Competitive horse riding for a dummy please!

[S_Farrah]

okay, when i say for a 'dummy' i mean for a dummy

i've never really got into the competitive side of horse riding, but i think it's time i finally learnt the basics
so, i know every country has their 'team' right?
i 'm guessing for each discipline showjumping, dressage, cross-country and endurance. how many riders ride for each country? what country is known for being pretty good riders? how does great britian compare to other countries?
if you've read this far, thank you for both your time and patience!

 

[Saucisson]

Well good for you for taking an interest! I can't say a lot. I have always loved XC (but have yet to compete myself - watch out 60cm 2011 ). OH competes here at a reasonable level and has gone to...er.....can't remember but some stars in the past .

I would go on H&C TV and look at the vids and generally enjoy watching the best. Personally, I've recently taken an interest in carriage driving (maybe one day ) and have started following a bit because I think it's fascinating and I hope to have a crack in the future (OH is currently training a horse for a very succesful and gorgeous wedding carriage and has offered to get me a place to work - just to see ) A bit of a way from the sport but I love anything to do with training horses.

I think dressage is interesting when you have some idea of what's good and what isn't but one must always bear in mind the difficulty and experience of the horse.