Several people have asked about reining being part of the Olympics. The World Equestrian Games that were held in Kentucky in 2010, featured eventing (which combines jumping, cross country jumping and dressage) , endurance riding, vaulting, reining, combined driving, dressage and show jumping. Should the Olympics feature these games too? Take the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Take the Poll: What Horse Sport Should Be Added to the Olympics?
By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com GuideJuly 13, 2012
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Comments
As much as I would love to see these contests, I feel it would only give people more of a reason to be harder on our equine friends. Racing already leads to some mistreatment and drugging. I’m not trying to generalize here, but anytime you add competition the temptation for the bad side always rears it’s ugly head.
I feel that reining would make a much needed addition to the Olympics. I would really enjoy seeing a Western equestrian sport represented.
On the topic of abuse, If you are familiar with the industry you will know that there are going to be some less than satisfactory trainers but so few compared to the ones who really try breed a good sound horse, train it and perform to the best of both horse and rider’s ability. I must also add that there are vet checks before they are allowed to compete Severe abuse would be spotted, scars, wounds, lameness. For the most part these horses are not a means to an end but reprent a team of horse and rider.
Polo! Several reasons:
1) It was already an Olympic sport (last played in 1936)
2) Its the oldest team sport in the world
3) It’s played in just about every country in the world
4) It’s a great spectator event – if explained right, it can be very accessible (rules similar to hockey, soccer, etc.)
Yes, fast paced, doesn’t require a huge venue like some other sports would and a great spectator sport.