Horse racing and the horsemen

The origins of horse racing are lost in time. They may have been so common that they were not even written down in history. 

We know that the first recorded horse races occurred during the Olympic Games of 648 BC. Ironically, four-horse chariot horses competed earlier, in 680 BC. Only wealthy citizens could afford to participate in horse and chariot racing because of the high costs involved in maintaining and transporting the animals and the equipment. 

In the case of horse racing, the riding skills required a good grip and balance since the contestant rode bareback and without stirrups. No wonder the riders were selected by the owner of the horse. In other words, you had to be good in order to be chosen for the job! In return, you would be granted eternal glory and fame. 

We will remember how Philip of Macedonia, after having taken Philippi, rejoiced at the news that his horse won at the Olympic races in 356 BC, coinciding with the birth of his son, Alexander. The king also won the horse-chariot races of 352 and 348 BC. 

The prize of the winning rider was a crown of wild olive leaves taken from Olympia’s sacred tree. The chariot racers, however, would receive a red woolen ribbon they could tie around their head or wear on their upper arm as the olive crown went to the horse owner. It’s easy to imagine King Philip parading the grounds wearing the olive crown! 

Only a few names of winners of equestrian races have reached us. Recently a new name can be added to the list, that of Lukuyanus, a Roman rider who lived about 2,000 years ago. 

In his memory, a monument was erected near Konya, central Turkey. This discovery included a stone tablet with a Greek inscription explaining the sport's rules. They were in no way linked to the Olympic Games, but they may be the oldest rules ever found. 

The races took place in the hippodrome, either in the simple Greek version or in the Roman Circus that was also used for gladiator fights. 

In the case of Lukuyanus, the inscription made clear that the winning riders and horses could not participate in future competitions. The idea was that others should have a chance to win and enjoy the glory. It is also noteworthy that horses that had lost their rider could still win the race. 

Archaeological research has confirmed that horse racing was held throughout the Roman Empire, even in Babylon.

[Pictures taken from Daily Mail]