Media, specifically television, has driven mass and recreational sports to their current high levels of popularity. This translates into streams of income to further pay athletes and organizers and to pay for marketing, advertising, public relations, events and television, which translates into increasing revenues that continue to strengthen and expand these sports in ever-increasing upward spirals.

The desire by recreational sports to receive their fare share of money through sponsorship, television and attendance has been coupled with a willingness to provide a sports experience that is highly competitive and dramatic.

Often it is cited that equestrian sports have not been part of the general sports and physical education as the reason for the lack of interest by sponsors and the public or that it is too elitist. If this were truly the case, golf, tennis, skiing and figure skating would also not be popular. They are. Practically anyone can recall who at least some of these sports' most important heroes have been. From Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicholas to Rod Laver, Martina Navratoalova, Jean Claud Killy and Dorothy Hammel, we have allowed these persons to represent accomplishment and achievement regardless of whether we are personally involved in their respective sports or are in fact significantly interested in these sports.