commissioned officers could compete until after World War II. With various changes in format, eventing has been included in nearly all Olympic Games since then, save during the World Wars. As mounted troops gave way to tanks during World War II, Olympic eventing also saw a change in its team compositions. The 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, brought the first civilian competitors. The first female Olympic eventer competed in 1964. The sport remained fairly unchanged until 2004, when a new format was introduced. Sometimes called the “short format,” this new system removed the endurance and speed phases, leaving only dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The change was a compromise that made the
sport more television-friendly and took up less land and resources—a necessity to keep the sport in the Olympic line-up.
THE SPORT TODAY The Event at Rebecca Farm offers competitors and spectators alike the opportunity to see both the “classic” eventing format, which, on endurance day, includes roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country, and the modern short format that is part of the international competition landscape. Over the five days of competition, there are divisions that range novice all the way up to the CCI**** (Concours Complet International four star), which showcases some of the most talented horses and riders competing at the top of the sport internationally.
SCORING Dressage: Each dressage test movement receives a score on a scale from 0, meaning “not performed,” to 10, meaning “excellent.” The total score is then converted into “penalties.” So, the higher the score, the lower the penalties assigned. These penalties carry forward through the other phases, which is why the dressage phase is so important to the end result. Cross-Country: Penalties are incurred when a horse stops in front of a jump, runs beyond it without jumping, or jumps outside of the flags. Time penalties are added for going over the time allowed or even coming in too fast. The term “double clear” means that the horse incurred no jumping or time penalties. Any penalties are added to those from the dressage. Multiple refusals or the fall of horse or rider are grounds for elimination. Show Jumping: Refusals, knockdowns, and exceeding the time allowed incur penalties, which are added to those from dressage and cross-country.
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