About Eventing...

Description

Eventing is an equestrian sport composed of three phases which include: Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping.

Dressage is a pattern of very precise movements preformed within an enclosed arena. The judges are looking for balance, rhythm, and suppleness in both horse and rider.
Cross-Country is a course of fences spread out over a long outdoor course. It requires both horse and rider to be in very good physical condition and both have to be very brave as these jumps do not fall down if they are hit.
Show Jumping is a course of jumps that are set up in an enclosed area. The jumps are very brightly coloured and can be knocked down if the horse touches them.

Scoring

Dressage is scored based on how closely the horse-rider teams sticks to the planned pattern. If the horse leaves the pattern or the team misses a transition or something, then marks are taken off the overall score. This is a very precise sport and it is very easy to lose marks.
Cross-Country is scored based on time taken to do the course. There is a time slot set out and the most marks are given to those who come in within the time slot. If a horse and rider finishes with a time above or below the time slot, marks are deducted. If the horse refuses a jump, then there are penalties and the third refusal will result in elimination. If the rider or horse falls, that will also result in elimination. Missed obstacles, jumping fences that have already been jumped or getting lost out on the course will all result in elimination.
Show Jumping is scored based on time as well. In this phase, there is an optimum time that when exceeded, results in penalties but there are no penalties for being too quick. The horse-rider team will be assigned 4 faults for every fence knocked down on the course. If jumps are jumped in the wrong order or the rider or horse falls elimination will result. If the horse refuses a jump 4 penalties will result. A second refusal will result in elimination.