Phases
Eventing is an equestrianDressage
TheCross-country
Scoring
* Refusal, run-out, or circle: ** At the same obstacle: *** First: 20 penalties *** Second: 40 penalties *** 20 penalties at each question ** In the round (for instance one refusal at each of several different obstacles): *** Third (used to be fourth refusal, and still is for lower national levels in some countries only): elimination *Activating a frangible device on cross country at an FEI competition will now award 11 penalties under the ground jury's discretion * Fall of rider: elimination * Fall of horse (shoulder and hind touch the ground): elimination * Exceeding the time: ** Optimum: 0.4 penalties per second ** Limit (twice the optimum): elimination * Coming in under speed fault time: 1 penalty per second (lower national levels in some countries only)Other faults
* Competing with improper saddlery: elimination * Jumping without headgear or a properly fastened harness: elimination * Error of course not rectified: elimination * Omission of obstacle: elimination * Jumping an obstacle in the wrong order or direction: elimination * Retaking an obstacle already jumped: elimination * Dangerous riding, at determination of the ground jury: elimination (usually with a warning first) * Failure to wear medical armband: elimination (at discretion of ground jury) * 3 or 4 (depending on the competition) refusals on whole course: eliminationTypes of obstacles
A combination is always considered one obstacle, and the various elements within the combination are lettered "A", "B", "C", and so on. In cross-country, the rider need only retake the element they refused rather than the whole complex. So a refusal at element B does not require them to jump A again. However, they have the option of retaking the previous elements if they wish. For example, in a bounce type obstacle it may be physically impossible to approach B without first clearing A. Yet for some in and outs, you can go to B and not have to rejump A. Many cross-country obstacles have several possible routes to take (for example, at obstacle 5 there may be 2 A, 2 B, and 2 C elements), with one route usually being faster but requiring a more skillful ride or more physical effort from the horse. A rider may take any of the possible routes as long as they pass over each letter once. Additionally, after a refusal, they may jump a different obstacle of the same letter in place of the original. A refusal at A is a first refusal, and would receive 20 penalties. Whether the rider retakes A or not, a subsequent refusal at B is a second refusal and so on. Three refusals at any one obstacle results in elimination, as does 4 refusals on the entire course.Ten Minute Box
The "Ten Minute Box" is a compulsory halt included during the cross-country section of a three-day event after the roads and tracks and steeplechase phases and before the "pure" cross-country jumping phase. It is a pause designed to allow the horse time to cool off, rest and stabilize its vitals and ensure that it is prepared for the "pure" cross-country phase. In the Ten Minute Box, riders and assistants will cool the horse down, walk the horse around and check tack and studs and a veterinarian will inspect the horse - including checking its heart and respiration rates - to determine if it is fit to compete in the final "pure" cross-country phase.Show jumping
Stadium or show jumping is the final phase of eventing competition and tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider, including suppleness, obedience, fitness, and athleticism. In this phase, 12–20 fences are set up in a ring. These fences are typically brightly colored and consist of elements that can be knocked down, unlike cross-country obstacles. This phase is also timed, with penalties being given for every second over the required time. In addition to normal jumping skills, eventing show jumping tests the fitness and stamina of the horse and rider, generally being held after the cross-country phase in higher level and international events.Scoring
