Horse racing in ancient times
Although there is no historical evidence of organized horse racing in ancient times, it is believed that some specialized action occurred in China, Arabia, Persia, and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa that led to the emergence of the Arabian racehorse breed, the Barb.
Horse racing is almost the only ancient sport that has remained relatively unchanged through the ages, i.e., horse racing is the only sport that has remained relatively unchanged through the ages. е. its essence, the rules haven’t changed much. Its development can be traced from the organization of competitions between two horses to competitions between entire teams. In more modern times, horse racing has become a class leisure activity, available only to the upper classes of society. In the early 2000s, the popularity of horse racing declined, which is understandable, because only very rich people can afford such an expensive entertainment. In addition, there are many other ways to spend time with no less excitement and satisfaction.
Horse racing and royalty
In later times, thoroughbred horse racing became popular among British royalty and aristocrats, becoming known as the “sport of kings”. In medieval times in England, horses were offered for sale with professional riders. In the time of Richard the Lionheart (1189-1199), the first horse races with cash as a prize were held. The race was run over a distance of three kilometers.
Since the time of nomadic tribes in Central Asia, there have been domestic horse races. The kind of horse racing we envision now first appeared in the 1300s.
When the English knights returned home from the Crusades, they brought Arabian horses with them. A mixture of Arabian and English horses produced a new breed: fast and hardy. In 1660, King Charles held an equestrian competition. The English aristocracy could bet on the victory of one horse or another.
The first recorded horse race in France was held in 1651. Louis XIV (1643-1715) ran a great many horse races, thus spreading gambling. He also created a royal decree to establish racing rules and organized a jockey club.
During Queen Anne’s reign from 1702 to 1714, horse racing became somewhat of a spectator show. Jockeys rode thoroughbred horses at very high speeds on a specially created course. The Jockey Club was reconstituted in 1750. At that time, special rules were formed to record the winners of all races. Thus was born “sport for kings”, reflecting the English passion for horses. Since that time, many other countries have started to create similar events.
The demand for thoroughbred horses is still high, so breeding thoroughbred English racehorses is popular even today.
Racing these days
It is very important to take part in races exactly pure breed without impurities. It offers advantages in running, endurance, gracefulness of movement. However, the life of racehorses, especially those that race all the time, cannot be called a happy one. First it’s an absolutely calibrated diet, a special diet, daily workouts and exhausting runs. The life of a racehorse on the racetrack is not long. Only three to seven years, after which time the horse is written off and care is no longer as meticulous. Many horses break their legs, and then their career is fatally compromised. If you are lucky, the animal will recover and be able to continue at least a tolerable existence, whereas in some severe cases, the horse is simply put to sleep.
Horse racing is a spectacular adrenaline-pumping event, but it requires from the organizers and horse owners a powerful injection of finances. However, winning horse races is also very lucrative. However, those who breed horses for racing are already well off, so their interest is more of a narrowly professional one.