Eventing is best described as an equestrian triathlon. The sport originated as a cavalry test and comprises three phases: dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Eventing tests horse and rider pairs more thoroughly than any other.

The first phase – dressage – shows the graceful partnership of horse and rider through a sequence of movements on the flat. The next phase – cross-country – challenges the pair’s bravery, fitness, and determination as combinations navigate a series of solid obstacles and varied terrain. In the final phase – show jumping – pairs must again prove their precision as they clear a course of delicate fences. Competitors accumulate penalty points in each phase, and at the end of the event, the pair with the lowest score takes home top honors.

The First Phase – Dressage

Dressage is the first of three phases in eventing competition. The French word meaning “training,” dressage was created to show the horse’s submission and ability to perform intricate movements required for cavalry exercises. Today’s dressage still consists of an exact sequence of movements, but now they are ridden in an enclosed arena and scored by judges. The goal remains very similar that horse should demonstrate balance, rhythm, suppleness and most importantly, obedience based on the rider’s cues or “aids.”

Dressage is the fundamental training of the sport on which the other two phases are built as it develops the strength and balance for the rigors of cross-country and the preciseness of show jumping. Dressage showcases the ultimate partnership as the rider uses his or her seat, legs and hands, known as the “aids,” to communicate silently, making the test look like a seamless performance.

The dressage phase can prove challenging for an event horse as they are supremely fit. The most tactful riders can harness and direct that energy into a polished and powerful performance.

Each movement is scored on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the best. The sum of these scores is combined with the overall collective marks, gaits, impulsion, submission, and rider for a total score. That score is then subtracted by the number of total possible points, multiplied by 100 and subtracted by 100. The resulting scores are penalty points or the points that the pair could not earn in the dressage phase. Penalty points carry onto the next round and the lowest score wins.

The Second Phase – Cross-Country

The cross-country phase typically occurs on the second day of competition but always after the dressage phase. Cross-country is the cornerstone of eventing and proves the horse’s speed, endurance, and jumping ability over varied terrain and solid obstacles. Carrying forward their penalty points from the dressage phase as their score, the riders’ goal is to finish with the fewest penalties possible by jumping every fence on the first effort and completing the course within the prescribed time limit or optimum time.

Cross-country features solid fences (15-25 for lower levels and 30-40 for upper levels) as well as natural obstacles such as water, ditches, drops and banks. The phase is ridden at a gallop with exact speed requirements varied depending on the level of competition.

Horses and riders must be at peak physical condition to complete the cross-country phase. Riders condition their equine partners for months to reach the fitness required for this ultimate test. Horses must be bold and brave, while riders must carefully control the pace to finish the course in time without expending too much of the horse’s energy.

Mistakes on cross-country are costly to a rider’s final score. If a horse stops at a fence, known as a refusal or runs past a jump, known as a run-out, the pair earns 20 penalty points. A second refusal or run-out at the same obstacle is an additional 40 points and a third results in elimination. Penalty points are also earned for every extra second over optimum time.

The Third Phase – Show Jumping

The third phase, show jumping, tests horses’ and riders’ precision over a series of colorful fences made of lightweight rails which are easily knocked down. This final phase tests the stamina and recovery of the horse after the very tiring cross-country phase.

Consisting of 12 to 15 jumps in an enclosed arena, show jumping requires accurate riding as the slightest bump could cause a rail to fall, resulting in four penalty points.

Like the cross-country phase, scoring is objectively based on a horse’s ability to clear each fence on course, though, unlike cross-country, the lightweight show jumps fall easily. Knocking a rail or having a refusal or run-out results in four penalty points. The show jumping round has a time limit, and every second above that time accumulates penalty points.

Riders carry their penalty points earned in the dressage phase and any time or jump penalties accrued on the cross-country course into the final phase. This show jumping finale can be an exhilarating and heartbreaking experience for spectators as one single rail down could change the final standings dramatically. The horse-and-rider combination with the lowest score at the end of the competition earns the victory gallop.

In eventing and all equestrian Olympic sports, men and women compete alongside one another as equals.

Learn more at USEA and follow #useventing.