A Guide to the Three-Day Eventing Elements of Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping a Note from the Editor

Eventing Tips on choosing the perfect pair based on comfort, safety and style shara rutberg A Guide to the Three-Day Eventing Elements of Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping A Note From The Editor

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Amy Herdy, Managing Editor MyHorse Daily

Visit MyHorseDaily.com Equine Network/Not to be reprinted/All rights reserved/www.MyHorseDaily.com Want to learn more about eventing? Here’s a primer on this challenging equestrian sport, with expert tips about choosing your first mount.

Adapted from articles on www.discovereventing.com, with permission of the United States Eventing Association

true “equestrian triathlon,” three-day eventing (or simply “eventing”) was de- veloped from the test of the ideal military or cavalry mount. Over the last century, it has evolved into an exciting sport attract- ing all levels of enthusiasts, from weekend hobbyA riders to professional international stars. It is the ultimate challenge to prepare a horse for this rigorous test. Unlike other sports, where only the human will and body are pitted against the clock, in eventing, two minds and bodies work as one. As an additional attraction, eventing is the only high-risk Olympic sport where men and women compete as equals, with no separate divisions. Some of the top riders in the world today are women from all over the globe. The sport itself involves working with a horse both on the flat and over fences in three distinct phases of competition. These phases are: dressage, cross-country/ endurance and show jumping.

Day One: Dressage The dressage phase begins every eventing competition. In French, dressage means “training.” Originally designed to show the horse’s ability to perform intricate movements on the parade involved with reviewing troops, today the dressage test comprises a set series of movements performed in an enclosed arena. Precision, smoothness, suppleness and complete obedience show off the horse’s obedience. Ideally, the horse appears to perform the test’s movements of its own accord, Dressage is judged on a horse’s performance of a set series of working in harmony with its rider. The test is scored movements. on each movement, rather like the scoring of the com-

Courtesy usea pulsories in figure skating, with the overall harmony

3 Equine Network/Not to be reprinted/All rights reserved/www.MyHorseDaily.com Visit MyHorseDaily.com Day Two: Three-Day Cross-Country/ Event Endurance The cross-country test takes place vs. on the second day of competition. The object of this test is to Horse Trials prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse over varied terrain and obstacles. In order to accomplish this task, the According to the USEA, horse and rider must be at peak horse trials are competitions condition. The horse must be run over one, two or three days, brave and obedient, and the rider under the rules of a country’s must use knowledge of pace in order to expend only as much of national federation (in America, the horse’s energy as necessary, if that means the United States they are to finish well. Equestrian Federation). The cross-country course covers approximately 2.75 to 4 Three-day events are com- miles, along which sit 20-40 fixed petitions run under Federation and solid obstacles. This phase Equestre Internationale (FEI) is ridden at a gallop, with exact rules and denoted by an asterisk speed requirements depending (as in CCI*-CCI****). Today, the upon the level of competition. shara rutberg CIC (Concours International Cross-country courses require A dressage test, such as those seen at Rolex Combiné) level is shorter in horses and riders to be bold and Kentucky, should demonstrate power and grace. length and slower in speed, and smart, while testing their physical is used primarily to qualify for stamina. The aim of each horse- the CCI (Concours Complet and precision of the test taken into and-rider combination must be to com- consideration. plete the course on time and with as few International) level. Dressage is also very important to the penalties as possible. Penalties can be three-day event horse because it helps accrued through jumping errors (such A CCI must run one phase develop the muscular strength and sup- as when the horse refuses or runs out at on each day and in the proper pleness needed for the other two phases an obstacle, the rider falls off on course, order, whereas a CIC can run of competition, cross-country/endurance etc.) or by exceeding the optimum time multiple phases in one day. and show jumping, where the horse allowed. In horse trials, there is no rule must be very fit and strong, and able to Whereas cross-country is the focus on about the order in which the lengthen and shorten stride at a gallop. the second day of the so-called “short- phases are run, as long as dres- The purpose of the dressage test is to format” (or “modified-format”) event, sage comes first. demonstrate the level of communication which is the most typical type of event- between the horse and rider and display ing competition, it’s only one part of the At unrecognized events or the power and grace required to perform second phase in the older, more tradi- horse trials, the phases can each movement with balance, rhythm tional “long-format” (or “classic format”) and suppleness. Due to the demands of event. fall in any order that suits the the sport, the three-day event horse is In a long-format event, this leg of management, the competitors extremely fit, and only well-schooled rid- the competition is called “endurance and their schedules. ers possess the skills and strength needed day” and consists of the following four to harness and direct that energy into a sub-phases: polished and powerful performance. • Phase A: Roads and Tracks. This is

