equitazione

Equitazione is the Italian term for horsemanship and for the sport of riding, encompassing both the art of training and the competitive disciplines that involve horses. It covers activities ranging from dressage and show jumping to endurance and eventing, as well as driving and polo in many contexts. The aims are to cultivate rider skill, horse welfare, and the partnership between rider and animal.

Historically, equitation has deep roots in European cavalry traditions and agricultural use of horses. In modern times, national federations and international bodies have standardized rules, safety standards, and coaching methods, facilitating organized competition and horse welfare.

In major competitive disciplines, dressage emphasizes precise, autonomous movement and harmony between horse and rider; show jumping tests the horse's agility and speed over a course of obstacles; eventing combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping in a single competition; endurance focuses on long-distance riding over varied terrain; driving involves carriage teams; polo is a team sport on horseback. Each discipline has its own rules, scoring, and gear.

Training emphasizes progressive work, correct biomechanics, and welfare, with standardized curricula in riding schools and federations. Equipment typically includes a saddle, bridle, a bit, and riding helmet, with protective gear and appropriate attire in formal events.

The sport is regulated internationally by the FEI, with national federations such as the Italian federation FISE coordinating national competitions, clubs, and coaching. Major events include the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games, along with regional championships.