* Knocking down an obstacle: 4 penalties * Disobedience (refusal, run-out, circle, moving backwards) over the whole round: ** First: 4 penalties ** Second: Elimination * Fall of rider: Elimination * Fall of horse: Elimination * Exceeding the time allowed: 0.4 of a penalty per second * Jumping an obstacle in the wrong order: Elimination * Error of course not rectified: Elimination An obstacle is defined as having been knocked down if any part of its height is lowered. It is therefore possible to knock out a pole below the top pole and receive no penalties, as long as the highest pole stays in place, so that the jump retains the same height. It does count as a knockdown if the highest pole falls out of one jump cup but remains in the other; although part of the pole remains at the original height, the other part is lowered. The winner is the horse and rider with the fewest penalties. Awards are usually presented while mounted, before the placed riders take a lap of honor around the arena.History
Olympic beginning
Eventing competition that resembles the current three-day were first held in 1902, at the Championnat du Cheval d'Armes inFormat
The original format, used in the 1912 Olympics, was spread over several days: *Day 1: Endurance test comprising (with a time allowed of 4 hours, giving a speed of approx. 230 meters per minute) immediately followed by of a flagged cross-country course at a speed of 333 meters per minute. Time penalties were given for exceeding the time allowed, but no bonus points were given for being fast. *Day 2: Rest day *Day 3: Steeplechase test of with 10 plain obstacles, at a speed of 600 mpm, with time penalties but no time bonus points *Day 4: Jumping test ("prize jumping"), which was considered easy by most of the spectators *Day 5: Dressage test ("prize riding") The Paris Games in 1924 introduced a format very similar to the one of today: with day 1 dressage, day 2 the endurance test, and day 3 the jumping test. The endurance test has changed the most since that time. Originally, bonus points could be earned for a fast ride cross-country (less than the optimum time). This helped competitors make up for a poor dressage ride, with a clean, fast cross-country ride. This system, however, was dropped in 1971. The format for the endurance test occurred as below: *Phase A: Short roads and tracks (with five penalties per 5 seconds over time) *Phase B: Steeplechase, decreased in speed from 600 mpm to 550 mpm (with 10 penalties added per 5 seconds over the time, 3 bonus points per 5 seconds under time) *Phase C: Long roads and tracks (with 5 penalties per 5 seconds over time) *Compulsory Halt (now the 10-minute halt) *Phase D: Cross-country (with 10 penalties added per 5 seconds over the time, 3 bonus points per 10 seconds under time) *Phase E: 1.25 mile run on the flat (with 5 penalties per 5 seconds over time). (Note: Phase E was abolished in 1967.) In 1963, the 10-minute halt was introduced, to occur after the completion of phases A, B, and C. It took place in a marked out area (the 10-minute box), where the horse was checked by two judges and one veterinary official who would make sure the horse was fit to continue onto phase D. If the horse was unfit, the panel would pull it from the competition. The format of the sport underwent major changes in 2004 and 2005, with the creation of the "short" or "modified format", which excluded phases A, B, and C from endurance day. The primary reason for excluding these phases was that the Olympic Committee was considering dropping the sport of eventing from the Olympics because of the cost and large area required for the speed and endurance phase with a steeplechase course and several miles of roads-and-tracks. To prevent the elimination of the sport from the Olympics program, the "short format" was developed by the FEI. The last Olympic Games that included the long, or "classic", three-day format was the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, while Rolex Kentucky, the Badminton Horse Trials, and Burghley Horse Trials ran their last long format three-day in 2005. The short format is now the standard for international competition, such as the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. The change in format has brought about controversy. Some riders support the continuation of the classic format, believing it is the "true test of horse and rider". Others believe the classic format is superior because it teaches horsemanship, due to the extra preparation needed to condition the horse and the care required after the several miles of endurance day. However, others prefer the short format, as they believe it saves wear-and-tear on their horses and allows the horse not only to compete in more three-day events each season, but decreases the chance of injury to the horse. However, this claim