Sommet de l'Elevage 2025

How Does an Equine (Horse) Competition Work?

Equine Competitions provide breeders with a platform to showcase the unique characteristics and skills of horses from various breeds. These public competitions reward the best horses and offer an opportunity to discover numerous equine breeds. The Sommet de l’Élevage hosts renowned horse breed competitions, featuring breeds such as Comtois, Percheron, and Ardennais.
Are you curious to learn how an equine competition works? Here’s an overview of the key stages to know.

Differences Between Equestrian, Hippic, and Equine Competitions

The terms "hippic competitions," "equestrian competitions," and "equine competitions" are often used in the equestrian world, but they refer to different types of events that highlight various aspects of equestrianism. Let’s break down these terms for better understanding.

Hippic Competitions

Hippic competitions focus specifically on horse racing, which takes place in racetracks and involves jockeys. These include gallop racing, trotting, and amble races.

Equestrian Competitions

Equestrian competitions encompass a broader range of events showcasing various equestrian disciplines. These can include show jumping, dressage, eventing, reining, endurance riding, and other specialized activities. Equestrian competitions evaluate the skills and qualities of both horses and riders, depending on the discipline.

Equine Competitions

Equine competitions focus more on the presentation and physical attributes of the horses themselves. These include evaluations of conformation, presence, and physical characteristics. Equine breeding competitions (also called "Model & Movement" contests) are often divided into categories by breed, age group, or other criteria to identify the best representative in each category.

How an Equine Competition Works

Registration and Preparation

Owners and breeders register their horses for competitions (national, regional, or local). Before the event, they meticulously prepare the horses, ensuring their appearance is immaculate, grooming is in compliance with the rules, and the horses are in excellent health.

Judging

Conformation evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of the horse’s physique, focusing on its adherence to breed standards. Various parts of the horse’s body, such as the head, neck, shoulders, back, legs, and hooves, are reviewed to highlight strengths and identify any flaws. Horses are presented both in hand and in motion before a jury, following specific protocols for categories such as broodmares, foals, and young horses. Presentation quality is as important as the horse's physical attributes, and attention is paid to positioning, movement, the horse’s demeanor, and the presenter’s handling skills.

Some equine competitions also include demonstrations of the horses' specific talents, such as jumping, in-hand dressage, or even special tricks, showcasing the versatility and skills of the horses.

Announcing the Winners

At the end of the evaluations, judges deliberate to determine the winners in each category. Results are announced during a prize ceremony where winners receive trophies or honorary ribbons.

Similar to cattle competitions or sheep competitions, equine competitions offer participants and visitors the opportunity to engage with other horse enthusiasts, learn more about different breeds, and share their passion.

Whether you are passionate about horses and equestrianism or simply a curious spectator, equine competitions provide a captivating show worth discovering. During the 2023 edition of the Sommet de l’Élevage, you can attend five equine competitions showcasing different breeds.

See the 2023 Sommet de l’Élevage Equine Competition Program.