44 Visit MyHorseDaily.com Equine Network/Not to be reprinted/All rights reserved/www.MyHorseDaily.com considered a “warm-up” phase. It is a mix of trot/canter and is 220mpm over about 3000 meters (depending on the level). • Phase B: Steeplechase • Phase C: Roads and Tracks again. This one is longer, closer to 5000 meters but is done at the same pace at Phase A. • Phase D: Cross-country. This is the same as in a short-format event. • There is a 10-minute vet check between C & D. Interestingly, the long-format event still exists only in America, and is no longer recognized by equestrian sport’s international governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale, which technically makes it a “horse trials” (see sidebar). shara rutberg Like most cross-country obstacles, this fence at the Rocky Mountain Horse Trials presents different challenges than a show-ring jump.

The Eighty-Dollar Champion November 1958: the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Into the rarefied atmosphere of wealth and tradition Shop come the most unlikely of horses—a drab Now! white former plow horse named Snowman— and his rider, Harry de Leyer. They were the longest of all longshots—and their win was the stuff of legend. ZF740, $26.00 Horse Profiling How Good Riders Get The Secret to Motivating Equine Athlete Good While following wild horse herds in Wyoming and Montana, Denny Emerson independent researcher Kerry Thomas realized that it is inside What do excellent riders possess that the horse and not what is outside that governs herd dynamics. most do not? This is a question that He determined that this was the basis for everything horse— many ask, but few have explored the whatever role a horse plays in a human environment, whatever sport of riding horses for an answer. his breed, sport or “job,” his emotional conformation dictates Denny Emerson, an internationally in large part his success or failure. known rider and one of the The Thomas identified a system of emotional profiling that Chronicle of the Horse’s “50 most enables him to determine a horse’s performance tendencies, influential horsemen of the Twentieth and then began to develop ways in which horses can be Century,” has devoted years to thinking about this. He has drawn mentally conditioned toward a given goal. the conclusion that there are seven factors that relate to becoming a world-class rider: personal drive, life circumstances, support network, Hardcover, 184 pages, $29.95, ZF755 knowledge, physical skill, character traits and the horse. Hardcover, 252 pages with 60 photos, $29.95, ZF690 1-800-952-5813 (shipping + tax addt’l) 5 Equine Network/Not to be reprinted/All rights reserved/www.MyHorseDaily.com Visit MyHorseDaily.com Your First Event Horse

Adapted from the book “Cross Country with Jim Wofford” by Jim Wofford (a compilation of Wofford’s articles from Practical Horseman magazine, available at www.horsebooksetc.com)

venting starts with choosing the right horse to partner death grip on the reins to prevent his speeding up, and you you in entry-level competition. should not need stick and spurs just to keep him cantering E Your first event horse doesn’t need an extended trot (again, a little lower leg is OK). that will score a 10 in dressage; he doesn’t need to be able In addition to three good gaits, if your horse takes both to gallop forever. He needs to be leads, steers well (turning easily in fun to ride and fun to be around, both directions), accepts the bit able to carry you safely and com- well, and maintains a consistent fortably around your first few head and neck position with the entry-level events, both in and front of his face just ahead of the (especially) out of the ring. Don’t vertical, he has the basic ingredients worry about your competitive you need for the entry-level dres- results at this stage, because your sage tests. goal is to learn the sport. The cross-country phase is Your first event horse crossties, something new for the many riders stands politely for the vet and who’ve never ridden outside a ring farrier, loads easily, and tacks up before, so it’s important to begin without problems. Any horse that with a horse that’s safe and sensible is unpredictable to work around in the open. If you’re trying out an in his stall, or that kicks or rears, is event prospect for purchase, be sure totally unacceptable. to arrange to take him out for a trot

