are equestrian activities, characteristic of different regions, which can be competitive or recreational. It is generally carried out by people who live in the countryside or far from urban environments.
Polo (where two teams made up of four players on horseback seek to score goals, propelling the ball with a cue towards the rival goal) and duck (which, in 1953 , was declared a national sport of Argentina ) are other important equestrian disciplines.
Equestrian statues represent people on horses.
The equestrian in art
The adjective equestrian is used to describe the sculpture or painting where an individual on horseback is represented. Among these works , the best known are the equestrian statues , which usually show heroes.
It should be remembered that statues are sculptures that imitate real or natural figures. The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius , American President George Washington , and liberator José de San Martín are among the historical personalities featured in equestrian sculptures.
It is interesting to note that equine art is the artistic subgenre of the animalistic genre that consists of the representation of horses. The expression equestrian art , on the other hand, is usually used to refer to horsemanship (such as the art of riding a horse).
Of knights and chivalry
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) also recognizes the notion of equestrian as what is related to a knight or the exercise of chivalry .
Knight, in this context, is someone who rides a cavalry. The notion of cavalry, in turn, refers to the animal that is used to ride on; to the skill of dominating the horse; and the army body composed of horse soldiers.