The Origin of Equestrian Eventing

The Origin of Equestrian Eventing ...

The origins of equestrian eventing are based in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring riders to master several ridden disciplines

It originated in the military and the purpose was to create a competition where officers and horses could be tested for any challenge that might occur on or off duty. It also provided a basic comparison for training standards between the cavalries of different countries.

The first modern eventing competition was held at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm (SWE). It lasted for five days and the order of tests was quite different from todays international eventing competitions. Speed and endurance came first, followed by a rest day; then the steeplechase, jumping and dressage.

The Two Types of Modern Eventing Competitions ...

with steeplechase ...

Both modern competitions comprise three distinct tests: Dressage, Cross-Country and Jumping and they take place on separate consecutive days, with the competitor riding the same horse throughout.

However, the with steeplechase competition, includes the steeplechase and the roads & tracks in the full cross-country phase.

without steeple chase in the Cross Country phase ...

The without steeplechase competitions includes the same three phases, but the Cross Country test does not include Phases B & C (steeplechase and roads & tracks).

Phase A, (Roads & Track warmup), before the Cross Country Obstacle Test, is also optional.

The modern event can take place over one, two or three days.

The Dressage test always takes place first and either the Cross Country or Jumping can be the last test.

Mandatory registration of all horses and riders competing in FEI Eventing competitions was introduced on 1 January 2003, and competitiors in British Eventing (BE) competitions need to be members or hold a day ticket

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