Horses in Public Service

At the turn of the twentieth century the horse was still a dominating influence in public life. As the source of primary transportation they pulled machinery and wagons in their role as field and farm helpers. In their civic duties they mobilized the fire, police, and military services.   Their role in military action required enormously rigorous training which a core of expert horsemen diligently implemented. It was not a surprise that such expertise would lead to public challenges to see whose country’s training regimen excelled, and so the beginning of the Equestrian Olympic Games began in 1900. Only three categories were listed, and two more were added as unofficial options although not included as official Olympic classes. There was the “Jump”, “High Jump”, and “Long Jump” categories with “Hacks and Hunters” and “Mail Coach” added as unofficial categories.  Belgium brought home two Gold Medals, a silver and one Bronze. France and Italy battled out and tied the remaining Gold Medal and battled for the remaining silver and bronze. The results were France winning two Bronze, one Gold; and Italy winning only one Silver and sharing the Gold with France.

(Equestrian pictogram from Olympic files)

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