How Olympic Eventing Competition Works

August 8, 2008

It’s August 8, 08-08-08, here in the US, but it’s already the morning of August 9 on the other side of the world, where the 2008 Olympic equestrian events have already wrapped up the first Olympic eventing dressage phase.

How Olympic Eventing Works

Eventing, also known as three day eventing, competition encompasses three tests: dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Medals are awarded both for teams (countries) and individuals. 10 teams made up of 4-5 riders compete for the team medals. All of these riders are also eligible to qualify for the individual medals. Other riders from around the world qualify to compete in just the individual event, without representing their country as a team. Each competitor rides the same horse in all three events.

The first test is dressage (which means “training” and is often referred to as ballet on horseback), to test the harmonious development of the horse’s physique and ability. All competitors ride the same set pattern. The score is converted into penalty points using a special formula.

The second test is cross-country, where the horse is required to complete a set course of approximately 5.7 kilometers within an optimal time, clearing a variety of natural obstacles such as ditches, water, stone walls, benches as well as fallen trees. Horses are judged at every fence on the course and can receive penalties for issues such as refusals. The cross-country test will take place on the third Eventing competition day on an obstacle course of about 5km, consisting of a maximum of 45 jumping efforts and 29 obstacles (subject to change) that must be completed within a prescribed length of time (about 10 minutes). Technical specifications (distances, speed, number of efforts) can be adapted in adverse climate conditions.

The third test and final test is show jumping, which takes place on the third day. Horses must navigate a difficult course (in an arena) of 10-13 fences without incurring any faults. Faults are accrued if a horse knocks a fence rail down, if he refuses a jump, and if he comes in over the time limit. Riders are disqualified if the horse refuses to jump three times, the rider falls, or the team takes the jumps in the wrong order. with an objective to test if the horses have retained their energy and obedience to jump a course of 10 to 13 obstacles.

The top 25 riders after all three phases ride a second show jumping course to determine the individual medals. The winners are those with the lowest penalty points.

Technical specifications

Dressage Test:
2008 Four Star Olympic Dressage Test B,Short Version

Cross-Country Test:
Distance: approximately 5,700m
Time allowed: 10 mins
Speed: 570meters/min
Maximum number of efforts: 45

NOTE: On August 7, the Olympic Ground Jury approved a plan to shorten the cross-country course to 4,560 meters, 39 jumping efforts, and an optimum time of 8 minutes, due to the incredibly high heat and humidity the horses and riders are contending with in Hong Kong.

Team Jumping Test:
Distance: 500-600m
Speed: 375meters/min
Number of obstacles: 11-13
Maximum number of efforts: 16
Maximum Height: 1.25meters

Individual Jumping Test:
Distance: 360-500m
Speed: 375m/min
Number of obstacles: 9
Maximum number of efforts: 12
Maximum Height: 1.30meters

Judging & Placements

The winning Olympic eventing team is the one with the lowest total penalty points, after adding together the final scores of the top 3 competitors in the team. The winning individual rider is the one with the fewest penalties following the three team phases and the additional show jumping phase for the top 25 riders.