has not held true in several recent studies that compared injuries sustained in classic and in short format competitions over equivalent courses. Further, some research indicates that horses are more stressed by the short format than by the careful warm-up inherent in the classic format. Regardless, many upper-level riders prepare their horses for the short format using the same conditioning and training as for the long format. The short format has also been widely urged by breeders of heavier, warmblood-type horses. The long format has remained popular at the Novice and Training levels in the United States, and with riders who feel it maximizes horsemanship.Veterinary inspection, or "trot up"/"horse inspection"
Before the beginning of a three-day event, and also before the last phase, horses are inspected by a vet to ensure that they are fit to compete further. It is usually a formal affair, with well-groomed and braided horses, and nicely dressed riders. It is also a very nerve-wracking time, as the "pass" or "fail" determines whether the horse may continue with the competition. A vet can request that a horse be sent to the holding box, where it will then be re-assessed before being allowed to continue. In upper level FEI classes, a second veterinarian (often called the Associate FEI Veterinarian) may inspect horses sent to the hold box and make the decision to pass or fail a horse. This practice is in place so that no one veterinarian has complete power to eliminate a horse and allows for a large number of horses to be evaluated in a timely manner. In lower levels of competition, the horse's movement may be analyzed as they finish the cross-country, where they will be asked to trot briefly after crossing the finishing line to satisfy the vet of their soundness.Penalty point system
In 1971, the penalty point system was first introduced into eventing. This system converts the dressage score and all jump penalties on cross-country and show jumping into penalty points, with the horse and rider with the fewest points winning the event. Different weight is given for each phase, with the cross-country — the heart of eventing — being the most important, followed by the dressage and then the show jumping. The intended ratio of cross-country:dressage:show jumping is theoretically 12:3:1. Therefore, an error in cross-country counts heavily. This prevents horses that are simply good in dressage (for example) from winning the event with a poor cross-country test. In 1971, the following penalty system was instituted: *Phase A and C: 1 penalty per second over the optimum time *Phase B: 0.8 penalties per second over *Phase D: 0.4 penalties per second over In 1977, the dressage scoring was changed, with each movement marked out of ten rather than out of six. This increased the maximum number of dressage marks from 144 to 240. This number later increased to 250 marks in 1998, after additional movements were added. To keep the correct weight, a formula is used to convert good marks in dressage to penalty points. First, the marks of the judges (if there is more than one) are averaged. Then the raw mark is subtracted from the maximum points possible. This number is then multiplied by 0.6 to calculate the final penalty score. Show jumping rules were also changed in 1977, with a knock-down or a foot in the water awarded only 5 penalties rather than 10. This prevented the show jumping phase from carrying too much weight, again, to keep the ratio between the phases correct.Current scoring
The dressage score is converted to a percentage and the penalty points calculated by subtracting the percentage from 100. This is rounded to 1 decimal digit. In cross country, penalty points are awarded for jumping errors and for time. In the jumping, 20 penalty points are awarded for a first refusal at an obstacle and 40 penalty points for a second refusal (the rider is eliminated on their third refusal). Two refusals at different obstacles each attract 20 penalty points. If a horse jumps an obstacle, but the body of the horse does not pass completely between the flags, 15 penalty points are awarded, only if the horse would have cleared the obstacle's height had it been better positioned. If a horse activates an obstacle's frangible device, 11 penalty points are awarded. Time penalties are awarded for being too slow over the optimum time at a rate of 0.4 penalty points per second over this time up to the time