Dressage: The sport of training horses for competition has existed for several centuries. Dressage developed as a method of training horses for war, teaching them precise movements. There is some evidence that dressage-type manoeuvres were developed by the ancient Greeks. Modern dressage began during the Renaissance when the Neapolitan nobleman Federico Grisone founded a riding academy in Naples in 1532. France quickly became the top nation in dressage and embraced it enthusiastically. In the 20th century, Germany replaced France as the top nation in this event.

Jumping: Modern jumping events are based on the foxhunting tradition. Hunting enthusiasts in Britain and America sought ways to test the talents of their horses more systematically. Jumping competitions for horses were first organised in the 19th century in Ireland by the Royal Dublin Society. Modern jumping techniques were developed by the Italian Federico Caprilli, who is considered the "father of modern riding."

Eventing: Three-day eventing, usually abbreviated by horse enthusiasts to "eventing", began as a test of the cavalry horse. Military horses were required to travel long distances, negotiate the many natural obstacles, and then perform strict parade manoeuvres. Competitions began in this event in Europe in 1902 and interest in the sport is still concentrated mainly in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

(BOCOG)

Preview for Team China

Chinese riders will contest the equestrian events in Hong Kong this summer for the first time in Olympic history.

As Olympic host, China is automatically allotted six equestrian berths - four in jumping and one each in dressage and eventing. But Chinese riders still have had to meet the minimum Olympic requirements in order to qualify.

Led by 18-year-old Alex Hua Tian, the youngest Olympic eventer, China will field Liu Lina, a 29-year-old rider from Xinjiang, in dressage and four male jumpers: Li Zhenqiang from Guangdong province, Huang Zuping from Beijing, Zhang Bin from Shanghai and Zhao Zhiwen from Jiangsu province.

As a newcomer to the sport, China does not expect to win any medals in 2008 but instead look to the next Olympics in London.

(China Daily August 1, 2008)