Under saddle, your horse needs Courtesy of usea and canter along trails through the to have reasonable aptitude for Go with a horse that’s safe and sensible out- woods, around open fields, across the three different sports that side of the ring or arena. rolling terrain, and (if possible) make eventing such a unique through shallow water. He needs to challenge. accept these situations as a matter Dressage starts with three of course. good gaits. I want to see a smooth, As an athlete, the horse doesn’t free, swinging walk. I don’t want need to be able to achieve racehorse to see a choppy stride or a ten- fitness; hedoes need to be able dency for the horse to stub his toe (with proper conditioning) to slow- or look ungenerous. I want him canter twice the distance he’ll cover to track up—that is, his hind foot cross-country with a short rest in the should step ahead of the foot- middle. print of the forefoot on the same In entry-level show jumping, side—and I want to hear a steady, you’re more interested in riding a rhythmic 1-2-3-4 with no obvious safe jumper than a clean jumper, irregularities. so the elements you’ll look for in The trot needs to be a cadenced jumping form are the things that 1-2, 1-2 that covers the ground most affect safety over fences. When ourtesy of usea comfortably and attractively. c you watch him being ridden, notice When you watch the horse being Good gaits are a must, especially in dressage. whether he invariably lifts his knees ridden, his knee action shouldn’t when he jumps. A horse that jumps bring a sewing machine to mind. When you ride him, he with his knees lower than his elbows is not a good prospect should be willing to maintain the trot in response to a mini- because this form is unsafe. Another grave fault: If he jumps mal amount of pressure from your lower leg and heel. with one leg up and one hanging, it’s a sign that he loses his You’re also looking for a horse with a regular, clock-like balance off the ground, making him unsafe for anyone to three-beat canter. For your level of eventing, look for a horse ride over fences. who will hold himself in that canter: You should not need a When you ride him over jumps, you are looking once

6 Visit MyHorseDaily.com Equine Network/Not to be reprinted/All rights reserved/www.MyHorseDaily.com Day Three: show jumping obstacles, which normally include at least one combination, two more for regularity of pace. You want Show Jumping spread fences and, in some cases, a ditch. to be able to canter up to a small The third and final test at a three-day The courses are designed to test the fence, jump it, and then canter event takes place in the show-jumping horse’s and rider’s ability to negotiate away at the same speed. arena. A show-jumping course consists a variety of fences of differing heights, If you already have a horse with of a series of colored fences usually made widths and technicality. This requires the which you’d like to try eventing, up of lightweight rails that are easily horse to be balanced and supple for tight and if he has comfortable gaits and knocked down. The test takes place in an turns and short distances between fences. is a safe jumper, you’ll probably be enclosed ring and the course must be ne- He must be able to lengthen or shorten able to get started in the sport with gotiated in order for the horse and rider his stride in an instant. Therefore, the him. (His dressage may be a work to successfully complete the event. This rider must know exactly where he is on in progress for a while; but as it final phase tests the stamina and recov- the approach to a fence, with an obedi- improves, you’ll also experience a ery of the horse after the cross-country/ ent horse that will respond to his com- payback in the other phases.) endurance phase and shows that it is fit mands. For the spectator, this sport is If you’re shopping for your first enough to continue work. both exciting and breathtaking to watch, event horse, where should you According to the FEI rule look? A young racetrack reject is book, “The test on the third day not a suitable candidate; if you’re is not an ordinary show jumping just learning the sport, don’t take competition … its sole object is on a green horse as a project. A to demonstrate that, on the day better prospect is the experienced after a severe test of endurance, older eventing horse that is out of the horses have retained the a job because his rider has gone off suppleness, energy and obedi- to college. He’s likely to be offered ence necessary for them to con- at a reasonable price because he’s tinue in service.” no longer young. His vet bills may The show jumping course be higher, but he has a lot to teach requires very exact riding; it you. consists of between 12 and 15 ourtesty of usea