limit (twice the optimum time) at which point the competitor is eliminated. Some national bodies implement a fastest time allowed for lower grades where more inexperienced riders compete. The fastest time allowed can range from 20 seconds to 45 seconds faster than the optimum time. Typically, penalty points are awarded at a rate of 1 per second faster than this time. In the show jumping test, either knocking down of the obstacle or refusing to jump the obstacle attracts 4 penalty points. In the case of a knock, riders are permitted to continue to the next obstacle. However, if the obstacle was refused, it must be reattempted. A second refusal at the same obstacle results in elimination. Similarly to the cross country, time penalty points are awarded at a rate of 0.4 penalty points per second commenced over the optimum time.Non-Olympic competition
In its early days, the sport was most popular in Britain, and the British gave the competition a new name, the "Three-Day Event", due to the three-day time span of the competition. In America, the sport was also called "combined training", due to the three different disciplines and types of training methods needed for the horse. In theImportance of dressage training
In the early years, the dressage phase was fairly inconsequential in determining the final standings. It was quite possible for a horse to have a terrible dressage test, then run a clean cross-country and show jumping, and still finish near the top of the standings. Since then, correct dressage training has become increasingly important should a horse and rider wish to be placed (complete all sections and finish in the top 12). This can be traced back to Sheila Willcox, who took a particular interest in dressage, becoming abundantly clear when she won Badminton three years running in the 1950s. She had a strong influence on Mary King and Lucinda Green amongst others. After the 2000 Olympic Games, the FEI hired British eventer and dressage rider Christopher Bartle to write new dressage tests for the upper-level events, which would include a greater deal of collection. This has since raised the standard even further in the dressage phase. Additionally, the cross-country phase has become more technical, asking the horse to be adjustable and supple throughSafety
Between 1997 and December 2008, at least 37 eventing riders died as a result of injuries incurred while competing in the cross-country phase of eventing at national or international level or at Pony Club. Of these, 18 riders died in the period 2006–2008. These 37 fatal falls have been at all levels of the sport, from domestic one-day events up to regional championships level, and they have occurred in most of the recognized eventing countries around the world, with concentrations in the United Kingdom (14) and the United States (8). At least 25 of these 37 deaths have resulted from a somersaulting (rotational) fall of the horse, with 11 of the 16 deaths in 2007 and 2008 being reported as having resulted from rotational falls. Horsetalk �Weight rule
From the beginning, event horses had to carry a minimum weight of (including rider and saddle) during the endurance test, since military horses were expected to be able to carry such weight. Lead weights were carried on the saddle, and the competitor had to be weighed-in with tack immediately following cross-country. The weight was reduced to for the 1996 Olympic Games, after a study demonstrated that both the horse's arc over a fence became shallower and the leading leg took a great deal of extra force on landing when the horse was carrying dead weight than when free from the burden. The rule was eventually abolished January 1, 1998. By removing this rule, the stress on the joints and soft-tissue, as well as the chance of a fall, were decreased.International competition
International events have specific categories and levels of competition and are conducted under the rules of the FEI. CCI (Concours Complet International, or International Complete Contest) is one such category and defines a three-day event that is open to competitors from any foreign nation as well as the host nation. * CCI : International Three-day event (Concours Complet International) *CIC: International One-day event (Concours International Combiné) *CCIO: International Team Competitions (Concours Complet International Officiel). Includes the Olympics, the World Championships, the Pan Am Games, and other continental championships The levels of international events are identified by the number of stars next to the category; there are four levels in total. A CCI* is for horses that are just being introduced to international competition. A CCI** is geared for horses that have some experience of international competition. CCI*** is the advanced level of competition. The very highest level of competition is the CCI****, and with only seven such competitions in the world (National competition
