Three Day Eventing At The 2010 World Equestrian Games

Today we are continuing in an ongoing series over-viewing the eight disciplines that are a part of the 2010 World Equestrian Games coming up this fall in Lexington, KY. We’ve talked about para equestrian, which is included this year for the first time, and now we’ll get to know more about three day eventing and how it will work at the Games.

What Is Three Day Eventing?

Three Day Eventing is a highly demanding triathlon in which riders compete in three different disciplines over several days with the same horse. The first event is always a dressage test, followed by cross-country, and finishing with show jumping.

Eventing Dressage Phase

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.

Eventing Cross Country Phase

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.

Eventing Jumping Phase

The third test and final test is show jumping. 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.

The winner is the competitor who successfully completes all three phases with the lowest score, meaning the least penalties.

Eventing At The World Equestrian Games

Eventing Medals

As with the other World Equestrian Games disciplines, both team and individual medals are awarded for eventing. Each country may send four riders for the team competition plus two riders for individual competition. The best three scores between the team riders count towards the overall team score and placing.

US Eventing Team Selection

The US eventing team for the World Equestrian Games is chosen through a more subjective process, taking into account the best performances at major events throughout the spring and summer.

The USEF names Selectors who then attend specified events like Rolex, Burghley, and Badminton. They are watching to see which horse and rider teams have the lowest scores, best dressage rides, clear jumping rounds, and who is competitive. The US riders all tend to be very good in the cross country phase, so the dressage and jumping rounds are critical to getting selected.

The selectors will name a shortlist of horse and rider teams in late summer. The shortlisted riders will all participate in a mandatory outing. The selectors will pick the top riders for the official WEG team closer to the actual event, allowing them to select the teams who are peaking at the right time for WEG.

WEG Eventing Schedule & Tickets

Tickets for the eventing competitions range from $45-60 for dressage and cross country, and $80-$105 for the final jumping phase. See complete ticket pricing and WEG schedule.

All About The Disciplines

• Para Dressage
• Eventing
• Combined Driving
• Jumping
• Dressage
• Reining
• Endurance
• Vaulting