| Eventing
is often described as an equine triathalon as competitors are
required to perform in 3 phases over three consecutive days;
the first is Dressage, the second is Endurance or Cross-country
and the third phase is show jumping. Eventing is also
called 3-Day or Combined Horse Trials (just like Downhill and
Alpine describe a similar type of skiing). 3-Day Eventing has
roots in the Military and today is an exciting Olympic Equestrian
Sport. |
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1)
Dressage |
| The
dressage test consists of a series of movements performed
in an arena and judged subjectively. Precision,
smoothness and obedience must be demonstrated to show
the horse’s gymnastic development through progressive
levels of skill. A percentage score is converted
to penalties which are carried forward to the next phase.
Dressage is often called dancing or ballet on horse
back. Dressage demonstrates grace and the invisible harmony
between the horse and rider. |
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2)
Cross-Country |
| This
discipline is considered to be the most exciting part
of Eventing. Horse and rider are required to gallop
3 to 12 Km, depending on the level of difficulty, and
at fast speeds, jumping ditches, jumping up and down hills,
into water hazards, and over fixed timber obstacles. |
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| Heights
for International competition range from 3’7” to
4’ depending on the level, although timber jumps stuffed
with brush can measure up to 5 feet tall at the top of the brush!
The terrain is often used to increase the difficulty;
such as very steep hills, sharp turns, narrow faced obstacles,
and off set distances. This phase shows the horses’
bravery and stamina, the rider has to pilot their equine partner,
maintaining balance and accuracy while competing against the
clock to finish without time penalties. Penalties are
assessed for refusals, run-outs, falls, and finishing over the
time limit. This phase is thrilling for both the spectators
and competitors! The horses really get to show off their
athletic ability while galloping over big obstacles. |
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3)
Show Jumping |
| This
is the final phase and consists of a stadium jumping course
which demonstrates that the horse is capable of an obedient
and supple effort after a day of exhilarating cross-country.
Penalties are assessed for refusals, knock-downs, falls
and being over the set time limit. |
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| At
the end of the competition, the rider with the fewest combined
penalties from all three phases is the winner! |
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To
find out more about the sport of Eventing,
you can visit: www.albertahorsetrials.com
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| At
the international level, Eventing competitions have specific
titles for the level of difficulty and the type of qualifier
they represent. An Event that runs under international
rules is more difficult than a national competition. International
Horse Trials are given the title of 'CIC'. A more difficult
International competition is called Concours Complete Internationale
or CCI. The amount of stars beside the title denotes the
level of difficulty for that specific competition. One
star is an introduction to International Events. For example,
a CCI* is a competition for horses gaining experience where
as a CCI**** is a very difficult competition such as the World
Championships or Olympics. |
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For
more information on International Events or rules,
visit: www.horsesport.org
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