2008 Eventing Rules now available online. at Equine Canada.

New for 2008

Under the new Progressive Competition System, introduced by Equine Canada, a bronze membership is required to compete at pre-training, entry and pre-entry levels

A silver membership and a horse passport is required to compete at the training level.

A gold membership and a horse passport is required to compete at preliminary level and above.

If you have any questions about the new Progressive Competition System, contact Teri at aryante@mts.net

What Is Eventing?

A full phase event is called a Three Day Event because it takes place over three days; Dressage the first day, Cross-Country (Speed & Endurance) phase next, and Stadium Jumping on the last day. Horse Trials are scaled down versions which take place over one or two days with the length and difficulty of the cross-country phase reduced.

Dressage

The dressage test consists of a series of movements performed in an arena and judged subjectively. Precision, smoothness and obedience must be demonstrated to show the horse's gymnastic development through progressive levels of skill. A percentage score is converted to penalties which are carried forward to the next phase.

Cross-Country

This discipline is considered to be the most exciting part of eventing. Manitoba boasts several beautiful cross-country courses, notably those of which are found in Birds Hill Park (just outside Winnipeg) where the 1999 Pan American Games event was held. Cross-country is ridden continuously through four phases all of which have optimum speeds and time periods:

Phase A: Roads & Tracks – covered at a moderate trot, principally as a warm-up.
Phase B: Steeplechase – ridden on a circular or figure eight track over brush fences which are jumped at a full gallop.
Phase C: Roads & Tracks – a longer moderate trot to cool the horse down, followed by a compulsory 10 minute stop and veterinary check.
Phase D: Cross-Country – a course of 20-40 solid obstacles over varied terrain. (Heights for international competition range from 3'7" to 4' depending on level)

Penalties are assessed for refusals, run-outs, falls and being over the optimum time.
*Horse Trials include only Phases A & D and are offered at the lower levels from 2'3" and up*

Show Jumping

This is the final phase and consists of a simple stadium jumping course which demonstrates that the horse is capable of an obedient and supple effort after a day of exhilarating cross-country. And yes, the horses do know the difference between a solid and unfixed fence rail! Penalties are assessed for refusals, knock-downs, falls and being over the time limit.

At the end of the competition, the rider with the fewest combined penalties is the winner.

Manitoba Horse Trials has several divisions to compete in, from Entry Level (2'6") through Intermediate (3'9"). Some venues even offer the friendly PT 70 division with fences no more than 2'3" and a simple walk-trot-canter dressage test. Many of our riders' Moms and Dads have even been inspired by their children to give eventing a try! Who says kids have all the fun…

As the levels progress the jumps are correspondingly higher, wider and more difficult, and the speeds are faster. Any of our Eventing Coaches throughout Manitoba would be pleased to guide you and your horse through the preparation necessary to compete.

Success in this sport requires horse and rider to develop as a team. They must be adaptable, bold and athletic. Eventers take pride in developing their horses' fitness level and they incorporate a training schedule that will allow them to achieve competency in all three disciplines.

Is Eventing For You?

Eventers tend to be adventurous and develop a great deal of self-confidence as they train. This is a challenging sport, and when you master a level, be prepared for the exhileration you'll feel and the cheers you'll hear from friends and family when they watch you compete.

Since eventers train their horses in three separate disciplines you can plan to spend plenty of time with your mount in a variety of situations. You'll love the instant kinship and support that is prevalent amongst your fellow competitors. Everyone can relate to those 'rider fences' and you'll find plenty of offers of helpful advice and assistance.

Looking For More?

If you'd like to see and hear more about eventing in Manitoba, feel free to come out and watch an event! Spectators are welcome and encouraged to ask questions. Guaranteed the excitement will be contagious...just keep your eyes up for the horses and riders, as they have the right-of-way at all times!