Yhdistelmäajo

Yhdistelmäajo, meaning combined driving in English, is a competitive equestrian sport that tests the skill of horse and driver. It involves a team of horses and a driver navigating a series of obstacles. The sport has its roots in the practical use of horses for transport and work, where drivers had to skillfully maneuver their teams through various terrains and situations.

The competition typically consists of three phases. The first is dressage, where the driver and horses perform a set of movements to demonstrate their obedience, suppleness, and harmony. The second is the marathon, a challenging cross-country course featuring several demanding obstacles such as water hazards, narrow gates, and steep inclines. This phase tests the horses' stamina, courage, and the driver's ability to manage their speed and control. The final phase is the obstacle cone driving, also known as stadium driving. Here, the driver must navigate a course of closely spaced cones with a ball on top. Knocking down a cone or exceeding the time limit incurs penalties.

Yhdistelmäajo is practiced with varying numbers of horses, from single horses to teams of four. The type of horse used can vary, but breeds known for their strength, temperament, and athleticism are often favored. The sport requires significant training and dedication from both the horses and the drivers, fostering a strong partnership between them. It is a popular discipline in many countries and is governed by international equestrian federations, which set the rules and standards for competitions.