Eventing rules and the recognized levels in various nations are similar, but not always identical. While rules usually follow the FEI to some degree, history and tradition of various nations has also influenced competition rules within a given country. In addition to recognized events that prepare the best riders for international competition, many nations also offer eventing for beginner, youth, and amateur riders through organizations such asAustralia
In Australia, where Equestrian Australia governs eventing competition, the levels are as follows: * Encouragers: XC: fences maximum height 0.45m 375 m/min; Stadium fences: 0.45m * Newcomers: XC: fences maximum height 0.60m 350 m/min; Stadium fences: 0.60m * Introductory: XC: fences maximum height 0.80 m ditch 1.40 m drops 1.0 m 400 m/min; Stadium fences: 0.8 m * Preliminary: XC: fences maximum height 0.95 m ditch 2.00 m drops 1.2 m 450 m/min; Stadium fences: 0.95 m * Pre Novice: XC: fences maximum height 1.05 m ditch 2.40 m drops 1.4, 500 m/min; Stadium fences: 1.05 m * 1 Star: XC: fences maximum height 1.10 m ditch 2.80 m drops 1.6 m 520 m/min; Stadium fences: 1.15 m * 2 Star: XC: fences maximum height 1.15 m ditch 3.20 m drops 1.8 m 550 m/min; Stadium fences: 1.20 m * 3 Star: XC: fences maximum height 1.20 m ditch 3.60 m drops 2.0 m 570 m/min; Stadium fences: 1.25 m The Sydney International Three Day Event is a main qualification event inCanada
The Canadian levels, under the rules of Equine Canada, are as follows: * Pre-Entry XC: fences maximum height .75 m no drops, no mandatory water. Obstacles without height must have option. Single jumping efforts only * Entry (equatable to USEA Beginner Novice) * Pre-Training (equatable to USEA Novice): XC: fences maximum height 0.91 m ditch 1.50 m drops 1.10 m; Stadium fences: 0.96 m * Training: XC: fences maximum height 1.00 m ditch 1.80 m drops 1.40 m; Stadium fences: 1.05 m * Preliminary: XC: fences maximum height 1.10 m ditch 2.80 m drops 1.60 m; Stadium fences: 1.15 m * Intermediate: XC: fences maximum height 1.15 m ditch 3.20 m drops 1.80 m; Stadium fences: 1.20 m * Advanced: XC: fences maximum height 1.20 m ditch 3.60 m drops 2.00 m; Stadium fences: 1.25 mIreland
The Irish levels, governed by Eventing Ireland are as follows: * Intro: X-C – max. height with spread 0.90 m, max. spread at highest point 1.00 m, max. spread at base 1.50 m, max. spread without height 1.20 m, max. spread over water 2.0 m, max. drop 1.20 m. Stadium – 0.90 m * Pre-Novice Training CNCP*: X-C – max. height with spread 1.10 m, max. spread at highest point 1.40 m, max. spread at base 2.10 m, max. spread without height 2.80 m, max. spread over water 3.05 m, max. drop 1.60 m . Stadium – 1.00 m * CNC* CNCP**:X-C – max. height with spread 1.10 m, max. spread at highest point 1.40 m, max. spread at base 2.10 m, max. spread without height 2.80 m, max. spread over water 3.05 m, max. drop 1.60 m . Stadium – 1.10 m * CNC**: X-C – max. height with spread 1.15 m, max. spread at highest point 1.60 m, max. spread at base 2.40 m, max. spread without height 3.20 m, max. spread over water 3.65 m, max. drop 1.8 m . Stadium – 1.20 m * CNC***: X-C – max. height with spread 1.20 m, max. spread at highest point 1.80 m, max. spread at base 2.70 m, max. spread without height 3.60 m, max. spread over water 4.0 m, max. drop 2.0 m . Stadium – 1.25 mSouth Africa
