Genesis and historical development of equestrian sports in Costa Rica (1873-1969)

Horse Racing (1873-1962), Horse Riding (1897-1969) and Polo (1902-1963)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to study the origin and historical development of equestrian sports in Costa Rica. For this, a historical investigation was conducted out that begins in 1873 with the creation of the Jockey Club of Costa Rica and concludes in 1969 with the establishment of the jumping, riding and polo school of the Club Equestrian La Caraña S.A. For this purpose, newspapers such as Gaceta Oficial, La República, El Heraldo de Costa Rica among others were used. The equestrian sports studied were exclusively accessible to the national bourgeoisie, their main places of practice being La Sabana and Campo Ayala. In the latter, different agricultural and livestock activities such as horse racing were promoted. This demonstrates the relationship between horse racing and equine livestock production. These sports disciplines did not need state support to acquire purebred horses or modernize their sports facilities since they were controlled by wealthy men and women with enough capital to sustain such activities. The support that these sports provided for charitable activities stands out. The little international experience of the three disciplines allows us to point out their incipient sporting development.