EVENTING

Eventing is an all-round test of horsemanship. It is one of the few sports that genuinely allow people to compete equally, whatever their experience. Men and women, amateurs and champions, young and experienced horses all compete fairly against each other, making it truly exciting for riders and spectators.

It is comprised of three phases, like a triathelon. The first of these is Dressagewhich is performed in an arena and is comprised of a sequence of compulsory movements judged with reference to balance, rythm, supplenessand most importantly, obedience of the horse and its harmony with the rider. The Show Jumping phase tests th athleticism, control and accuracy of the horse ridden over a series of fences, some in combination. The aim being not to knock poles down, or for the horse to refuse to jump a fence, and the course needs to be completed within a limited time. These two phases prepare the horse and rider for the challenging Cross-country phase where a series of obstacles are jumped on a long track through the countryside. Penaltes are given for falls and refusals, and time penalties are given if your time is significantly different from the optimum time.