Eventing
Posted by Saddle Up on Jun 15th 2016
Eventing is one of the more intense and difficult equestrian sports. A horse and rider team participate in three different disciplines either in one day, or more commonly, over three or four days.
The three disciplines are dressage, cross-country jumping and show jumping (or stadium jumping.)
The dressage test is held first and is the foundation of any eventing horse's training. Dressage teaches the horse to carry himself properly and have the strength and balance to compete in the cross country and show jumping events as well as show how graceful and supple the horse can be.
(photo taken from Pinterest)
The cross country event is held second. It is exciting and intense. Horse and rider ride through an outdoor course that is filled with jumps, solidly built out of natural objects (wood, stone, etc...) Some courses may have up to 40 jumps in the higher levels of eventing. Other obstacles include ponds, streams, ditches, drops and banks that the horse and rider must ride and navigate through. Horse and rider must complete the course in an allotted amount of time.
Cross country is not something to be taken upon lightly. It is one of the more dangerous equestrian disciplines and both horse and rider must be physically fit, mentally prepared and trained properly in order to compete safely.
(photo taken from Pinterest)
Lastly, the horse and rider team must complete a show jumping course that consists of up to 20 fences. This event is also timed.
(photo taken from Pinterest)
Eventing is a strong test of a horse and rider's physically fitness and mental discipline as well as the trust between horse and rider, the responsiveness and willingness of the horse, and the pure grit of both.
Here is a Youtube video of eventing highlights!
"Life is like a Dressage Test. If you’re too busy thinking about your last move, the next one won’t be any good either.” --Author Unknown
~ Saddle Up