A Short History of Eventing

(Equestrian Triequathon)

The original Three day Event was a competition for cavalry horses and army officers and was introduced to the Olympics in 1912. The modern event became open to civilians at the 1952 Olympics after Britain had started horse trials at the Duke of Beaufort’s home, Badminton. Badminton is now the biggest and most prestigious Three-Day Event in the world and attracts large crowds of up to two hundred thousand spectators. The modern format is based on the original cavalry exercises and covers three equestrian disciplines.

DRESSAGE...

Parallels the parade ground. The horse must be obedient, graceful and submissive, the rider poised and elegant.

CROSS COUNTRY…

With courage, speed and stamina, the cross-country phase replicates the battlefield: wonderful entertainment!

The Cross Country course consists of 20 to 30 fixed natural obstacles for the horse to negotiate. These include jumping a variety of straightforward and technical jumps including spread fences, ditches, down drops and into water.

SHOWJUMPING...

Following “the battle” the horse and rider must be able to take a short cut back to base, jumping the fences on the way.

 

The test is complete - the winner will have achieved the journey with grace, speed, stamina and athleticism, establishing the horse and rider as a trusting combination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This page was last updated on 20 Feb, 2007