About Eventing
Dressage
Dressage phase is conducted first. The purpose of dressage is to develop harmony between horse and rider, making movements and transitions seem effortless.
Horses perform a series of set movements that are marked out of ten for accuracy, movement and rhythm. Each movement is scored out of 10. The final score achieved is shown as a percentage of possible marks and than converted to penalties, where the lowest penalties are best.
E.g. 70% = 30 penalties. 50% = 50 penalties.
The lower the penalty scores the better the test and the higher the placing. In today’s competitive game a good test is essential for a top placing.
Cross-Country
The purpose of the Cross-Country phase is to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of horse. At the same time it demonstrates the riders’ knowledge of paces and use of his horse across country.
Horse and rider gallop at a rate of up to 570m/min over a distance of anywhere between 3 to 8 kilometres (similar to a golf course but with jumps). There are up to 45 jumping efforts over fixed obstacles. This is the most difficult and for all involved the most exciting phase.
Penalties are awarded for exceeding the set time and also if the horse refuses the jump. A refusal or a stop at a jump incurs 20 penalties. Combinations are eliminated from the competition if they have 3 disobediences or a fall of horse or rider in the cross-country phase. Time penalties for cross-country are 0.4 of a penalty per second.
Any penalties incured are added to the penalities from the dressage.
Show-Jumping
The Show Jumping phase usually run as the final phase is to prove that the horse has retained the suppleness, energy and obedience for it to continue after a significant test of endurance. In certain competitions each horse will be presented for final inspection before the show jumping to ensure they are fit and sound to continue after the rigours of the cross country phase.
All horses must pass a final veterinary inspection before they are allowed to compete in the show jumping phase. Combinations complete the show jumping course in reverse order of placing for an exciting finish i.e the combination in the lead are last to jump. Penalties (4) are incurred for each rail dropped or any refusals, exceeding the time allowed will also add penalties. A fall or taking the wrong course results in elimination.
The Final Places are determined by total penalties, with the horse and rider combination with the lowest penalties being awarded first place.
Eventing Classes
CC Eventing (a combined event of Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping)
I International Event (eg. CCI)
N National Event (eg. CCN)
The number of stars after the class name – e.g. CCI 3* is 3 star level – indicates the level of the event class. The more stars, the higher the level and harder the event – i.e. bigger jumps, faster speeds and more complex movements in the dressage. Entry is subject to competitors level of achievement. The highest class at Sydney 3DE is 4 Star. The highest level in the world is 5 star.
1 Star – equivalent to Pre Novice level with XC jumps up to 1.05m, Showjumps up to 1.10m
2 Star – XC jumps up to 1.10m, Showjumps up to 1.15m
3 Star – XC jumps up to jumps of 1.15, Showjumps up to 1.20m
4 Star – XC Jumps up to 1.20m, Showjumps up to 1.25m
5 Star – XC Jumps up to 1.20m, Showjumps to 1.30m