-
Step 1
Watch a few combined training events before you compete. You'll see dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping. Two phases of the event--dressage and stadium--are held in a ring setting similar to an English or Western horse show. The cross-country is just as it sounds; horses and their riders canter or gallop across a mile or more of various terrain and jump obstacles for a specific period of time. Usually the entire event lasts 2 days, with different divisions for a horse and rider's level of experience.
-
Step 2
Prepare for each part of the combined training event so you and horse are stronger and more flexible. Dressage and stadium jumping provide flexibility and connection for the horse and rider that can be used in cross-country. Your horse needs to trot and gallop through fields for an extended period of time to improve his endurance. The rider needs a strong core and to be toned and balanced. Jog or run to increase your endurance, or find something to increase your cardiovascular capacity.
-
Step 3
Buy or borrow the right equipment. If you're not sure you want to continue with eventing, borrow equipment for your first event. A running martingale in necessary for cross-country since standing martingales aren't allowed. Borrow a dressage pad if you don't have one. You'll need a medical card and band that you wear whenever you compete. A watch is necessary for cross-country to make sure you're not going too fast or too slow. You need a regulation snaffle bit for dressage and a stronger bit for the jumping sections.
-
Step 4
Ride in three different disciplines in 2 days. Each discipline requires a different skill set. Dressage is about showing off your horse and needs flair and movement. Make sure you have your dressage test memorized. In cross-country there will be a variety of jumps, over 15 in all--logs, gates, coops, ditches, water, hedges--and the terrain will also vary with flat areas and hills and drop-offs. You can walk the course as much as you want, but your horse can't see it before he goes cross-country. The stadium jumping course must be walked and memorized. You'll be judged on time and jump faults. The final score is a combination of the three disciplines, and the lowest score wins.
-
Step 5
Dress the part. You'll need at least two changes of clothes for the combined training event: an outfit for your dressage test, cross-country and stadium jumping. Dressage is all about image, so you and your horse must be polished from head to toe. Don't forget the white saddle pad. Your horse should be braided for dressage, but you can take the braids out after the dressage test. For cross-country you must wear a protective vest, and your horse needs boots. You should always wear black boots, gloves and a hardhat. Your tack must be clean, and you'll need at least two saddle pads. Stadium jumping requires a more formal turnout with a blue or black coat and matching white shirt and choker.
