Eventing

Eventing is commonly seen as a triathalon of the competitive equestrian world, due to the broad areas of compitance required. The dressage phase (commonly held first) is comprised of a highly exact pattern ridden in a small ring. Rider and horse are judged on their ability to communicate with each other in performing prescribed delicate manuvuers.

The next phase, cross-country, requires that both horse and rider be excellent shape and are brave and trusting of each other. This phase consists of approximately 12-20 fences placed on a long (1-2 mile) circuit. These fences consist of very solidly built natural objects (telephone poles, stone walls, etc.) as well as various obsticles such as ponds and streams, anything that would commonly occur in nature. This phase is timed, with the rider required to cross the finish line within a certain time frame. Crossing the finish line either before or after the allowed time will cause a penalty, as will the horse refusing to jump a fence or a rider falling.

The last phase, showjumping, test the technical jumping skill that a horse and rider have, as well as testing the fitness level. In this phase, 12-20 fences are set up in a ring. These fences are brightly colored and consist of poles set in shallow cups. If the horse and rider are not in adequate shape or do not have the technical skill, then they will knock down the poles, causing penalties. This phase is also timed, with penalties being given for every second over the required time.

The winner is the horse with the fewest penalties. After the ribbons are awarded everyone gets to take a gallop around the ring. Then you go back the trailer and try to pull your boots off.