Life After Racing
Eventing

Eventing

Eventing is best described as an equestrian triathlon ‐ the sport is comprised of three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Held over one, two or three days, eventing competitors accumulate penalty points in each phase, and at the end of the event, the pair with the lowest score takes home top honors.

• The first phase ‐ dressage ‐ shows the graceful partnership of horse and rider through a sequence of movements in an arena.
• The next phase ‐ cross‐country ‐ challenges the pair's bravery, fitness, and determination as they navigate a series of solid obstacles and varied terrain.
• In the final phase - show jumping - pairs must again prove their precision as they clear a course of delicate fences.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) offers competition oversight and educational opportunities for the discipline. The organization also has many year-end awards programs, a couple which those competing with Standardbreds might be especially interested in:

• Blue Ribbon Award Program is for a horse and rider team who have placed 1st through 3rd at three events in the same level (Starter through Advanced) during the same competition year.
• Certificate of Horse & Rider Achievement recognizes a horse and rider team who have completed three or more events at the Starter or Beginner Novice levels during the same competition year.

USTA Further Training/Clinic Application

To learn more about getting started in eventing, visit the visit the Discover Eventing website.