There are many different equestrian disciplines practiced and competed here in Alberta. Follow each resource below to learn more about the popular competitive disciplines.
- Dressage Competition
- Driving
- Endurance
- Eventing
- General Performance
- Hunter & Jumper
- Reining
- Vaulting
Dressage
Learn more
In dressage, each horse and rider combination performs a “test” of prescribed movements and gaits. The test is designed to demonstrate the level of achievement of the horse to show understanding and harmony with their rider.
For more information on dressage, visit Alberta Dressage Association.
Competition Rules
Driving
Learn more
In this discipline, the driver sits on a vehicle drawn by a single horse, a pair, or a team of four. The sport has three phases: dressage, cross-country marathon, and obstacle cone driving.
For more information on competitive driving, visit Alberta Carriage Driving Association
Competition Rules
Endurance
Learn more
An endurance ride is a test of a horse and rider team over challenging terrain of distances up to 160 km in one day. The welfare of the horse is paramount and vet checks are used to monitor and evaluate each horse’s ability to maintain the level of exercise being undertaken.
For more information on competitive endurance riding, visit Endurance Riders of Alberta.
Competition Rules
Eventing
Learn more
An eventing competition, also known as horse trials or three-day eventing, is a competition where a single horse and rider combination compete across three disciplines: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.
For more information on eventing, visit Alberta Horse Trials Association.
Eventing Competition Rules
General Performance
Learn more
General performance is a competition offering at least 40 per cent Western performance and up to 60 per cent of classes from another Equine Canada discipline listed in Section F, General Performance Rule Book. Western performance classes include reining, Western pattern classes, horsemanship/equitation, halter/conformation, speed events, western pleasure, competitive trail, and showmanship at halter.
Competition Rules
Hunter & Jumper
Learn more
An English style of competition where horses are judged subjectively on conformation, temperament, manners, and way of going. In hunter classes the horse is judged both on the flat and over a course of jumps.
The jumping competition is judged objectively where a horse and rider combination is tested over a course of obstacles such as fences, ditches and banks. It is intended to demonstrate the horse’s freedom, energy, skill, speed and obedience in jumping as well as the rider’s horsemanship.
For more information on hunters and show jumping, visit Jump Alberta.
Competition Rules
Reining
Learn more
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 one place, back-ups and the exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.
For more information on reining, visit Reining Alberta.
Competition Rules
Vaulting
Learn more
Vaulting is a competitive discipline where both dynamic and static gymnastic elements are combined and performed on a cantering horse. It requires outstanding physical condition from the vaulter. A harmonious relationship with the horse is imperative if a display of strength, coordination, rhythm, suppleness and balance is to be achieved.
For more information on vaulting, visit Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association, a part of Vault Canada.