Eventing, also known as Horse Trials: an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test that required mastery of several types of riding.
Often thought of as the ultimate test of a horse and rider eventing provides an opportunity combine the three disciplines of dressage, showjumping and cross country into one competition. Riders will first complete their dressage test and this will normally be followed by showjumping and finally a cross country phase. Penalties from all three phases are combined to determine scores. Score keeping is a major job at horse-trials!
As this sport involves a cross-country phase the opportunities to enjoy it in our corner of the world are very limited. Long journeys and overnight stays are the norm for eventers but they do have the great advantage of getting a full day of sport in return for their diesel. Overnight stays can be as luxurious as you want to make them…
When taking part in eventing a rider must go through three seperate tack inspections as the permitted tack is different for each discipline. Tack is as per the tack sheets for dressage, showjumping and hunter-trialing and the relevant links can be found on their respective info pages.
Letterkenny Riding Club 