The South African national levels, governed by Eventing South Africa, are as follows: * Ev60: 1000 m to 1500 m cross country course, 10-15 efforts, 60 cm maximum height, 70 cm maximum drop, ridden at 400 metres per minute; Show jumping at 65 cm maximum height, ridden at 300 metres per minute. * Ev70: 1500 m to 2200 m cross country course, 15-20 efforts, 70 cm maximum height, 80 cm maximum drop, ridden at 420 metres per minute; Show jumping at 75 cm maximum height, ridden at 325 metres per minute. * Ev80: 1800 m to 2400 m cross country course, 18-24 efforts, 80 cm maximum height, 1 m maximum drop, ridden at 435 metres per minute; Show jumping at 85 cm maximum height, ridden at 325 metres per minute. * Ev90: 2000 m to 2600 m cross country course, 20-26 efforts, 90 cm maximum height, 1.2 m maximum drop, ridden at 450 metres per minute; Show jumping at 95 cm maximum height, ridden at 325 metres per minute. * Ev100: 2200 m to 2800 m cross country course, 22-28 efforts, 100 cm maximum height, 1.4 m maximum drop, ridden at 490 metres per minute; Show jumping at 1.05 m maximum height, ridden at 350 metres per minute. * CCN* Intro: 2000 m to 3000 m cross country course, 20-25 efforts, 1.05 m maximum height, 1.4 m maximum drop, ridden at 500 metres per minute; Show jumping at 1.1 m maximum height, ridden at 350 metres per minute. * CCN2*: 2600 m to 3120 m (CCN2*-S) or 2640 m to 4680 m (CCN2*-L) cross country course, 25-30 efforts, 1.1 m maximum height, 1.6 m maximum drop, ridden at 520 metres per minute; Show jumping at 1.15 m maximum height, ridden at 350 metres per minute. * CCN3*: 3025 m to 3575 m course with 27-32 efforts (CCN3*-S) or 4400 m to 5500 m course with 30-35 efforts (CCN3*-L), 1.15 m maximum height, 1.8 m maximum drop, ridden at 550 metres per minute; Show jumping at 1.2 m maximum height, ridden at 350 metres per minute. * CCN4*: 3420 m to 3990 m course with 30-35 efforts (CCN4*-S) or 5700 m to 6270 m course with 35-40 efforts (CCN4*-L), 1.2 m maximum height, 2 m maximum drop, ridden at 550 metres per minute; Show jumping at 1.25 m maximum height, ridden at 350 metres per minute.United Kingdom
British Eventing (BE) levels of eventing are as follows: * BE80(T) : max. fence height 0.80m * BE90 (formerly Introductory): max. fence height 0.90 m XC, 0.95 m SJ * BE100 (formerly Pre-Novice): max. fence height 1.00 m XC, 1.05 m SJ * BE100 Plus: max. fence height 1.00 m XC, 1.15 m SJ * BE105: max. fence height 1.05 m XC, 1.10m SJ * Novice: max. fence height 1.10 m XC, 1.15 m SJ * Intermediate Novice: max. fence height 1.10 XC; 1.20 m SJ * Intermediate: max. fence height 1.15 m XC; 1.25 m SJ * Advanced Intermediate: max. fence height 1.15 m XC; 1.30 SJ * Advanced: max. fence height 1.20 m XC; 1.30 m SJUnited States
In the United States, eventing is broken down into the following levels, all of which are recognized by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) and are run in accordance with the rules of US Equestrian (USEF) the governing body for equestrian sports in the United States: * Beginner Novice: X-C fences: , 14–18 efforts XC, ditch , drops , 300–350 m/min (meters per minute) on cross-country; Stadium fences: , 9–11 efforts. * Novice: X-C fences , 16–20 efforts, ditch , drops , 350 to 400 m/min; Stadium fences , 9–11 efforts. * Training: X-C fences , 20–24 efforts, ditch , drops , 420 to 470 m/min; Stadium fences , 10–12 efforts. * Modified: X-C fences 3 ft 5 in (1.04 m), 22-28 efforts, ditch 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m), drops 4 ft 11 in (1.50 m), 490 m/min; Stadium fences 3 ft 5 in (1.04 m), 10-13 efforts. * Preliminary: X-C fences , 22–30 efforts, ditch , drops , 520 m/min; Stadium fences , 11–13 efforts. * Intermediate: X-C fences , 26–34 efforts, ditch , drops , 550 m/min; Stadium fences , 12–14 efforts. * Advanced: X-C fences , 32–40 efforts, ditch , drops , 570 m/min; Stadium fences , 13–15 efforts. It is also common to see inter-levels (such as the Intermediate/Preliminary, or IP), which help riders transition between levels by using the dressage and show jumping tests of the higher level and the cross-country course of the lower, and starter levels, which use the dressage test and stadium course standards of the lower CT levels (e.g., Amoeba, Tadpole, Green as Grass) with a very simple cross-country course. However, the starter levels are considered "test" levels and thus do not have a consistent standard (or a national points system and leaderboard). There are also unrecognized shows held in the United States. The following are the two unrecognized levels: -Elementary: X-C fences 2 ft 3 inches (0.61 m), 12-14 efforts, no ditches, no drops, not timed, Stadium fences 2 ft 3 inches, 8 efforts - Intro: X-C fences 18inches- 2 ft, 8-12 efforts, no ditches, not timed, Stadium fences 18inches- 2 ft, 7-9 efforts https://useventing.com/news-media/podcasts/unrecognized-events-an-eventing-pipelineHorse
Riding attire
