Eventing, also known as Horse Trials, evolved from the Military, where cavalry horses were expected to be relaxed and obedient on parade, responsive to their riders in battle, and fit enough to travel at speed across all types or terrain, able to judge any obstacle in its path and to be fit enough to repeat the whole performance again the following day.
From this the sport of Eventing developed, encompassing three different disciplines – Dressage, Cross Country and Showjumping, each with its own objective to test the overall ability of the horse and rider combination.
Dressage Test – As is the case in pure Dressage, this test consists of a set of prescribed movements, which are performed at, or between markers, which are placed around the arena. Marks are awarded according to how accurately, fluidly and precisely the movements are executed. It is important that the horse is graceful, supple and obedience and remains calm and attentive throughout the test.
Cross-Country Test – This is the most exciting and exhilarating eventing test for riders, horses and spectators alike. Horse and rider are asked to gallop over undulating terrain whilst negotiating intimidating solid jumps. These include ditches, banks, drops and water. Each of these tests the courage of both horse and rider. The course must be completed in a specified time, which is worked out by a Technical Delegate (who inspects the course for safety) and the Cross Country Judge. Penalty points are calculated based on time taken and the faults incurred for disobediences on the course. These are added to the Dressage score and carried forward to the final tests, which is show jumping.
Showjumping Test - This tests the horse’s agility, suppleness and obedience over a normal show jumping course following the rigorous tests of the cross country. This is generally the most nerve-wracking part of the Evening competition.
The overall winner is the horse and rider combination with the lowest combined penalty points at the end of all three tests.
In South Africa, Horse Trials are usually run over one or two days. Due to the hard terrain (going) here, the steeplechase and roads and track phases are not held, as is done overseas in traditional Three-Day Events.
In short Eventing is about Obedience, Courage, Stamina, Endurance and Speed.