Eventing (Horse Trials)

Some of you may be wondering what is eventing? What are the events that you will be doing with your horse? It is like an equestrian triathlon and I will give a brief explanation for each event. I hope this explanation will help you get an idea of what you can expect.

1. Dressage is the first event is done in an enclosed arena surrounded by some short white barriers. You will be riding your horse in a specified sequence of maneuvers that are smooth and uses a minimal number of cues to change direction or speed. The judge is looking for balance, rhythm, and that the horse is listening to the rider and they are moving with each other. This event is so important, because your horse needs to know how to move gracefully and listen to the cues you are giving.

2. The next event is cross-country where you will be riding your horse through long stretches of lawn with jumps along the way. There will be bushes, bodies of water, sand holes, logs, and other odd types of jumps that you may not see at a regular jumping show. This event takes a lot of trust between you and your horse and requires both of you to be physically fit. If the horse refuses a jump, then that is a penalty against your time. So, it is best that you practice cross-country courses prior to signing up for an event to get your horse used to this type of riding and jumping.

3. The final event is stadium or show Jumping. This is the type of jumping I have explained before and some of you have probably watched at an open show. It is done in a enclosed arena and there will be a pattern of jumps set up that you and your horse will have to get through without knocking down a jump, while keep good posture and riding well.

Tack and Show Clothes Needed for English Versus Western Riding

English Riding

This tack is usually used for areas of riding such as jumping, dressage, English pleasure, and even everyday riding.

• English bridle
• English saddle
• White pad
• Snaffle bit

Clothing is more formal in English riding, especially for shows. The picture on the right is of me riding the horse I was leasing named, Mary. This was taken right before my English Pleasure class at a county show. The show clothes that are necessary include:

• Breeches
• White button up English shirt
• Blazer/show coat
• Pin for the collar
• Tall boots
• Hair net (if you have long hair)
• Black helmet (or helmet cover)

Western Riding

The tack is usually the same items that you would see in an old western movie. It is used in areas like ranch work, roping, barrel racing, trail riding, and pleasure riding.

• Western saddle
• Western saddle pad
• Bridle
• Bit depends on the horse and your preference

Show clothing for western is a little more elaborate and flashy. For ladies the shirts are usually covered in bling. The picture is of me and my mother talking before one of my western classes. 

• Western show shirt
• Black or some color of pants to match
• Chaps
• Belt
• Boots to match the chaps. 
• Hair net
• Cowboy hat/helmet

No matter what style of riding you choose to ride, whether it is English or Western, the key is to look polished and put together.  Both you and your horse need to look clean and professional before you enter that show ring. I always thought it seemed like a horse and rider beauty pageant depending on the level of showing. The main goal is to do your best and have fun. Showing can be nerve wracking, so I really hope this list helps you know what you will need for a show both for yourself and your horse.