Eventing
Eventing is an event which comprises dressage, cross-country and show jumping. This event has its roots as a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding. It has three main formats, the one day event (ODE), two day event and the three day event (3DE). Also, a "combined test" is a spin off of eventing which encompasses dressage and show jumping, but leaves out the cross country phase.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- English tack
- Protective headgear
- Protective vest
- Boots with heels
- Proper show attire
- Knowledgeable horse
- Experienced trainer
- Grooming tools
- Truck and trailer
Understand that the three disciplines of eventing are dressage, stadium jumping and cross country jumping. Each is scored individually by different judges, but your scores are calculated as faults together to determine placings.
Step 1: The dressage test to be performed will be determined by the division you have entered. Your division entered is determined by your skill level and the experience of your horse. Dressage tests are updated periodically, so be sure to have the most current. Most show organizers will specify which test is to be ridden at which level. Dressage requires precision, control and a willing horse as your partner. A skilled trainer can help you achieve exactly what you need to do in a test. Dressing for the dressage round will require, at even the lowest levels, for you to wear either beige, grey or white breeches, a shirt with a collar, a black dressage coat, black gloves and an approved helmet. Check with show management if coats may be waived due to weather. Tall boots should be worn if you are wearing breeches and not jodpurs. Hair should be managed into a hairnet under your helmet to give a neat and clean appearance. Above all, have your test memorized well in advance. You will receive very low scores if you cannot remember the order in which to perform the tasks required. A score of 1 to 10 will be given on each section of the test. After completion of your test, the score will be calculated as penalties, so the lower the score, the better.
Step 2: Cross country jumping requires you to ride several natural jumps, such as logs, woodpiles or brush within a specified time. This requires knowledge of your horse's pace, comfort at galloping in an open field and, of course, memorizing the course. Cross country will require stamina of both horse and rider and can be the most challenging part of the event. Again, your level entered will determine how long the course will be, how many obstacles there will be, and your "optimum time". The predetermined optimum time will be essentially the time allowed for completing the course. If you take longer than the specified time, you will receive penalty points, one for every second or part of a second, by which you exceed the time. If you come in under the time allowed there are no penalties. You may also receive penalties for having refusals or run-outs at obstacles. If you incur penalties, they will be added to you dressage score and you will be placed accordingly, so again, the lower the better. Dress for the cross country portion is more casual then either dressage or stadium jumping. A vest will most likely be required at all shows.
Step 3: Stadium jumping is the final phase and will require you to regain the precision, control and timing associated with a well ridden jumper round. There will be a specified course that you must memorize and there will again be a time allowed in which to complete the course. Penalties will be added if you have a refusal, a run out or knock down a rail while attempting to jump an obstacle. Penalties will again be assigned if you go over the time allowed. Usually, a good clean round ensures you will finish within the specified time. You will be eliminated from the round and the entire event if you are found to be off course or if you fall off your horse while attempting an obstacle. You can be disqualified from the competition if you are using unapproved tack or equipment at any phase. So be sure to be up to speed on all relevant rules. More formal attire, as required in the dressage phase will be expected for stadium jumping. Again, consult show management to be informed about the waiver of coats.
To have your horse properly groomed for the show, bathe him the night before you are planning to leave. Touch-ups can be done on show day with the proper grooming products and equipment. The horse's mane should be braided but it is not required. A good, clean coat will help all judge's to be confident of your horse's health, which can be a major concern if neglected horses are presented and can result in disqualification. Ensure your horse's hydration with adequate water available the length of the event. Providing hay will also give your horse the nutrients he needs to get through the event and will alleviate boredom while waiting between rounds.
