Equestrian Disciplines & Breeds
The Virginia Horse Center welcomes a remarkable range of equestrian disciplines, breeds, and traditions.
01 / breed
Arabian
02 / Discipline
Dressage
Dressage, described by the International Equestrian Federation as “the highest expression of horse training,” involves the horse and rider performing a series of predetermined movements from memory. This discipline traces its origins back to the writings of Xenophon, a Greek military leader, philosopher, and historian.
During the Renaissance, Federico Grisone published The Rules of Riding in 1550, one of the first significant European treatises on equitation since Xenophon. Modern training systems draw heavily from the principles of classical dressage, which evolved from cavalry maneuvers and battlefield training. At its core, Classic riding is the art of riding in harmony with, rather than against the horse.
03 / Discipline
Hunter Jumper
Hunter Jumper tests different skills for the horse and rider and combines the hunter and jumper disciplines.
The hunters showcase an American riding style that originates in European fox hunting. Hunter classes test a horse’s elegance, athleticism, and style. Hunter courses are typically made up of 8–12 jumps that are lower in height and more organic in form than jumper classes.
Competing in the jumpers tests a horse’s ability to quickly complete a course of jumps with the fewest faults. Jumper courses are more technical, with 12–16 jumps that include tight turns, combinations, and difficult distances.
04 / breed
Saddlebred
05 / DISCIPLINE
Three-Day Eventing
