What is Eventing?

"There is a moment when these horses walk up for the vet inspection and show us the look of eagles. I have seen this look all my life. I think that it is not one of arrogance, but of knowledge. These horses know what they can do, and they are not afraid of anything except doing their best."

- Jimmy Wofford in the USEA Eventing Magazine

Welcome to the world of the three-day event (also known as Eventing), the international equestrian triathlon! Celebrate the elegance, bravery, intelligence, and courage of the equine athlete!

Eventing is rooted in a strong military tradition. It originated early in the twentieth century to showcase the talent, athleticism, and durability of the cavalry. The sport first appeared as an Olympic discipline at the 1912 Stockholm games.  It has evolved over the years to include international championships at the Olympic Games, the World Equestrian Games or Championships, and the Pan-America Games. The sport is not age nor gender-specific. Horses range in age from 4 to 18, and many riders stay on top of the international scene into their forties and fifties! Eventing remains today as the only sport where men and women compete as equals!

Eventing is comprised of three tests:

· The first test is the Dressage Test. Every horse and rider in the competition performs a set pattern of movements in a flat ring to highlight the “harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse.” Each piece of the test is judged, and riders strive to demonstrate the strength, flexibility, obedience, and grace of the equine athlete.

· Cross Country is the second phase of the triathlon, testing the endurance and stamina of the horse. Horse and rider must navigate a course a few miles in length while jumping many fixed fences and natural obstacles, including fences, water, ditches, and banks. Riders are penalized for falls, refusals or disobediences, and for failing to complete the course in the allocated “optimum time.”

This is the heart of eventing, highlighting the bravery, speed, and precision of human and equine athletes. It is on the cross country course that the trust and bond shared between horse and rider is most clearly evident. At the highest levels of the sport, horse and rider must complete approximately 35 jumps that may reach heights of 3’11” and widths of nearly 6’, carried out at speeds upwards of 20 per hour! Veterinarians are on hand throughout the competition to monitor the health and condition of the horses; horses are evaluated at three separate inspections over the three days to insure they are fit to continue the competition.

· Show Jumping is the final component of the three-day event. After their run on the cross country course, horse and rider must return to the competition ring to jump a course of 10-15 fences constructed of poles that fall at the slightest touch. Horse and rider must demonstrate the ability to perform accurately and smoothly even after the exertions of the endurance test cross country.

Horse and rider must successfully complete all three phases to win or place; scoring is cumulative over the three elements of the triathlon. One rail down can make the difference between winning and losing!

Eventing is the ultimate test of horse and rider, requiring years of practice and teamwork and true dedication to our equine partners. We invite you to join the excitement that has captivated nearly 14,000 eventing athletes in the United States who compete in close to three hundred competitions annually across the country! Enjoy the ride!

For more information on eventing in the United States, visit the United States Eventing Association.