Eventing is the most complete and combined competition discipline recognised by the FEI (The FEI, founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee) where men and women compete as equals in both individual and team events.

It demands of the competitor considerable experience in all branches of equitation and a precise knowledge of the horse’s ability and of the horse a degree of competence resulting from intelligent and rational training.

It covers every aspect of horsemanship: the harmony between horse and rider that characterise Dressage; the contact with nature, stamina and extensive experience essential for the Cross-Country; the precision, agility and technique involved in Jumping.

Eventing is one of three disciplines in equestrian sports at the Olympic Games, the other two being Jumping and Dressage.

There are two types of modern competitions: with or without steeple chase in the Cross-Country phase. Although most events now are without steeplechase.

This competition comprises three distinct tests: Dressage, Cross-Country and Jumping. They take place on separate consecutive days during which a competitor rides the same horse throughout. Although a rider may enter a number of horses and perform the same tests for each horse.

1. Dressage Test: After an opening veterinary fitness inspection, which can take place the day before any equestrian discipline a Dressage test is then performed. The object of which is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. The test consists of a series of compulsory movements at walk, trot and canter gaits, within a rectangular arena 60 m. long and 20 m. wide. To perform a good Dressage test, the horse needs to be flexible and fluid. To keep the strong Eventing horses under the firm control required by the exacting Dressage movements involves great knowledge and understanding. There are numerous tests depending on the level of event, which the rider will need to learn. A good Dressage test lays the foundation for the rest of the competition and horses that are found wanting in this phase face an uphill struggle to get up amongst the prize-winners.

 

2. Cross-Country: The focus of the entire event is on the Cross-Country test. The objective of which is to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse, while at the same time demonstrating the rider’s knowledge of pace and the use of his or her horse. It consists of four distinct phases (as shown below). The four phases are quite independent as far as the timekeeping is concerned and loss of time in one cannot be compensated for by gain of time in another. Exceeding the time allowed in any of the four phases will result in penalties. Penalties are also given for refusals and falls of horse or rider. All penalties are added together and recorded for inclusion in the final classification. The first fall of a horse and second of a rider entails elimination. Most eventing now comprises of only phase D, the cross country, the other three phases have been gradually withdrawn in the major UK events. 

 

Cross-Country is the most difficult part of the test consisting in a course, usually twice the distance of the steeplechase, and depending on the event rating CCI*** CCI**** etc,  comprising 30 to 40 Jumping efforts on natural solid obstacles, such as stone walls, woodpiles, water, ditches, etc. The aim is to jump all the fences within the limits of the time allowed.

3. Jumping Test: This takes place on the last day, although at some events it has been switched with the cross-country after a third veterinary (horse) inspection. Riders may voluntarily retire their horses if they seem unfit to continue. This test is run in reverse order of merit and its main objective is to prove that the horses have retained their suppleness, energy and obedience in order to jump a course of 10 to 13 obstacles.

 

The winning individual is the competitor with the lowest total of penalty points. The winning team is the one with the lowest total of penalty points, after adding together the final scores of the three highest placed competitors in the team.

Without Steeple Chase these competitions comprise the same three tests, but the Cross Country test does not include Phases B & C. Moreover, phase A, before the Cross Country Obstacle Test, is optional. This format has contributed to developing the sport in countries traditionally less familiar with Eventing and has become the standard for the sport at all levels.

For more information with regards to the history and rules of Eventing, please consult the FEI website.

The Premier Eventing Competitions are...

The Olympic Games
The Olympic Games take place every four years in a bissextile year. The Games of the XXVIII Olympiad took place in Athens, Greece in 2004. It was the first time that the format without steeple chase was used. The following Olympics are to be held in 2008 in Beijing and in London on 2012.

The FEI World Equestrian Games
The FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) are held every four years in the even years between the Olympic Games. The last edition of the WEG were organised in Aachen, Germany in 2006, while the next are well under way in their preparations to be held for the first time outside of Europe in Kentucky, USA in 2010.

FEI World Cup™ Eventing
The FEI Eventing World Cup™ is a linked series for individuals, the goal of which is to develop the sport throughout the world. It is organised as a three-star level CIC qualifiers and a three-star level Final that began in August 2002. The 2006 Final was held in the Swedish city of Malmö. For more information on FEI World Cup™ Eventing, please visit the official website: www.feiworldcup.org