Equestrian events
In ancient Greece, participation in equestrian events were very expensive and were limited to the wealthiest Greeks. Few Greeks had enough money to own quality horses, transport them to the games, and hire expert jockeys or drivers. The ancient Greeks participated in traditional horse racing and chariot racing. In horse racing, the riders raced without stirrups. Foals and fully grown horses were raced separately. The ancient Greeks also held 2-horse and 4-horse chariot races.
All equestrian events were held in a hippodrome. A hippodrome required a flat surface and enough room to permit as many as 50 riders to compete at the same time. Each end of a hippodrome had a sharp, hairpin turn. These turns were the most dangerous part of the race track. Every racer wanted to take the inside track on the turn, and many accidents occurred. Unlike the rest of the athletic events, spectators did not watch from the stands but instead watched the contest from the surrounding hillsides. The winner of a four-horse chariot race usually won extravagant prizes such as 140 ceramic pots filled with olive oil.
All equestrian events were held in a hippodrome. A hippodrome required a flat surface and enough room to permit as many as 50 riders to compete at the same time. Each end of a hippodrome had a sharp, hairpin turn. These turns were the most dangerous part of the race track. Every racer wanted to take the inside track on the turn, and many accidents occurred. Unlike the rest of the athletic events, spectators did not watch from the stands but instead watched the contest from the surrounding hillsides. The winner of a four-horse chariot race usually won extravagant prizes such as 140 ceramic pots filled with olive oil.