Eventing

Eventing, or Horse Trials, is the ultimate equestrian challenge, likened to an ‘equine triathlon’; it provides a comprehensive test of all-round ability for horse and rider and also tests the partnership between the two. Despite being called ‘three-day eventing’, the modern sport usually takes place over four days, as the dressage phase takes two days to complete. However, each horse and rider combination will only compete on three days in all three phases, with a rest day on one of the dressage days.

Eventing competitions are scored on a cumulative basis; this means that the winner will be the horse and rider combination with the lowest overall score after the three phases.

The sport evolved from the qualities necessary for a top-class military charger – steadiness and elegance on parade, the ability to gallop across country in battle, and then to continue with duties after a strenuous day. The first eventing competition was recorded in France in 1902 and it first appeared in the modern Olympics in 1912, though the required phases of the sport have changed a number of times since then. The requirements when eventing originated have now transformed into the three modern phases of the sport – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping. In order to succeed, riders and their horses must be highly skilled in all three disciplines.

National one-day events make up the majority of the British Eventing (BE) calendar, with more than 170 run throughout the season from March, for more than 15,000 BE members. Classes range from 80cm training classes to international championships, and the top-level five-star events, Badminton and Burghley. As horses and riders move up the levels, the difficulty and technicality of the phases increase. Riders can compete from the year of their 12th birthday and there is no upper age limit.

Star Difficulty Ratings

International events are overseen by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and rated by stars indicating the level of competition, 1*-INTRO to 5*, which covers and exceeds the national 105 to Advanced levels. The current rating system was introduced by the

The CCI4*-L is Blair’s most testing track, with an optimum time of around 11 minutes. It provides a true test of stamina for both horse and rider over the unforgiving Scottish hills and is the only CCI4*-L in Scotland, and one of only three in the UK. The CCI4*-S class is slightly shortened but still maintains the high level of technicality. The CCI3*-L and CCI2*-L classes provide a true challenge for horses and riders at lower levels, and Blair’s timing towards the end of the eventing season makes it an aspirational venue for many competitors, who plan their season around qualification for this weekend’s international competition. With so many variables coming into play, from weather and ground conditions, to fitness and rider focus, it is always a spectacular four days of competition!