Eventing

The Olympic sport of Eventing (Horse Trial Events) is the pinnacle of equestrian sport, testing horse and rider in all 3 disciplines -  dressage, showjumping and cross country. South Australian Horse Trials Inc (SAHT) runs regular Events at its leased grounds in Reynella SA, as well as training days and clinics with professional instructors. It also promotes the sport across the wider community, and makes the grounds available to local community groups, including schools and Riding for the Disabled.

 

Eventing, or horse trials can involve 1 day, 2 day or 3 day events.  SAHT Inc runs 2 horse trial events each year.  Both events are 2 day events, and competition ranges from beginners to 3 star.  

 

Dressage is held on the first day.  This requires horse and rider to go through a series of set movements which are judged for accuracy, fluency, and the partnership between the horse and rider.  Dressage is often called the 'gymnastic' element of horse trials, as it require the horse to be strong, fit, flexible, and responsive to the rider's aids.

 

Cross Country day is on the second day of a 2 day event.  This is a test of the horse and riders' endurance, and skill in handling obstacles that would have been negotiated on the field before the advent of vehicles.  Water, fallen logs, ditches and other natural elements go to make up a cross country course.  As with dressage and showjumping, the higher the level of competition the more demanding the cross country course becomes.

 

Showjumping is generally held on the second day of competition.  A showjumping course is more technical but less exhausting than cross country course.  It requires the partnership to jump a series of showjumps of differing height and width (depending upon the level of competition), with turns and combinations of 2 or 3 showjumps.