Eventing is made up of three phases, usually undertaken in one day.

The Phases

Dressage :

The Dressage Phase constitutes a series of movements called a 'Test' that each competitor has to ride individually. The purpose of dressage is to develop harmony in the physique and ability of the horse consequently making the horse calm, supple, loose, and flexible. Each test is judged by a panel of judges and the accuracy of each movement is given a score out of ten. Marks are also given on the horse's paces, the impulsion and submission of the horse, as well as the riders' position. When the test is scored the mark is transferred into penalties; therefore a lower score with fewer penalty points is ultimate. Dressage may only be one phase of three but it is considered the basis of success for the entire competition.

The Cross Country :

The purpose of the Cross Country Phase is to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the well trained horse in peak condition. Also the competitor's knowledge of his horse's paces and the general use of the horse cross country is tested.

Show Jumping :

The purpose of the Jumping Test is to simply prove that the horses that have performed the strains of the Cross Country phase have retained the suppleness, energy, and obedience necessary for them to continue. The course may seem easy after the efforts of the previous day but the tracks are usually windy, difficult and take precision to complete successfully.

...two deeply dissimilar bodies and hearts and minds that, for some extraordinary, profound and magnificent reason, are prepared to work together in pursuit of the wild untrammelled joys of victory. - Simon Barnes

At the lowest level presently at Eventing Canterbury is Pre-Training You will be expected to complete a simple Dressage test lasting about 5 minutes, involving basic walk, trot and canter movements. Next is show jumping comprising 8 –10 fences up to 0.85m then the cross – country course with 15 – 20 fences up to 0.85m in height.