INTRODUCTION
Essentially, eventing is the equestrian triathlon. The sport tests both horse and rider physically and mentally like no other event. Included both flat and over fence work, eventing has three phases: dressage, endurance/cross-country, and stadium jumping. Originally, eventing was developed using the methods to test potential military chargers. Now, the sport is enjoyed by horses and riders of all shapes and sizes - from the beginner to the world class athlete.

PHASES OF EVENTING
Phase one is dressage, testing the horse's obedience, development, and focus. Horses perform a specific test that differs from that of horses that compete in dressage but are not eventers. This test corresponds to the skill required at the entrant's level of participation. The perfect dressage test is performed by horse and rider in complete harmony, where the horse appears to be performing of their own accord. Tests are scored by individual movements and overall impression.

Why is dressage so important to the event horse? No other practice can condition muscles like dressage. With proper schooling, the dressage mount will become supple and toned - traits which are vital to a successful eventing career.

Phase two is endurance or cross-country, which testifies agility, courage, and jumping ability. This phase also tries to rider's ability to pace their mount and, if not more importantly, the trust between horse and rider. The proficient endurance horse is bold and fast. Notably, cross-country jumps are stationary - if you knock them, you go down - not the obstacle. Cross-country tests can include banks, ditches, water jumps, and many other particularly challenging jumps. No other sport offer such a display of trust between man and his horse, as the horse will see his jumping course for the first time upon leaving the starting box!

The third and final phase is stadium jumping. Compared to the endurance test, this conclusion may appear simple to the uneducated horseman. However, this phase tends to truely make or break a winner. Stadium jumping attests to the horse's condition and athleticism. Further, this finale tests the horse's focus upon his rider, as he must convert from his full-speed gallop to a cadenced, obedient canter. These jumps will fall down if knocked, thus calling the horse to attend to his legs and feet more carefully. Stadium jumping requires precise riding and rewards horses who have the energy left to finish the event to the best of their ability.

At the end of all three phases, scores for all entrants are totaled. Tests are individually scored and penalties noted where due. The lowest score horse and rider time are the winners.

EVENTS EXPLAINED
There are two types of eventing competitions: horse trials and three-day events. Horse trials span over one to two days. They include only one endurance phase: cross-country. Three-day events or CCI's are the most stressful of all eventing competitions. These include the normal three phases, but with additional endurance parts. These parts are roads and tracks, steeplechase, roads and tracks, and, finally, cross-country, respectively. There are four levels of CCI's, ranging from * to ****. VSG adhere's the FEI regulations regarding CCI level specifications, which can be seen here in PDF form.

REAL-LIFE EVENTING
Interested in what you've read? To learn more about a real-life, international level three day event, please visit the Rolex KY Three-Day Event. To learn more about the sport of eventing and it's rich history, please visit the USEA.