I like Quarter Horses for entry- c level eventing, and I like older warmbloods who’ve been around the block. Of course, anyone who knows me knows my personal fond- ness for Thoroughbreds. I don’t steer entry-level riders away from this wonderful breed, but I do sug- gest you look for a Thoroughbred who no longer wants to be first out of the starting gate. Jim Wofford has represented the U.S. in eventing at three Olympics and two World Championships; he has won the U.S. National Championship five times on five different horses. As a coach, he has had at least one student on every U.S. Olympic, World

Championship and Pan American ourtesy of usea c team since 1978. He is a regular col- umnist for Practical Horseman maga- Precision is key in show jumping, as one rail down can make a difference in the zine and the author of four books. final standings.

7 Equine Network/Not to be reprinted/All rights reserved/www.MyHorseDaily.com Visit MyHorseDaily.com Credits Eventing: A Guide to the Three-Day Eventing as just one single rail knocked down can all across the country, eventing is a sport Elements of Dressage, change the final standings dramatically. that provides competitive and recreation- At the end of the competition, scores al opportunities for people of all ages and Cross-Country and Show for all the competitors are totaled. Each backgrounds, as well as horses of all levels Jumping test is scored individually and the penal- of training. ties accrued are added together for the Even if you have been competing in This report is brought to final results. The lowest score is the win- other equestrian sports for a long time, it ning score. In the case of a team competi- is still a good idea to start at the Beginner you with the permission tion, the individual scores of each of the Novice Level. Going to your first event is of the United States team members are added together. If all stressful enough, so by having the jumps Eventing Association and team members have completed the com- low and dressage tests relatively straight- petition, the best three scores count and forward you will be able to get your bear- by the editors of Practical the team with the lowest team total is ings in a less intense environment. Horseman magazine. pronounced the winner. Generally speaking, there are six levels of eventing competition in the United The Levels of Eventing States, with international events having With its variation in levels and difficulty levels designated by the star system. For and wide range of competitions available more information, visit useventing.com.

Explanation of levels:

Level Dressage Cross-Country Show Jumping SPECIAL 79 Cool Fashions and Hot Products for Ev PRACTICAL HORS PRACTICAL EVENTING ISSUE

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Number of Obstacles–16-20 Height – 2’11” Horse-Sale Commission Questions Answered

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Training Training A Distance – 2000-2600m Speed – 325mpm Training B Speed – 420-470 mpm Number of Obstacles–10-12 Number of Obstacles–20-24 Height – 3’3” • Visit MyHorseDaily.com for Height – 3’3” (3’11” Brush) daily articles on all things horses. Preliminary Preliminary A Distance – 2200-3300m Speed – 350mpm Preliminary B Speed – 520 mpm Number of Obstacles–11-13 • Subscribe to MyHorse Preliminary C Number of Obstacles–22-30 Height – 3’7” Daily and weekly e-newsletters, free how-to Intermediate Intermediate A Distance – 2600-3800m Speed – 350mpm videos, tips and much more. Intermediate B Speed – 550 mpm Number of Obstacles–12-14 Number of Obstacles–26-34 Height – 3’11 • Peruse hundreds of horse books and DVDs at our Advanced Advanced A Distance – 3200-4400m Speed – 375 mpm store, HorseBooksEtc.com. Advanced B Speed – 570 mpm Number of Obstacles–13-15 Height – 3’11 (4’7” Brush) Height – 4’1”