6 aristocratic sports that are still considered elitist today

Some sports disciplines in the past were the prerogative of noble and wealthy people. Historically, horseback riding, golf, tennis and yachting were available exclusively to the upper classes. That is why today we call them aristocratic.

Now these sports are generally available to the masses. You don’t need to be a member of a privileged club to play them. But nevertheless, a certain elitism remains. The fact is that today such sports require large financial outlays. And the equipment is not cheap, and the cost of training is quite high.

Which sports still have a touch of elitism?

Aristocratic sports are characterized by one important feature that sets them apart from the rest. They tend to have family traditions. The ability to stay in the saddle, to wield a sword, to put a ball in a hole are passed on from generation to generation.

In Russia, due to the complex historical past, many traditions have been lost. The link between generations was broken, and elite sports completely left the country for a period of time. Accordingly, family continuity was also lost.

The love of people from the highest circles for these sports remained. Some of them are simply very spectacular. The rich and famous like to look spectacular. Others require the presence (and therefore the development) of analytical abilities, which is important for those who want to raise worthy heirs. Almost everywhere there is work with posture and the ability to move gracefully.

And also – our country is clearly not indifferent to the royal family of Great Britain. There, as we know, sports traditions are very much honored. And if Kate Middleton takes to the court, how not to follow her? Especially if you have the desire.

So, what sports have aristocrats historically been into? Let’s look at retro footage and modern photos. Each of these disciplines is beautiful!

1. Horseback riding

Horseback riding is the most famous “aristocratic” sport. Since ancient times, owning a good racehorse was considered a sign of great wealth. Royal horses were valued and presented as gifts.

Riding was actively developed in England, where it continues to be especially popular. The royal family of Great Britain honors tradition, and almost all of its members are skilled at riding horses.

Riding involves, in addition to being able to stay in the saddle, training for the horses on which the obstacle jumps are performed. The difficulty and accuracy of the tasks are judged by a panel of judges. In the course of training, horses are taught commands. For example, head down, maneuvering and others. In these classes, animals must perfectly perform all elements. Horse racing is one of the most spectacular sports, enjoy great popularity.

2. Golf

Perhaps there is not a person who would not classify this sport as elitist. If you know someone who has the skill to hit a ball gracefully and for a minimum number of strokes into holes, you would probably describe him as successful and wealthy.

Since the 18th century, golf has been the domain of the rich. Only a select few could get into private clubs and enjoy the game. It was believed that in the lap of nature in a quiet unhurried atmosphere can be held social conversations or make favorable deals. To this day, golf is still considered as such, although anyone can play it. Hypothetically. The pleasure is not cheap.

Interesting fact – golf originated in the XV century. The first who started playing it were not elite circles of society at all. Shepherds of Scotland invented such an uncomplicated way to spend time in nature. And only after 300 years golf acquired aristocratic status and people from high society began to play it.

3. tennis

This sport has a similar history to golf. Its founders are considered to be not aristocrats and rich estates, but monks. The game was invented in Europe in the XI century. Initially, the ball was beaten with hands, not rackets. Only a few centuries later, additional sports attributes were introduced. Otherwise, the rules haven’t changed much since then.

Tennis, which was favored by the nobility in the Middle Ages, continues to be an elitist sport. It requires a large financial investment to practice, and the athletes who achieve the top ranks are some of the richest people in the world. They sign contracts with famous brands and produce their own clothing lines.

4. Fencing

Mastery of the sword was considered a privilege of the nobility in the ancient world. Fencing was a mandatory skill for legionaries and gladiators in Rome. And then it was not considered a sport, as it is now, but a martial art. In medieval Europe, fighting on epees, rapiers, daggers, knives was part of the compulsory training program of the nobility. Originally, shields were used in fencing.

There are several types of fencing: fighting on swords, on sabers, rapiers, art fencing as a separate type of martial art. Historical fencing has recently become widespread. Enthusiastic reconstructors recreate sword fights with appropriate entourage.

5. Archery

This sport can be considered the oldest. It appeared in the Stone Age, but not as a competition, but as an opportunity to get food. People used arrows to hunt wild animals. After skilled hunters began to use the bow as a weapon to defend their homes.

People who accurately hit the target from long distances have always been very valued. The wealthy classes who loved hunting were trained in this art of marksmanship and shooting. Later, with the development of cold weapons, firearms replaced the bow. The skill moved into the category of sports competitions. In 1900, the first official archery competitions were held.

Until 1972, this sport was not included in the compulsory program of the Olympic Games. Today, archery is included in it, but it is constantly undergoing changes. This is done to attract the attention of the public and make it more spectacular.

Sailing (yachting)

Competitions in yachting are called regatta. This discipline is included in the Olympic sports. The task of regatta participants is to overcome the distance on the water on vessels driven by wind currents. Such a sport requires a certain skill, good physical data and the ability to navigate in difficult situations.

Sailing as a competition, according to some historical sources, originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century. However, it is documented that the regatta was first held on the waters of England in 1661. Since then, yacht clubs began to appear, which were joined by the wealthy estates.

However, despite the emergence of closed communities that liked to compete in sailing, up to the XIX century yachts were mainly used for sea walks and recreation. It was not until the 1900s that yachting became part of the mandatory Olympic program.

Nowadays sailing includes seven regattas, in which different types of yachts compete on different distances. For the participants the outfit and equipment of the vessel are very important. Therefore, this sport can rightfully be considered one of the most expensive.