ABOUT EVENTING

Eventing is an equestrian sport comprising three phases of competition: dressage, cross-country and jumping. Begun as a cavalry test to judge the mastery of military riding, eventing has grown into an internationally-recognized sport drawing both professionals and hobbyists alike.

Since its inception as the "Militaire," eventing has been the only Olympic sport to pair humans with animals in competition and one of the few in which men and women compete head to head.  Eventing evaluates the precision, elegance and obedience a horse displays under its rider's direction, while also testing stamina, versatility, courage and fitness.  It is a complete test of horse, rider and horsemanship.

	The first phase of competition is dressage, which tests a horse's gaits, suppleness and obedience through a set of prescribed movements. Dressage is an evaluation of a horse's beauty of movement and obedience. Spectators often enjoy the dressage competition phase most, as judging is based upon the grace and style of a horse as it completes its routine.
	The second phase of competition is the cross-country test, which tests a horse's speed, stamina, courage, boldness and jumping ability.  Cross-country is the most exciting portion of the competition. Horses leap over multiple obstacles, including ditches, banks and water hazards. While riders are permitted to walk a course before competition, they are not allowed to practice over the jumps prior to competition.  This is why cross-country is an excellent test of the trust that must exist between the rider and horse.
	The final phase of competition is show jumping, which tests a horse's athletic ability, condition and training. Held in an arena, spectators watch as horses navigate jumps of varying size. Occurring on the heels of the cross-country phase, where horses gallop over obstacles with little warning, now riders must guide their horses through one last jumping course.  Both horse and rider must be precise, as the sole evaluation of the show jumping phase is whether or not a jump is knocked down in the course of the round.

At the conclusion of the three phases of competition, scores are tallied and prizes awarded. Typical international level eventing competitions take place over the course of three days with each event being held on its own day -- dressage on the first day, cross-country on the second, and show jumping on the third.

While eventing levels vary depending upon the skill of both rider and horse, eventing competitions are held for all riders, from beginners to internationally-recognized professional riders. The international governing body of the sport, the Federation Equestre Internationale, hosts several competitions annually. Each event is prefaced with CCI or CIC, which stands for the French term for a three day competition, concours complet internationale. The FEI uses a "star" system to denote the level of competition, from 1-star through 4-star.  The 1-star level provides an introduction to the sport; the four star designation is reserved for the most competitive competitions, including world championships and Olympic Games.   

Some of the most popular and competitive eventing competitions held in the United States include the Maui Jim Horse Trials (CIC***, www.mauijimhorsetrials.org), the Fair Hill International (CCI*** and CCI**, www.fairhillinternational.com), the Plantation Field Horse Trials (CIC** and CIC***, plantationfieldhorsetrials.com), The Event at Rebecca Farm (www.eventatfarm.com), the Poplar Place Horse Trials (www.poplarplacefarm.com), the Fork Horse Trials (www.forkstables.com) and the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (CCI****, www.rk2de.org).