Three Day Eventing

Dressage

Gina prepares to start her FEI dressage test

A dressage test on the first day determines how well horse and rider can communicate and respond. The discipline has its roots in classical Greek horsemanship, although it was not until the Renaissance that dressage was recognized as an important equestrian pursuit.

Gina riding her 3-star dressage test at Fairhill.

In fact, modern dressage is still based on a system of sequential training created by the European masters of that period.

Dressage teaches a horse to be obedient,willing, supple, and responsive. Following the rider's "aids" or body signals, the horse is guided through a series of movements. These routines may look effortless, but are the result of intense training. The beautiful result is the combination of the horse and rider's strength, agility, and grace.

Endurance and Cross-Country

Gina on steeplechase at Fairhill.

Endurance and Cross-Country held on the second day are a test of speed, endurance, and jumping ability. Cross-Country demonstrates the rider's knowledge of pace and the use of the horse across the phases. The Endurance test includes four phases: two "Roads and Tracks," a Steeplechase, and a Cross-Country. Each task must be completed within a set timeframe.

Hillary jumping off a drop into water. There is always an obstacle involving water on cross-country.

The first set of Roads and Tracks is a warm-up period for horse and rider, usually done at a brisk trot. This exercise leads directly into the Steeplechase, in which, riding at a strong gallop, the horse clears between six and eight jumps. There is then a second period of Roads and Tracks in order for the horse to relax and recover his breath. Usually done at a quiet trot interspersed with periods of walking, a rider may dismount and run beside their horse. Before continuing to the final Cross-Country challenge, there is a ten-minute Vet Check and compulsory rest. During this period, a panel of judges and vets check the horse's temperature, pulse, respiration, and soundness. If the horse is not fit or sound enough to continue, the horse is withdrawn from competition.

Karen jumping a trakhener, a typical question on cross-country.

At this point, the horse is also sponged down, the tack is adjusted, and the horse is prepared for the final phase.

Finally, the Cross-Country phase begins. Considered by many to be the most exciting part of Eventing, horse and rider are tested in stamina, ability, and boldness. Ridden at a good gallop, the Cross-Country course is approximately two and three-quarter to four miles long and is comprised of 24 to 36 fixed and solid obstacles over varied terrain.

Show Jumping

Gina show jumping at Fairhill.

The third and final day is dedicated to Show Jumping. This is not so much a test of actual jumping as it is a challenge of stamina after the endurance phases of the previous day. The course requires very exact riding over 12 to 15 jumping obstacles, a set of combinations, spread fences, and in some cases, a water jump.

Both the cross-country and show jumping courses are designed to test the horse's and the rider's ability to negotiate a variety of fences of differing heights, widths, and technicality. This calls for the horse to be balanced and supple for tight turns and sometimes short distances between fences.

Karen in beautiful show jumping form at Galway Downs.

Requiring a horse to lengthen or shorten their stride in an instant, a rider must know exactly how to approach a fence, and have an obedient horse that will respond accordingly. For the spectator, the show jumping phase is both exciting and breathtaking to watch, as with just one single rail knocked down, standings can change dramatically.

At the end of the competition, scores are totaled. Each day is scored individually and penalties are accrued. The lowest total score is the winning score.