What is Eventing?
A good analogy is that eventing is an "equestrian triathlon". Originally a test of horsemanship for the cavalry, eventing has evolved into an exciting sport where men and women compete equally, attracting riders of all ages and skill levels, from pony club through professional riders/trainers, to international stars. Frequently, a young rider has the thrill of competing against an Olympian who happens to be riding at a lower level while training a young, inexperienced horse. The highest level of competition is the Olympic or World Championship, but eventing is increasing in popularity and now there are competitions at all levels of difficulty all over the country.
What is The Three-Day Event?Day One: DressageThe first test, "dressage" comes from the French word "dresser" meaning preparation or training. Originally this test would demonstrate the horse's obedience for the parade ground. Today, the test involves a series of complicated manoeuvres requiring precision, suppleness and obedience. Like figure skating, each movement is scored individually and the overall score includes marks for the harmony between horse and rider. The Dressage Test demonstrates the intense training undergone by horse and rider that allows them to perform the test with precision, balance and obedience, while containing the energy of the horse at the peak of athletic condition. |