Eventing is a competitive equestrian sport that combines three different disciplines: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It is also referred to as horse trials or the three-day event. Eventing is designed to test the horse and rider's versatility, athleticism, and endurance.
The first phase of eventing is dressage, where riders perform a prescribed set of movements, demonstrating their horse's obedience, suppleness, and precision. The dressage test is judged on the execution and quality of these movements, assessing the rider's ability to communicate with the horse effectively.
The second phase is cross-country, which takes place on a rugged and challenging outdoor course, featuring a variety of natural and man-made obstacles such as fences, water jumps, ditches, and banks. The cross-country phase evaluates the combination's bravery, agility, and stamina, as they navigate the course within a set time frame.
The final phase of eventing is show jumping, held in an arena. Riders must guide their horses through a course of colourful and delicate fences, aiming to clear them without knocking down rails. The show jumping phase tests the horse and rider's accuracy, control, and athleticism, as they jump a series of technically demanding obstacles.
Throughout the three phases, penalties are incurred for errors such as refusals, knockdowns, and exceeding the optimum time. The competitor with the fewest penalties at the end of the event is deemed the winner.
Eventing requires a well-trained and versatile horse, a skilled rider, and a strong partnership between them. It is a challenging and thrilling sport that showcases the power, agility, and beauty of the horse, as well as the courage and skill of the rider.
