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80 Equestrian Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Equestrian? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Equestrian (Sports). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
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1 Equestrian eventing competitions consist of three disciplines. Which of the options below is *not* one of them?
Answer: Western riding

Equestrian eventing competitions comprise a dressage test, a cross-country course and a show jumping round. The most well known form of the competition is the 'three day event' where the separate disciplines are held on subsequent days. At international 4 star level (the highest available level of competition) the three day event cross-country course is between 6 and 7 kilometres long with about 40 obstacles to be negotiated.
    Your options: [ Dressage ] [ Western riding ] [ Cross-country ] [ Show jumping ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
2 What was unusual about Marion Mould's Olympic medal winning horse, Stroller?
Answer: He was actually a pony

He was out of a connemara pony mare by a thoroughbred stallion and only 14.2hh. They competed at the 1968 Olympics and won the Individual Silver Medal.
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
3 In which year was the first Horse Trials held at Badminton?
Answer: 1949

The 10th Duke of Beaufort decided to hold the trial at his home so that the British riders could train for international events. It followed the 1948 Olympics in which the British team didn't do very well. At the time it was restricted to cavalry officers who trained purely by using their normal military exercises. Women, of course, were not allowed to take part! There were 22 starters and it was won by Golden Willow, ridden by John Shedden. Interestingly, Golden Willow is still the youngest horse (5 years old) to have won Badminton - these days, horses must be at least 7 to take part.
    Your options: [ 1952 ] [ 1953 ] [ 1947 ] [ 1949 ]
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
4 Which famous female rider has successfully ridden 'Judgement', a handsome Dutch Warmblood?
Answer: Beezie Madden

Beezie Madden rode Judgement, a famous Dutch Warmblood stallion sired by Consul. Even though he was owned by Iron Spring Farm, he was successfully paired with Beezie Madden, a show-jumping master.
    Your options: [ Beezie Madden ] [ Leslie Howard ] [ Schuyler Riley ] [ Jessica Kurten ]
  From Quiz: Famous Show-Jumpers
5 For many years he was known as the bad boy of British equestrianism. Which show jumper literally held up two fingers to the authorities?
Answer: Harvey Smith

"Typical Yorkshireman" is how many would describe the colourful and blunt-speaking Smith. He represented GB at numerous international events, although his best Olympic record was fourth at Munich in 1972. Three years earlier he was disciplined by the show jumping authorities when he gave a "vee sign" to judges at the British Show Jumping Derby.
    Your options: [ Scott Brash ] [ Nick Skelton ] [ Harvey Smith ] [ Ben Maher ]
  From Quiz: Jumping for Joy: Equestrianism in the UK
6 This jockey had his wishes granted numerous times, as he won the Derby on nine different occasions. The winning horses included Never Say Die and Sir Ivor. Who was the rider?
Answer: Lester Piggott

Piggott's first winner was in 1954, when he was aged 18 on Never Say Die. He won again on Crepello (1957), St. Paddy (1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), Empery (1976), The Minstrel (1977), and Teenoso (1983). Piggott was tall for a jockey and was nicknamed 'The Long Fellow' as a result. Carson won the Derby four times and Eddery three times. Dettori won the race for the first time on his 15 attempt, in 2007, riding Authorized.
  From Quiz: If Wishes Were Horses
7 What is the surname of the famous show jumping brothers John and Michael?
Answer: Whitaker

The Whitakers are a Show Jumping dynasty, with John's children Robert and Louise and niece Ellen also very talented competitors.
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
8 Who was the first rider to notch up 6 wins at Badminton?
Answer: Lucinda Green

Lucinda Green (nee Prior-Palmer) has won no less than 6 times, her first in 1973 on Be Fair and her last in 1984 on Beagle Bay. She later commentated for the TV coverage of the event.
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
9 At the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia's quarantine laws meant that ____________ ?
Answer: the equestrian events were held in Sweden

In 1956, Australia's quarantine laws were so strict that competitors' horses weren't allowed into the country, so all equestrian events were held in Sweden.
  From Quiz: Equestrian
10 Jump for Joy: Which Olympic bronze medal winning equestrienne later became a best-selling author of children's books?
Answer: Pat Smythe

Pat Smythe won the bronze at the 1956 Stockholm Games. For many years she was a key member of British international teams. She married the Swiss show jumper Sam Koechlin. She wrote numerous books, both fact and fiction, but her most noted was 'Three Jays' series that featured the childhood adventures of their heroes, Jimmy, Jane and Jacqueline. 'Jump For Joy' was the title of her autobiography.
    Your options: [ Mary King ] [ Ann Moore ] [ Pat Smythe ] [ Nicola Wilson ]
  From Quiz: Jumping for Joy: Equestrianism in the UK
11 The first Eventing World Championship took place in 1966 at which 16th century English country house?
Answer: Burghley House

