Eventing: Horse & Hound's home for eventing fans

Eventing

All about eventing

Eventing is a three-phase equestrian sport in which a horse and rider combination compete in dressage, showjumping and cross-country. The same combination have to compete in all three phases – a rider can’t substitute a different horse for any part of the competition. The sport is designed to be a test of all-round horsemanship of the rider and the adaptability and training of the horse across the different sports. Scores are given as penalties and the horse and rider with the lowest penalties after all three phases of an event are the winners. Events, also known as horse trials, are typically referred to as one-day or three-day events, despite the fact a competition can actually be held over one, two, three or four days. Eventing in Britain is overseen by the sport’s governing body British Eventing with competition starting over jumps of 80cm in height, called BE80(T) and increases in height up to advanced level over showjumps with a maximum height of 1.25m and cross-country fences set at 1.20m. There are also international eventing competitions run under FEI rules from one- to five-star level.

What is eventing?

Eventing

Eventing top stories

British Eventing launches £10,000 Innovation Prize to find new cross-country safety solutions

Laura Collett and Becky Moody celebrate, plus more glitz and glamour at the Horse & Hound Awards

‘We owe our horses better than this’: top rider speaks out as five-star eventer suspended for horse abuse

A tough farewell to the horse who put Laura Collett on the map and taught her ‘how to deal with highs and lows’

Dressage blood rule clarification and changes to eventing series: what’s coming for FEI competitors in 2026

Fresh look for eventing Nations Cup in 2026 to create more exciting finale

‘You can count on us’: LA28 Olympic organisers share update on equestrian plans

How to win at arena eventing – essential advice for training at home and what to do on the day

Eventing opinion from H&H columnists

‘Good jumping horses that have been trained correctly’: Kylie Roddy on what you need to be successful at Pau five-star

Low entries at Maryland and bumper numbers at Pau – Pippa Roome considers the autumn five-stars

Andrew Nicholson says: ‘The right riders got the medals at Blenheim Europeans’

Mark Phillips’ would ‘still bet on the Brits for world gold’ despite four rider falls at Blenheim Europeans

Tack and clothing

10 body protectors that meet the current standards

Air jackets vs body protectors: what’s the difference, and which should you wear?

20 jump saddles you’ll want to ride in

Body protectors vs back protectors: what’s the difference – and which one do you need?

12 pairs of boots ready to go out on the cross-country course

11 stylish pairs of men’s competition breeches to suit all budgets

Training tips

Does cantering or jumping downhill fill you with dread? Improve your cross-country riding skills with tips from an Olympian

Stronger, safer, smarter: Olympians share their secrets on how to improve your cross-country riding position – including exercises on and off the horse

No more poles down! Training exercises and tips to sharpen your horse’s reflexes and ace those important showjumping clear rounds

‘Help! My horse is running out at skinnies’ Olympic eventer Ginny Elliot’s tips on how to stay between the flags

All about eventing

Popular event riders

Popular horse trials