The Magnificent Five: Equestrian Events in Ancient Olympics

Hi! Greece’s participation in modern Olympic equestrian games has been a bit lame, but this doesn’t mean that the Greeks don’t have tradition in Olympic equestrianism! In fact, The the Ancient Greeks had a deep appreciation for horses, and this love was prominently displayed in the Olympic Games. So, today, we’re taking an exhilarating ride back in time to explore the thrilling world of equestrian sports in this pivotal event of the ancient world.

The Tethrippon. Tethrippon literally means something having to do with four horses. It was a four-horse chariot race introduced in 680 BC. Participants had to complete twelve laps around the Hippodrome, covering the distance of about nine miles. Being the most dangerous and prestigious of its kind, the Tethrippon was considered the crème de la crème of ancient equestrian sports. Four powerful horses pulled a chariot around the Hippodrome, requiring immense skill and bravery from the charioteer. This event was so revered that even rulers and tyrants competed, often hiring professional charioteers to represent them.

The Synoris. The Synoris was a two-horse chariot race. The Synoris featured lightweight chariots pulled by two horses. Charioteers had to masterfully control their pair of horses while navigating the Hippodrome. Athletes practicing the Synoris had to complete less laps than the ones practicing the Tethrippon.

The Keles. The Keles was a horse race which modern natural horsemen and horsewomen would love. Competitors rode bareback, showcasing both their riding skills and the speed of their horses. The riders competing in this sport had to cover six laps, that is about four and a half miles. There were separate races for adult horses and foals.

The Apene. Apene was a quite interesting sport, as it was a race of carts drawn by a pair of mules. Although it was not as prestigious as horse-racing and chariot-racing, it was a significant part of the Ancient Olympics.

The Kalpe. The Kalpe was a special race for mares, combining both riding and running. The athletes would ride their horses for most of the race, but in a surprising twist, they’d dismount and run alongside their horse for the final lap!

The equestrian Olympics of Ancient Greece did not include only adult horses. Separate races were held for riders with foals, which sounds very intriguing to me!

In a nutshell, we could say that, considering the lack of equipment, technology and veterinarian knowledge, one needed to have skill, endurance and strength to represent his city at the Ancient Olympics. But we must also stress that, just like the modern times, maintaining and exercising a horse was costly and time-consuming. That’s why competing in equestrian sports was a symbol of wealth and status, as only the rich could afford the training and maintenance of horses and chariots.

So, that’s what I have for you for now! Do you have a favourite among the above sports? Tell me in the comments!