Dressage
The dressage phase starts every eventing competition. Dressage means “training” in French and
that is what is being scored, The judge is looking
for a horse working in a correct outline in good
balance, showing suppleness and obedience in all
paces.
The purpose of the dressage test is to demonstrate
the connection and communication between rider
and horse. Historically, dressage represents the
horse’s ability to perform on the parade ground,
where elegance and obedience were key.
A standard arena size is 20m x 60m and a small
size arena is 20m x 40m.
Cross-Country
Cross-country origins are as a test of stamina and
bravery over difficult terrain, important for a charger on long marches or if the horse was asked to
carry a dispatch across the countryside.
The cross-country course covers various distances, along which sit a variety of fixed and solid obstacles. This phase is ridden at a gallop; the speed
requirements depend on the level of competition,
the higher the competition level, the faster you go.
The cross-country phase is usually the most appealing to both spectators and riders.
Stadium Jumping
In the words of the FEI rule book, “The test on the
third day is not an ordinary show jumping competition…The sole objective is to demonstrate that, on
the day after a severe test of endurance, the horses have retained the suppleness, energy and obedience necessary for them to continue in service.”
Stadium jumping courses are designed to test the
ability of both horse and rider to negotiate a variety of fences of differing heights, widths, and technicality. This requires balance and adjustability of
the horse. Typically there is at least one combination and two spread fences among the different
fences. This phase is also timed.