Often described as the equestrian triathlon, eventing is one of the most demanding and rewarding disciplines in the sport. It combines the elegance of dressage, the precision of show jumping, and the bravery of cross-country to showcase the complete partnership between horse and rider.
To succeed in eventing, athletes must master three distinct phases: performing a dressage test with harmony and precision; navigating a challenging cross-country course filled with natural obstacles within a set time; and finishing with a show jumping round that tests agility and stamina. Success in eventing depends on more than skill alone—it is built on deep mutual trust between rider and horse.
Eventing has earned the title “the crown of equestrian sport” and has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912. Originating from military cross-country rides popular in the early 20th century, it has evolved into a sophisticated three-phase competition known internationally as Concours Complet (CC), and in English-speaking countries as Eventing.
While earlier formats emphasized endurance with long-distance phases, today’s modern eventing tests all-around ability through three equally weighted components. The competition begins with dressage, followed by the cross-country phase over a course of varied natural obstacles, and concludes with stadium jumping. Riders incur penalty points for errors, and the winner is the competitor with the lowest total score.
