Equestrian sports involve riders and horses competing in events that test the skill and bond between human and equine. Some popular equestrian sports include show jumping, dressage, eventing, polo, racing, rodeo, and more. These sports have a long and rich history, with records of horseback riding and competitions dating back thousands of years. Though the equipment and rules have evolved over time, the partnership between rider and horse remains integral to success.
Equestrian sports require dedication, bravery, trust, communication, athleticism, strategy, and good horsemanship. Riders start young, spending years forming connections with their equine partners and honing their skills. There’s always more to learn about the subtle cues and signals that allow rider and horse to move as one.
Below are 45 riddles about key aspects of various equestrian sports and equine care. How many can you get right? See if you have what it takes to thrive in the horse world!
Show Jumping Riddles
Q: I’m an equine obstacle course in an arena – riders guide their horses over me. What am I?
Show Jumping Riddles – Answers
A: A show jumping course.
Q: We’re techniques that help horses jump cleanly – bending legs, arching over obstacles. What are we?
A: Show jumping bascules.
Q: I’m the foul that ends a rider’s round, Whether I’m knocked down or touched, I’ll make that dreadful sound. What am I?
A: A show jumping rail.
Q: We’re the people who design the jumps on show jumping courses. Who are we?
A: Show jumping course designers.
Q: I’m the penalty for exceeding the time allowed on a show jumping course. What am I?
A: Time faults.
Dressage Riddles
Q: We’re a series of movements and figures that dressage riders perform in an arena. What are we?
Dressage Riddles – Answers
A: A dressage test.
Q: I’m headgear that’s slightly less formal than a top hat for dressage riding. What am I?
A: A derby hat.
Q: We’re dressage movements in an upward transition to extend strides. What are we?
A: Lengthenings.
Q: I’m a type of saddle pad used in dressage to help a rider’s position look elegant. What am I?
A: A dressage square.
Q: We’re the highest levels of international dressage competition governed by the FEI. What are we?
A: Grand Prix dressage.
Eventing Riddles
Q: I’m a fence on cross country found after galloping – riders better approach me carefully! What am I?
Eventing Riddles – Answers
A: An eventing combination.
Q: We’re the three tests that event horses and riders must complete. What are we?
A: The eventing dressage, cross country, and show jumping phases.
Q: I’ll subtract points if your horse refuses me on cross country. What am I?
A: An eventing jump.
Q: We’re additions to cross country fences that event riders should steer clear of. What are we?
A: Eventing flags.
Q: I’m given for going too fast in the cross country phase of eventing. What am I?
A: Cross country time penalties.
Horse Racing Riddles
Q: I’m worn when racing to decrease wind resistance and protect the horse’s eyes. What am I?
Horse Racing Riddles – Answers
A: Racing blinkers.
Q: We’re trained professionals who ride racehorses at top speeds. Who are we?
A: Jockeys.
Q: I’m awarded to the winner of a prestigious G1 horse race. What am I?
A: A horse racing trophy.
Q: We’re establishments where racehorses live and train every day. What are we?
A: Racing stables.
Q: I’m slightly longer than a mile and host major races like the Kentucky Derby. What am I?
A: A 1 1/4 mile racetrack.
Rodeo Riddles
Q: I’m thrown over a calf’s neck in tie-down roping – quickly dismount and tie me up tight! What am I?
Rodeo Riddles – Answers
A: The rodeo rope.
Q: I’m worn on rodeo riders’ heads when they nod for the chute to open. What am I?
A: A cowboy hat.
Q: We’re rodeo personnel who protect bull riders if they get thrown. Who are we?
A: Rodeo clowns/bullfighters.
Q: I’m awarded to the top cowboy or cowgirl in each rodeo event at season’s end. What am I?
A: A rodeo championship buckle.
Q: We’re powerful rodeo athletes that like to buck off riders. What are we?
A: Bucking horses and bulls.
Horse Care Riddles
Q: I’m a tool used to pick and clean dirt out of horse hooves. What am I?
Horse Care Riddles – Answers
A: A hoof pick.
Q: I’m a mix of grains and nutrients fed to horses daily. What am I?
A: Horse feed.
Q: We’re professionals who trim and shoe horses’ hooves. Who are we?
A: Farriers.
Q: I’m worn on horses’ heads to help communicate cues from the rider. What am I?
A: A bridle.
Q: We’re injections that protect horses from serious diseases. What are we?
A: Equine vaccines.
Conclusion
And those are 45 riddles about key aspects of equestrian sports and horse care – from show jumping courses to rodeo ropes. How did you fare with these brainteasers? Did you get stumped or were the answers just a breeze? Let me know in the comments!
Equestrian sports have so much complexity behind the scenes, even though it may look effortless watching talented riders and horses make it look easy. It takes insight into equine body language, quality horse care, dedicated training, trusting relationships, and good horsemanship to find success. But most of all, it takes a whole lot of love between human and horse!