Burghley House is also the location for the annual Burghley Horse Trials, which is one of the leading three-day events worldwide. The first trials were held in 1961 and won by British rider Anneli Drummond-Hay and her horse Merely-A-Monarch.
Hardwick Hall, Longleat House and Wollaton Hall are all English country houses built in the 16th century. In 1966 Longleat also became well known for the safari park which was opened in its grounds.
    Your options: [ Longleat House ] [ Burghley House ] [ Hardwick Hall ] [ Wollaton Hall ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
12 National Hunt followers had their wishes for a superstar answered when Desert Orchid was running. What colour was he?
Answer: Grey

Although the official description is 'grey', Desert Orchid's coat was white, which made him an eyecatching sight when in full flow over fences. Among his victories were the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup and the King George VI Chase, which he won in 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990. Following his retirement from racing in 1991, 'Dessie' as he was known, followed in the hoof marks of Red Rum and forged a career as an equine superstar raising huge amounts of money for charity in the process. He died in 2006 at the age of 27.
  From Quiz: If Wishes Were Horses
13 To compete in affiliated Show Jumping in the UK, which society must you and your horse be registered with?
Answer: BSJA

BSJA is the British Show Jumping Association.
    Your options: [ SJAI ] [ GBSJ ] [ BHS ] [ BSJA ]
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
14 What is the Armada Dish?
Answer: Dish awarded to any rider who completes the competition five times

It is awarded to anyone who completes the competition 5 times, that means they get through all the phases and complete the final day's show-jumping round. In 2005, it was awarded to Matt Ryan (Australia), Eric Smiley (Ireland), and Kristina Cook (nee Gifford) (Great Britain).
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
15 Where was the first ever non-Olympics Three Day Event challenge in Britain held?
Answer: Badminton

Three-day eventing comprising fence jumping, cross-country and dressage disciplines was relatively new in the 1940s and the first event held in Britain was at the London Olympics of 1948. In 1949 the inaugural Badminton Horse Trials took place, with the purpose of preparing British riders for international competition. It became an annual occasion, attracting top-class competitors from around the world.
  From Quiz: Jumping for Joy: Equestrianism in the UK
16 In 1990, the Eventing World Championship became part of the first World Equestrian Games. In which city were the games held?
Answer: Stockholm, Sweden

The World Equestrian Games, held at four yearly intervals, were designed to bring together the world championships for different equestrian sports into a single event. Other equestrian sports that have been included in the games are: the separate dressage and show jumping competitions, carriage driving, endurance riding, reining and vaulting.
The Hague, Rome and Aachen hosted the World Equestrian Games in 1994, 1998 and 2006 respectively.
    Your options: [ The Hague, The Netherlands ] [ Stockholm, Sweden ] [ Aachen, Germany ] [ Rome, Italy ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
17 Lucinda Prior-Palmer (later Green) must have wished extra hard as she won one of Eventing's most prestigious competitions six times, and on a different horse on each occasion. Which event gave her this success?
Answer: Badminton

All the venues named are known for holding three day events, although only Badminton and Burleigh hold the highest level four-star events. Lucinda's record of six wins was still standing in 2010, along with her seven wins of the Tony Collins Trophy for the most successful rider of the season. Her first win was in 1973 on Be Fair, before wins in 1976 on Wideawake, in 1977 on George, 1979 on Killaire, 1983 on Regal Realm, and finally on Beagle Bay in 1984. Lucinda also won six gold medals in the European Championships, two golds in World Championships, and a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics.
    Your options: [ Gatcombe ] [ Burleigh ] [ Munstead ] [ Badminton ]
  From Quiz: If Wishes Were Horses
18 Which class was named after Sir Harry Llewellyn's famous horse?
Answer: Foxhunter

This is a very prestigious qualifying class, with the final held each year at the Horse of the Year show.
    Your options: [ Discovery ] [ Accumulator ] [ Puissance ] [ Foxhunter ]
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
19 In 2005, Andrew Nicholson took over from another rider as the person who had completed the course the most times. Who was the rider whose record he defeated?
Answer: Lorna Clarke

Up until 2005 it was Lorna Clark. She had held the record since 1992, but in 2005 Andrew Nicholson pipped her. At that time he had completed the whole competition safely no less than 23 times.
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
20 Which rider was considered the best rider in the world?
Answer: Ludger Beerbaum

Ludger Beerbaum has won numerous world titles in competitions at places such as Spruce Meadows, but has excelled most in shows all thoroughout Europe.
    Your options: [ Ludger Beerbaum ] [ Michael Whitaker ] [ Rodrigo Pessoa ] [ Ian Miller ]
  From Quiz: Famous Show-Jumpers
21 In 1932 at Los Angeles, the team show jumping course was so tough that ___________ ?
Answer: no team finished the course, and no medals were awarded

