The Three-Day Event is a comprehensive test of all-round ability of both horse and rider. It evolved from the requirements for a top class military charger - steadiness on parade, the ability to cross the countryside in battle, and then to continue with duties after a strenuous day.

What's in a Name?

Originally, the trials for military charges were known simply as 'The Military'. When equestrian events were eventually added to the modern Olympics in 1912, the 'Concours Complet' had a fairly unpredictable framework, but this settled into more or less the current format between the two world wars. The name 'Horse Trials' was picked up in the mid-1990's but then dropped again in preference for the name 'Eventing'. 

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Modern Eventing

The modern three-day event competition comprises three phases - dressage, speed and endurance and show jumping - on three consecutive days.  At the beginning of each day each horse must pass a thorough veterinary examination.

The dressage competition consists of approx 20 movements of medium difficulty, to be performed in a 60m competition arena.  Three judges use standard dressage judging standards to award marks which the competitors carry forward into the next day.

The Speed and Endurance Phase is considered by many the most exciting day of the competition.  It is here that many riders and horses can overcome a bad dressage test or be put out of the competition.  Speed and endurance usually consists of 4 phases; Roads and Tracks , Steeplechase, another Roads and Tracks and the Cross-country. 

Each phase has a time limit and measures the ability of the rider to set a pace which allows the horse to conserve energy without incurring time penalties.  Roads and Track phases are generally ridden at the trot or slow canter while the Steeplechase is a gallop and the cross-country requires a gallop between fences with the ability to balance the horse and negotiate difficult obstacles.

The Show jumping phase is held on the last day and is perhaps the most mentally demanding for the riders as they must try to inspire confidence and neatness of jumping from a physically tired horse.  The vet check on the morning prior to the jumping competition is notorious for eliminating horses with minor strains or bruises from the previous day's efforts.

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Eventing Gear

Both horse and rider need to have comprehensive safety equipment for competition.  During the dressage and show jumping phases the riders are required to wear appropriate dress for those two disciplines, generally dressage or jumping jacket, long boots and neutral or white jodphurs.  On the speed and endurance day however riders often show more of their own personal 'flair' in their dress as the emphasis is on coping with the conditions of the day (heat or cold) and maximum flexibility.

Most riders wear a back protector, carry a whip and have spurs but these items are not mandatory.  Recent rule changes mean that lighter riders are no longer required to carry enough lead in a saddle cloth to reach a particular minimum weight and this has come under some criticism for giving them an unfair advantage.

Horses are well protected with boots and often liberally coated with 'eventing grease'.  This not only provides some limited protection for jumping through brush fences but also helps out in those more dangerous and unpredictable times when a horse has to scramble over a fence rather than being able to jump it cleanly.  Riders may choose any type of bridle, noseband, bit, surcingle, breastplate or whatever other gear they desire or need.

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Competitive Eventing

Internationally there are four levels of competition. These are rated by 'Stars'. 

One day events are shortened versions, often for novice horses and\or riders, however the numbers of competitors often means that these competitions may in fact run over two days.

Local Eventing Websites

Kihikihi Waikato Eventing Inc