Eventing

Disciplines and Scoring

Dressage

Eventing dressage is the first phase of eventing competitions, focusing on the precision and harmony of horse and rider. During the test, riders showcase their horse’s obedience, suppleness, and athleticism. A judge marks each individual movement on the harmony, accuracy, and quality of each movement, providing scores that contribute to the overall eventing performance. Ideally it should look as if the horse is performing of its own accord, carrying its rider in complete harmony. Unlike in pure Dressage, riders are aiming for a low score.

Show Jumping

The second phase is Show Jumping which is over coloured fences. The poles in show jumping can be knocked down, so require careful and accurate riding. Go too fast and the horse may jump flat, knocking them down. Go too slow, and the horse may stop, and time penalties incurred. If any penalties are obtained, due to knocking poles down, having a refusal, or exceeding the optimum time, these are added to the rider’s dressage score.

Cross Country

This is the final phase and is designed to test the combination’s skill, fitness and courage over a variety of fixed fences and undulating ground. It should also demonstrate the rider’s knowledge of pace so that they complete the course within the optimum time allowed. Like the Show Jumping phase, if penalties are incurred during this phase, they are added to the rider’s score.

Scoring

At the end of the competition, scores for all the competitors are totalled. Each test is scored individually and the penalties accrued are added together for the final results. The lowest score is the winning score.

In the case of a team competition, the individual scores of each of the four team members are added together. If all four team members have completed the competition the best three scores count and the team with the lowest team total is pronounced the winner.

How Do I Get Involved?

Pony Club Eventing Competitions are organised at a number of different levels:

• Branch/Centre Competitions – Friendly competitions organised by Branches or Centres for their own Members and Members of the surrounding Branches & Centres.
• Area Competitions – Open to all Members within the Pony Club Area, including qualifying competitions for the Championships and Regional Championships.
• Championships – Qualifying Teams and Individuals from every Area compete to decide the National Eventing Champions.
• Arena Eventing – throughout the winter months, Members can take part in Arena Eventing competitions to qualify for the Barrier Animal Health Spring Festival. There are three different finals; England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Each have different qualifying rules, so please consult the rules for your country.

Pony Club Eventing Dressage Tests

For Summer Area Competitions and Championships 2024
(Please note new tests in bold)