Eventing

What is Eventing

Eventing (aka Combined Training) is considered the triathlon of equestrian disciplines and is the ultimate challenge for both horse and rider. The sport of Eventing takes place over one, two or three days depending on the level of competition. It is the only "high-risk" sport in which both men and women compete together on an equal status without separate divisions.

How it Works

The sport of Eventing (also known as Combined Training) takes place over one, two or three days depending on the level of competition. Over the one, two or three days; horse and rider combos compete in three phases:

Phase 1: Dressage - the first phase of an event is the Dressage phase which showcases the horse's ability to perform intricate movements with precision, suppleness and obedience. Each horse and rider pair will perform test comprising of a series of movements which will be scored individually with the pair's harmony and precision of the movements being taken into consideration. This phase is important to the competition as it aids in the development of muscular strength and suppleness which is needed for phases 2 and 3 where a horse must be extremely fit and strong as well as have the ability to lengthen and shorten their gate at a gallop.

The purpose of the dressage test is to demonstrate the communication between horse and rider as well as to display the horse's ability to perform each movement with rhythmic balance and suppleness. Due to the demands of this sport, horse and rider pairs must be at peak condition with the mount having strength, agility and stamina. The rider must also be skilled and have the ability to harness and direct their mount's energy into a polished and powerful performance.

Phase 2: Cross-Country - the second and most exhilarating phase is the cross-country for both competitor and spectator. This phase happens in an open area over varying terrain with a distance of approx. 2.75 - 4 miles long. The course takes place over 24 - 36 fixed and solid obstacles at a gallop, speed is determined by the level of competition. 

The cross-country phase is the most challenging phase in the event as it tests not only the pairs stamina and determination, it puts their bravery and reflexes to the ultimate test. The pair aims to complete the course within the allotted time incurring the least amount of penalties possible. Penalties are incurred through jumping errors (refusals, run-outs, falls) and through time penalties (exceeding the allotted time or coming in too soon)

Of all the equine disciplines, combined training is the ultimate challenge to prepare a horse for because horse and rider compete as one with two minds and two bodies. The cross-country phase makes Eventing the only "high-risk" sport in which both men and women compete on an equal playing field without separate divisions.

Phase 3: Show Jumping - the third and final phase on the event is the show jumping phase which takes place in an enclosed arena with movable fences and lightweight rails that can be easily knocked. This phase tests the horse's stamina and recovery rate following the rigors of the previously phase and shows the horse's ability to continue working. 

As stated by the FEI rule book 

"The test on the third day is not an ordinary show jumping competition...Its sole object is to demonstrate that, on the day after a severe test of endurance, the horses have retained the suppleness, energy and obedience necessary for them to continue in service." 

The show jumping course must be ridden with precision by both horse and rider. The pair need to be skilled enough to jump a course of 12 - 15 obstacles (combinations, spreads, ditches, and the occasional water feature) without incurring penalties (knocking down fences, falls or time faults).

The show jumping course is designed to test the horse and rider's ability to negotiate a variety of fences at different heights, spreads and technicality. To complete the show jumping phase, the horse must be balanced and supple in body to complete tight turns and short distances with both power and speed all the while having the ability to shorten and lengthen strides in an instant. The rider must be skilled enough in judging distances to know the pair's exact approach and take off as well as have the ability to improvise and respond to unexpected changes. This final stage is exciting and exhilarating as one knocked rail can change the rankings in an instant. This is a fast paced ride that requires extreme precision.

Scoring

Each phase is scored individually then totaled at the end of the competition. The scores, plus the penalties are added together for the final results to determine the rankings. The dressage test is scored 0 out of 10 for each movement while the cross-country and show jumping phases are scored on time and penalties. Unlike other disciplines, in the sport of Eventing, the lowest score actually wins.

When in a team competition, the individual scores of each pair are added up. The best three out of the entire team are then combined to determine the teams overall score. The lowest overall score is therefore pronounced the winner.