Know your facts:

• Equestrian sports have been a part of Special Olympics World Games since 1987
• Unified Sports? No
• Estimated number of athletes participating: 127

The skillful interaction between humans and horses is what makes equestrian sports so appealing. Harmonious interaction between the two is the key to success.
 

In jumping, horse and rider negotiate a course with several obstacles in a set order. The rider's approach to the obstacle and his or her seat is being judged.

In dressage, horse and rider move in unison. Dressage is the foundation of all riding because it depends on the horse obeying weight shifts as well as leg and rein aids.

In English Equitation, the rider and horse complete lessons that are announced by the judges. There is no fixed test. The seat and the influence of the rider in the different gaits are judged.

In Working trails, the horses go over and through obstacles (e.g. slalom, labyrinth). The correct completion of the course, the correct sequence as well as the rider's seat and influence are evaluated.

We have 15 competitions in 4 disciplines and 5 levels:

1. Jumping (A, BI)
2. Dressage (A, BI, CI)
3. English equitation (A, BI, BS, CI, CS)
4. Working trails (A, BI, BS, CI, CS)

Level A (walk, trot, canter) - Level B (walk and trot) - Level C (walk)
"S" stands for assistance in riding and "I" for independent riding

By the way:

The horse has the largest eyes of all land-dwelling mammals.