What is Eventing?

Eventing is considered the triathlon of the equestrian world.  It is a made up of three disciplines of riding:  Dressage, Cross Country, and Show Jumping.  These disciplines are often executed over a three day period; however, in some instances, all of the classes are completed in just one day.

Eventing originated as part of the training that the cavalry riders and horses underwent on a daily basis, and in 1912 it became a sanctioned event in the Olympic Games.

Dressage, the ballet of horseback riding, shows that an equine athlete in top condition can perform precise movements in a relaxed manner.  It gives the horse and rider the control and mental concentration that is needed to safely execute the dangerous cross country phase of the show.  At the highest level of this sport, the dressage test is the equivalent to a Third Level test in accordance with the United States Dressage Federation’s tests.  The dressage portion is exhibited in either a 20x60 arena or a 20x40, depending upon the show.  Letters are placed on the outside of the dressage court, and precise movements must be executed at the individual letters.  Each level calls for more difficulty and precision in the movements.  The score or mark for each action is done on a scale from 0-10; therefore, a rider can have difficulty with one movement, but still make it up throughout the rest of the test. 

The cross country portion of the show demands that both the horse and rider be in excellent physical condition and that they have a deep bond of trust and respect between them.  The long outdoor track is comprised of a course laid out with 12-40 jumps, depending upon the difficulty of that particular class.  The fences are intimidating for all but the most solid horse and rider teams, as they are built out of very strong materials that do not easily fall down.  Combined with solid jumps, are the other obstacles, such as water, dropped banks, ditches etc.  These are all reproductions of objects that would readily be found out in the countryside.  The rider must not only glide effortlessly over these obstacles, but must also finish within an allotted time.  Because the course is so dangerous, penalties for disobedience are high, therefore, a horse must be very courageous and attuned to his or her rider to become a winner in this sport.

A veterinary inspection is required at the highest levels of Three Day Eventing, both in the beginning and before the last portion, show jumping.  This ensures that the horse is sound, and can continue without fear of injury to either horse or rider.

 In lower levels, the horse may be analyzed after the cross country portion of the show, and the vet may ask that the horse be trotted out to ensure soundness.

Show Jumping is another test of the bond between the horse and rider.  It is the last phase of Three Day Eventing.  This is a class where 12-20 brightly colored fences are set up in an arena and the team of rider and horse must jump over them.  This part of the event tests the technical skills, fitness, stamina and athleticism of this team.  In this part of the show, the rails of the jumps can be knocked down.  It too, is a timed course, and penalties are given for exceeding the allotted time, downed rails and disobedience.

Eventing tests the courage and athleticism of horses and their riders, while creating a bond of trust that is beyond measure.   

RevitaVet is the proud sponsor of these Three Day Event riders:

David Adamo, Andrea Baxter,Tiana Coudray, Buck Davidson, Robyn Fisher, Christa Gandolfo, Becky Holder, Lauren Kieffer, Nina Ligon, Olivia Loiacono, Heather Morris, Karen O'Neal, Kelly Pugh, Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch, Penny Rowland, Kim Severson, Allie Slusher, Nicole Jones Taylor, Julie Wolfert, and Jennifer Wooten

RevitaVet will is at the Woodside Horse Park for their big eventing show, Aug. 10-12.  XC riders can use a Hit-Air safety vests for FREE. Also RevitaVet Infrared therapy treatments, as always, will be available for horses and riders alike, at no charge.