The same combination of horse and rider performs a dressage test, negotiates a formidable cross country course, and then faces a stadium jumping round on three consecutive days in one of equestrian sport's most demanding competitions.
A dressage test determines how well horse and rider can communicate and respond.
Four phases - two "roads and tracks," a steeplechase, and a cross-country - are the events of the second day, demanding speed and endurance.
Obstacles
Cross-country courses include various types of obstacles.
The difficulty of the obsticles is based on the level of
competition. Riders familiarize themselves with these by
walking the course before the event.
Vet Check
Any horse unable to pass a veterinarian's examination,
especially before the rugged cross-county phase, is
eliminated.
A concluding stadium jumping round shows how much control and stamina is in reserve. While the jumps are not particularly difficult by Gran Prix standards, they still present a challenge for horses and riders after the grueling cross-country competition of the previous day
For more information on three-day eventing, visit the US Combined
Training Association home page.
On the last weekend of April, the Kentucky-Rolex Three-Day Event takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park. Traditionally, the world class horses and riders attracted to the event help to create one of the most spectacular of the Park's many equestrian special events.