No team finished the team jumping competition and no medals were awarded in that discipline in 1932.
  From Quiz: Equestrian
22 For many years, equestrian sports took pride of place on national television in the UK each October. What was the name of the event?
Answer: Horse of the Year Show

The HOYS was first held in 1949 and was designed to showcase the best in British show jumping. It had been held at a number of venues, all of them indoors ever since. For many years it was televised annually by the BBC.
  From Quiz: Jumping for Joy: Equestrianism in the UK
23 At the 1998 World Equestrian Games the gold medal in the team eventing competition was won by New Zealand. Their riders also occupied four of the top five positions in the individual competition with which team member taking the individual gold?
Answer: Blyth Tait

This was Blyth Tait's second double gold medal winning performance at World Equestrian Games following his previous victories in both the individual and team eventing competition in 1990. His winning horse in 1998 was Ready Teddy, although his 1990 victories came with Messiah. He also won individual gold and team bronze at the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta with Ready Teddy.

Mark Todd came second with Broadcast News, Vaughn Jefferis fourth with Bounce and Andrew Nicholson fifth with New York. Andrew Nicholson was the only one of these four New Zealanders not to have taken part in the team event.
    Your options: [ Mark Todd ] [ Blyth Tait ] [ Andrew Nicholson ] [ Vaughn Jefferis ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
24 What horse did Ben Maher ride in the 2008 Olympics?
Answer: Rolette

The ten-year old mare was sold later that year for an undisclosed sum, and has gone to compete in the United States.
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
25 Who was the first rider to be placed first and second in the same year?
Answer: Ian Stark

The year was 1988 and it was impressive to watch. Ian Stark won on Sir Wattie and Glenburnie was placed second. The other riders all have ridden more than one horse in the same competition.
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
26 Until the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, only these people were allowed to compete in dressage events _________ ?
Answer: commissioned officers in the armed forces

The rule allowing only commissioned armed forces officers was strictly enforced until 1952. When a member of the winning Swedish team in 1948 was found to have had a lower rank, the team was disqualified.
  From Quiz: Equestrian
27 The British winner of the gold medal for the individual eventing competition at the 2006 World Equestrian Games was a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. Which granddaughter won gold?
Answer: Zara Phillips

Zara Phillips is the daughter of Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and Captain Mark Phillips. Both her parents also competed in international level eventing, with her father winning a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics and her mother competing at the 1976 Olympics. She became the first British winner of the individual world eventing championship for 20 years with her horse Toytown and also took home a silver medal for the team event alongside Daisy Dick, William Fox-Pitt and Mary King.
Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Lady Louise Windsor are also granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth II.
    Your options: [ Princess Beatrice of York ] [ Zara Phillips ] [ Princess Eugenie of York ] [ Lady Louise Windsor ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
28 Bob Champion had his wishes come true when he not only recovered from cancer, but also won the 1981 Grand National. Which horse did he ride?
Answer: Aldaniti

Bob Champion was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979 and given only a 40% chance of survival. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Bob continued to train and ride. Aldaniti himself had been written off, having suffered from serious leg injuries, but the pair came together to make the fairy tale come true. Their story was so inspiring that it was made into the film 'Champions' in 1983 with John Hurt playing Bob Champion and Aldaniti playing himself. The other horses had their own claim to fame, with Corbiere being the first winner trained by a woman (Jenny Pitman) in 1983 and 1990, with Mr. Frisk being ridden by Marcus Armytage, an amateur. Foinavon won in 1967 as a 100-1 outsider when most of the field came to grief at the 23rd fence, which has since been renamed the 'Foinavon Fence'.
    Your options: [ Corbiere ] [ Foinavon ] [ Mr Frisk ] [ Aldaniti ]
  From Quiz: If Wishes Were Horses
29 What is the competition where the competitors must jump a very high wall that gets higher each round?
Answer: Puissance

The word Puissance means power in French. A record was set by Franke Sloothaak who cleared an amazing 7 foot 10 inches on Leonardo in 1991.
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
30 Originally the competition was only open to men but women were allowed to enter not long after. Who was the first lady rider to win Badminton?
Answer: Margaret Hough

Sheila Wilcox won in 1954 on Bambi V. Bambi V was also female but the first mare to win was 2 years earlier when Emily Little, ridden by Captain Mark Darley, won in 1952.
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
31 Traditionally, in the United Kingdom, which colour of rosettes were awarded to the the winners of the various categories of events organised by the Pony Club of Great Britain?
Answer: Blue

