Most equestrian sports including show jumping and dressage are practiced across the Maltese Islands, although at this point in time, knowledge about this sport tends to be limited to those directly involved in the sport.

The Malta Equestrian Federation strives to deliver educational information concerning all equestrian sports, with the aim of raising awareness of horsemanship skills and equestrian sports not only among those already involved with the sport, but also among the general public. The main equestrian sport practiced in Malta and that are also Olympic disciplines are:

Show Jumping

Show Jumping challenges horse and rider teams to jump - and clear - a set of obstacles, usually with many turns and changes of direction. The purpose is to jump cleanly over a set course within a predetermined time and faults are assessed for exceeding the time allowance.

Jumping faults are incurred for knockdowns and blatant disobedience, such as refusals (when the horse stops before a fence). Each team is allowed a limited number of refusals before being disqualified. A refusal can also lead to a rider going over the time allowed on course. Placings in show jumping competitions are based on the lowest number of points or "faults" accumulated. A horse and rider who have not accumulated any jumping faults or penalty points are said to have scored a "clear round." Tied entries usually have a ‘jump off’ over a shortened course,which is also timed – if competitors in the jump off end up with the same faults, the fastest time wins.

Dressage

The rider guides the horse through a series of complex maneuvers by slight movements of the rider's hands, legs, and weight. Dressage is a sport that demands dedication and hard work but it is also one of the most rewarding equestrian sports and beautiful to watch. Basic dressage is taught to horses competing in most disciplines as it enable sthe horse to become more responsive, supple and balanced.

Para-equestrian

Para-equestrian sport is based on the principle that a disability should not impede one from competing and strives to provide and develop opportunities whereby athletes with disabilities can pursue their goals and achieve personal bests. Para-equestrian sport includes dressage and carriage-driving. Amongst competitors with disabilities, there are many different types of impairments. To provide meaningful competition for such competitors it is necessary that competitors with similar levels of impairment can compete together. The classification of impairment into easily recognised categories, and the grouping of these categories into Grades for competition facilitates this aim and ensures fair competition. The competitor’s mobility, strength and coordination are assessed in order to establish their Profile. Although para-equestrian sports is still at its ‘infant’ stages in Malta, the MEF is fully dedicated to promoting this sport o the local level.