Riding attire is different in each of the three phases. Dressage and show jumping feature the traditional turnout for each of those disciplines, requiring conservative attire. However, as of 2017 lower level divisions in the United States allow for more flexibility in the rider's attire. Cross-country attire and equipment emphasizes and requires safety protocols be followed, but has less formal appearance, with many riders wearing clothing of personalized, often bright colors. Under FEI rules, civilian riders may opt to wear the uniform of their riding club, and members of the military and national studs are required to wear service dress in the dressage and show jumping phases.Dressage
For the intermediate and advanced levels, riders usually wear dressage attire similar to that of Grand Prix Dressage, including aCross-country
The rider is required to wear a body protector vest, an approved equestrian helmet which must be properly fastened at all times when jumping, and a medical armband, containing the rider's medical history, allowing access to the information should the rider fall, be knocked unconscious, and require medical treatment. FEI rules allow riders to dress as they please in the cross-country phase. Light-weight rugby or polo shirts are the most commonly worn shirt style, usually without a stock or tie. Riding coats are generally not worn. Many riders wear a stop-watch to track their time so that they may adjust their speed to come in as close as possible to the optimum time.Show jumping
Eventing riders tend to follow the dress practices of showjumpers in the show jumping phase. However, FEI rules only require "hunting dress"; white shirt and tie of any kind; white, fawn, or cream breeches; and boots of any kind. In most nations' nationally sanctioned competitions, and often even at lower levels, a protective equestrian helmet with harness is required, and a short hunt coat is traditional, except when weather is unreasonably warm, when, at the discretion of the technical delegate, jackets may be considered optional. If helmet covers are used, they are required to be black or dark blue though some now include national colors where they are entitled to be worn.Turnout of the horse and tack
Turnout and grooming
Event horses are turned out similarly to dressage horses, with the legs and face (muzzle, jaw, sides of ears, bridle path) neatly clipped. The tail is usually "banged" (cut straight across), usually to a length between the fetlock joint and lower hock. Additionally, most event riders clip the sides of their mount's tails, to give them a finer appearance. Braiding of tails is fairly uncommon, probably because the tail can not be braided if the hairs along the sides of the dock are clipped. The mane is pulled to about in length and is usually braided for dressage as well as the show jumping phase. However, most riders prefer to leave it loose for cross-country in case they need to grab it for security. Some riders also placeTack
Most event riders have a jumping saddle as well as a dressage saddle since each places them in a position better-suited for its purpose. At the lower levels, however, a rider can ride all three phases without difficulty in a well-fitted jumping saddle. At the upper levels, riders usually have a saddle specifically designed for cross-country, giving them more freedom for such fences as banks and drops. Dressage tack is usually black in color, with a white square pad, giving a formal look. Except for the upper levels, where a double bridle is permitted, horses may only be ridden in snaffle bits. There are strict guidelines as to what type of snaffle may be used, and the more severe types (such as any twisted bit) are prohibited. If a double bridle is used, a plain cavesson or crank noseband must be worn. With a snaffle bridle, the rider is also free to use the drop, flash, or grackle noseband, with the flash and plain cavesson being the most common. Breastplates are also fairly common in dressage at an event, despite the fact that they are not seen at regular dressage shows. Other forms of equipment, such as martingales, protective boots, gadgets/training devices, bit guards, exercise bandages, or tail wraps, are not allowed during the test. In show jumping, the rider uses a jumping saddle, usually with a square or fitted white pad. Rules on tack are less-stringent, and most forms of bridling and bitting are allowed, including the use of gag bits,See also
* Rotational fallsReferences
External links
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