# Everybody Plays!

# Horseback Riding/Equestrian

Paralympic symbol

Horses have long, thin legs; a long tail; and a mane. The height of horses is measured at the highest point of the withers, where the neck meets the back. On average, a horse stands 16 hands high. (One hand equals 4 inches.) Riding on the back of a horse is now done for recreation in the United States. In the past, before cars were invented, people traveled many miles by horseback. Today, horseback riding is done typically with a saddle (leather seat) on the back of a horse. A person can ride a horse in a field, in the woods, on the beach, or in the desert. Some people ride horses for competition and they command the horse to jump, dance, or race depending on the type of competition.

There are three equestrian disciplines in the Olympics. Horseback riding competition can be done for fun or for cash prizes.

A girl rides a horse with two coaches walking alongside her.

A boy smiles while he rides a horse. His coach is next to him.