I hope that did not catch out too many of you since, in adult competition, red rosettes go to the winners. [Source: 'Horse & Hound' magazine.]
    Your options: [ Yellow ] [ Red ] [ Blue ] [ Green ]
  From Quiz: Jumping for Joy: Equestrianism in the UK
32 The 2010 World Equestrian Games were the first to be held outside of Europe. Which city in the USA, also known as the 'Horse Capital of the World', hosted this landmark event?
Answer: Lexington, Kentucky

The individual eventing was won by Michael Jung of Germany, the first German winner of individual eventing gold at the world championships. The team eventing gold medal was won by Great Britain, represented by William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Nicola Wilson and Kristina Cook. 'Horse Capital of the World' is not an official title for Lexington. At least one other US city (Ocala, Florida) also claims the same honour!
    Your options: [ Louisville, Kentucky ] [ Lexington, Kentucky ] [ St Louis, Missouri ] [ Lincoln, Nebraska ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
33 Which horse did John Whitaker ride in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics?
Answer: Ryans Son

This amazing horse is the horse that carried John to his first major successes, and a Silver Team medal in the 1984 Olympics.
    Your options: [ Milton ] [ Shining Example ] [ Hopscotch ] [ Ryans Son ]
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
34 In 1998, the top 3 riders were all aged over 40. Who won that year?
Answer: Chris Bartle

Chris Bartle was 46 years (and 80 days) old when he won in 1998 on Word Perfect II. Curiously, all three top-placed riders were over 40 that year. Mark Todd (NZ) was second and Bruce Davidson (US) third.
  From Quiz: Badminton Horse Trials History
35 Which horse tragically died from falling on his head, while being lunged when he was in Europe for a competition?
Answer: Nick of Diamonds

Nick of Diamonds was known for his small size and wonderful personality. This great little horse had a very unexpected accident while in Europe. He will remain in our hearts forever, especially of his rider, Leslie Howard.
    Your options: [ Nick of Diamonds ] [ Fleur ] [ S'Blieft ] [ Landato ]
  From Quiz: Famous Show-Jumpers
36 In 1936, a competitor fell off his horse during the cross-country event and ____________ ?
Answer: took almost three hours to catch his horse and received more than 18,000 penalty points

Poor guy!
  From Quiz: Equestrian
37 For a nation that loves horses and horse-riding events, Great Britain has had modest success in equestrian events at Olympic Games. Who was the first Briton to win an individual Olympic gold medal?
Answer: Richard Meade

Richard Meade rode 'Laurieston' to an eventing gold at Munich in 1972. He also took a team gold on 'Cornishman V' in Mexico City in 1968. Derek Allhusen on 'Lochinvar' and Reuben Jones on 'The Poacher' completed the team.

At Helsinki in 1952, Wilfred White on 'Nizefela', Douglas Stewart on 'Aherlow' and Harry Llewellyn on 'Foxhunter' took a team showjumping gold; GB's first-ever in Olympic events that were traditionally dominated by Germany - 23 gold and 46 medals overall between 1900 and 2012.
  From Quiz: Jumping for Joy: Equestrianism in the UK
38 Although eventing became an Olympic sport in 1912, only male military officers were allowed to compete. At which Olympic games did the first woman take part in the eventing competition?
Answer: Tokyo 1964

The sport of eventing has its historical roots in the use of horses in military cavalry units, hence the original requirements for only military officers and military horses to enter the competition. The dressage phase represented the horse's parading ability, the cross-country represented potential conditions the horse might encounter during military deployment and the show jumping tested the stamina of the horse following the difficult cross-country phase.

The first woman to take part in an Olympic eventing competition was Helena Du Pont of the USA. However, women had been taking part in other Olympic equestrian sports since the 1952 games.
    Your options: [ Melbourne 1956 ] [ Tokyo 1964 ] [ Rome 1960 ] [ Mexico City 1968 ]
  From Quiz: In the Dark about Eventing...?
39 Wishes came true for many people in 1981 when Walter Swinburn won the Derby on the ill-fated Shergar. Who was the owner of the horse?
Answer: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

All the options are well known owners, with The Aga Khan winning again in 1986, 1988, and 2000. HM The Queen did not have a Derby winner in the 20th century, but the other two did. Shergar won the race by an astounding 10 lengths, and was retired to stud in Ireland in September 1981. In 1983, the horse was stolen and a ransom demanded. Although the IRA was the prime suspect, no one was brought to justice and Shergar was never seen again. He is believed to have been killed soon after being taken as the kidnappers were unable to handle the highly strung horse.
  From Quiz: If Wishes Were Horses
40 What happened to Nick Skelton in 2001 that could have ended his Show Jumping career?
Answer: He broke his neck

Nick was advised he should never compete again as a fall could kill him. He briefly retired in 2001 but returned to competition the following year.
  From Quiz: Show Jumping in the UK
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