How to Participate in an Equestrian 3-Day Event

An equestrian 3-Day Event, also known as "combined training" or "horse trials", is a combination of three equestrian sports wrapped up into a single show. Dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping are intended to test individual skills of horse and rider, and scores are tallied from all three events.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dressage equipment
• Jumping equipment
• Cross-country vest
• Medical arm band
• Field boots
• Show jacket
• White breeches
• ATSM-approved helmet
• Riding gloves

1. Understand that most local equestrian 3-Day eventing competitions are held in either one or two days to save time. In some cases, local and regional competitions also put stadium before cross-country, instead of the other way around.

2. Learn the dressage test assigned for your level of competition. Most riders start with Green as Grass, Beginner Novice or Novice events to learn the ropes, after which they can move up as they see fit. A lower-level dressage test will not contain any advanced movements.

3. Register for the 3-day event of your choosing, and decide how you will get there and how long you will stay. It is usually advisable to arrive the day before the show so you can school on the grounds, especially if your horse has never done this before.

4. Haul your horse to the show, and prepare for your first event. Ride times for equestrian 3-day eventing are usually found at the show office, and you can also pick up your number.

5. School your horse on the cross-country course or in one of the arenas, but remember that you are not allowed to jump any of the obstacles. Doing so will result in your elimination from the competition.

6. Perform the dressage test in front of the judge and his scribe. Keep your head up, and try not to let the crowds distract you. Many 3-day eventing competitions are bustling with activity, which can easily put a nervous horse and rider off their game.

7. Continue to the cross-country and stadium portions of the event. Always wear all required safety equipment, including the cross-country vest and medical arm band, and don't forget to change from your dressage equipment to your jumping equipment.

8. Monitor your progress in equestrian 3-day eventing by checking the score board after each phase of the event. The lower your dressage score, the better the performance, and remember that points are added to your score for every fault incurred in the jumping phases.

9. Pick up your dressage test from the show office. You are allowed to keep this document, which will include comments made by the judge on your performance and the quality of your horse.

10. Cool your horse out thoroughly after each phase of equestrian 3-day eventing. Remember that show officials can eliminate a horse if he seems too tired or overworked, so take his respiration and heart rate to ensure he is sufficiently fit to continue.

11. Accept your ribbon if you placed during your first 3-day event. These are usually awarded at the show office, and no ceremony is involved at local and regional shows.

Tips & Warnings

• Find time to eat something in between events. An empty stomach can result in nausea and dizziness.
• Give yourself plenty of time to warm up before your scheduled ride time. Never count on the show officials running late.
• Never let friends or family talk to you during your ride, including encouragement. This is a violation of the rules and will result in elimination.