Sports of many kinds have been included in the Olympic Games, whether as official or unofficial showcase sports. Because of the IOC's decisions, many sports have been added and removed from the Olympics since 1896. A total of 42 sports were included in the Olympics at various times.
In particular, the IOC have made major decisions since 1896, including which sports will be included in the Olympics and which will be excluded from the Games. Sporting events are added, terminated, and occasionally revived due to their worldwide popularity.
On a total of 42 venues around Japan, this year's Summer Olympics will feature 33 sports and 339 medal events. 1912 marked the first time that equestrian was included in the Olympic program, at the Stockholm Games.
Why is equestrian in the Olympics?
Although equestrian is a contentious sport, it is nevertheless included in the Olympics because of its use of horses and its categorization as a sport. As a type of exhibition and competitive horseback riding, equestrian is frequently regarded as a mix of art and sport.
The British Dressage Association defines it as "learning to work with your horse and helping him gain more suppleness, flexibility, and obedience; enhancing his natural movements and abilities, and improving his athleticism and athletic ability". In 680 B.C., equestrian was part of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Equestrian did not return to the Olympic Games until 1912, when they were held in Paris. Since then, it has been featured at every summer Olympic Games in which it has been played. It appeals to a wide cross section of society, with participants aged four to 70 and older.
Only three Olympic sports have men and women competing against each other (sailing and'mixed doubles' in Badminton), equestrian is the only sport that combines two participants - a horse and a rider. Equestrian events in the Olympics include dressage, eventing, and jumping.
