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I is a sport because…

Its ion the Olympics

You have to be fit to do it

It is very strenuous

It is a hell of a lot harder than sports like football

You can’t call something this dangerous ‘not a sport’

It builds muscle

It is NOT just the horse working as some people seem to think

Good riders make it look easy but its NOT

Trust me do NOT just sit there

You need good balance

And the strength to ride on for a long time

You compete in it

It is more than just a sport it is a bond

You need to work with another being to be able to be good at it

And lastly you need a hell of a lot of courage!

Watch this video and you will understand why riding is a sport and not just that is one of the all time hardest sports to accomplish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eruaalw6vno&list=FL...

It's not just a sport it's a LIFESTYLE. It is REALLY a sport. It involves physical activity and by some rules it is considered a sport. You can ask any equestrian and I guarntee you they will you tell you it is a sport and make some good points as of why. Equestrianism requires TEAMWORK between you and your horse and it's in the olympics.

it is.

Its a physical activity for enjoyment or competing.

Their are set rules and regulations that remain consistent. There is a lot of skill required to compete successfully. There are teams or individual performances. A level of fitness is required by both horse amd rider.

I suppose hacking out once a week does not count as a sport. The same way kicking a soccerball around in your back yard for ten minutes does not mean you are a competitive soccer player.

If you look up the definition of sport you will find that horse riding, especially competitive events, certainly qua'ifies. Most people who say riding is not a real sport are actually quite ignorant of what riding and training entails. Amd mostly regard riding as sitting on a horse as if on a chair while it carries you around like a passenger.

Well the Olympics consider it a sport.

Enough said.

FYI

It's actually polo that has always been the sport of kings.

Due to Royalty commonly playing the sport.

Prince Charles, William and Harry all play.

Ergo - Polo IS the original sport of kings.

Racing 'stole' the phrase much later.

A common mistake.

Do not even get me started on a** h**les who think equestrianism isn't a sport. It's one of the best sports out there! do other sports have you control an animal ten times your size and mass, with a mind of it's own, and can easily kill you? Pfft didn't think so.

I assume you don't ride yourself , but obviously it is a sport and it requires a lot of athletic ability. Some different kinds more than others, of coarse if you are doing basic western it dosn't require much but when you get to the higher levels it does count on fitness, strength , balence , stanima , and agility, i also assume the people you were talking to arn't rider's and if they are they must suck... I ride english and I plan on eventing this year , my lesson's are way more intense they they used to be since I am prepping for show season.

Yes, it is a sport. You need to be in shape to be a good rider. It gives you a good workout. You need to have a strong core and you need great balance. Let's see an unbalanced, out of shape rider make it around a showjumping ring or cross-country course! Or stay on a cutter or ride a reiner. Or lets see them do the more complex stuff on a Dressage horse.

It requires skill, physical input, and can be used in various competitions. Not to mention it's in the Olympics.

So yes, horseback riding IS a sport.

Yes. People who say horse riding isn't a sport are just intimidated, because in our game the ball has a mind of its own;)!

"if it isn't a sport then why is it in the olympics?" that's what i always say lol

YES! riding is a sport, you may not need condition like a soccer player but you need a incredible amount of balance and leg strength!