Equestrian sports events have been a part of Special Olympics since 1983, when the first competition was held in Louisiana, USA. At the 1987 World Games, 38 athletes competed in the equestrian competition, and one year later the sport was added to the official program of Special Olympics Sports. At the 1999 World Games, 148 athletes from 30 countries competed.

Special Olympics athletes who compete in the equestrian events learn to ride, develop sports skills and gain the self confidence to direct and control a horse.

Equestrian is a summer sport for Special Olympics Texas with statewide competition at the Summer Games in May. The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

Events
Pole Bending
Barrel Racing
Working Trail Horse
English Equitation
Team Relays & Unified Relay
Showmanship at Halter Classes
Dressage
Prix Caprilli
Western Riding
Western Equitation
Drill Team
Unified Drill Team

Related Sites
USA Equestrian, Inc. (rule book)
American Quarter Horse Association
Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) (rule book)