Equine agility or horse agility is a sport similar to dog agility but using horses. It is the humans who guide horses to navigate an obstacle course and they are always close to the horse. In the beginning, horses are guided with a lead rope but as they advance in training they don’t need to be guided any more as there are cases when even the halter is removed.
There are no requirement for the size of an equine to compete in agility as any equine can compete including draft horses, mules, donkeys, and miniature horses. Horses can compete in the ‘wild’ or even in enclosed areas and there is no need for judges to be present because their handlers can sent the horse’s performance via video. It is not easy to deal with a horse and train him in agility as you should have a great communication with him and love him unconditionally so that he can respond to every of your commands.
In live competition, handlers are required to wear an equestrian helmet and cannot use whips or sticks. The horse is only allowed, at most, to wear a halter, lead rope and may wear leg protection such as splint boots. The lead rope must be loose and the handler cannot pull on it but must remain within a designated position with their horse. Watch this video of horses performing equine agility!