Horses have played a vital role in the history of mankind. They have served several purposes from transportation to heavy cavalry. Nowadays thanks to the development of technology horses are never used anymore. They might be mostly found working for humans in ranches, farms, circuses and driving carriages for amusement rides. Although horses are not as vital as they were back in the days the tradition of riding them didn't falter. Equestrians were regarded as nobles in Rome who're members in the cavalry. Nowadays they are riders who take part in a variety of equestrian sports.
Equestrians nowadays tend to be more known for equestrianism. It refers to the ability to ride and drive horses. This definition does not solely include the employment of horses for recreational activities and sports but additionally for working and practical uses. Contrary what most people would think the term refers to other skills not solely riding them for equestrian sports.
Equestrians before
Horses were employed in variety of purposes. They were both used in war and peaceful pursuits. They were used from transportation, agriculture and warfare. In Rome Equestrians were thought to be elite. Horses were expensive in that era so owning one meant that you were rich and doesn't have to do manual labor. They were members of the social upper class in Rome. This class was most often referred to as knights. They were both a military and also a political group because horsemen received financial compensation through the government.
As Rome expanded it relied on its allies for cavalry. There became no use for equestrians consequently they lost their military functions. They didn't engage in war anymore but their titles still remain and indicate nobility. The equestrians were rich and governed the provinces. During that period senators were equal to equestrians.
The senators dominated the magistrate offices but were forbidden to operate business and gain commercial income. The equestrians therefore continued to secure marketing and tax farming companies. Conflicts arose between both of them. Equestrians made as much money as they could while senators notice rebellions attributable to overtaxing. During civil wars both elite collaborated and their orders were defined as reforms were done.
Equestrians today
They can be popularly known for participating in equestrian sports during Olympics. Like before horse back riding is reserved for for the rich. Even today horses continue to be expensive and prized.
Equestrian events include dressage, show jumping and eventing. Equestrians should be capable of make the horse do natural movements on request while running loose during competitive dressage. It is also referred to as "Horse Ballet". Its goal is usually to develop a horses' athletic ability and its initiative to perform to make the best use of its potential.
Show jumping is mostly a timed event where equestrians are required to jump a number of obstacles with the fewest mistakes. Riders and their horses ought to be in a position to go over the obstacle with the least knocked over portions of obstacles.
Eventing is the mixture of dressage and show jumping. The horse as well as rider must undergo a number of fixed obstacles including stone walls, water, logs banks, ditches with the fastest time possible.
Although the role of equestrians has changed through the centuries it still holds that aura of nobility that it once enjoyed in medieval times.
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