Eventing and U.S. Olympic Team Bronze Medalist Nina Fout says that riders and horses new to the sport should prepare for their first event in stages. By starting slowly, they will not be over-faced, which could lead to a loss of confidence in either horse or rider.
The sport of eventing is the equestrian version of a triathalon with three phases that the horse and rider teams must complete. The first phase is dressage in which the pairs complete a prescribed test of movements in a ring to show that the horse is supple and well trained. The second phase is the cross country phase, which involves the horse and rider teams jumping a course of natural jumps and obstacles over open country. The third phase is the show jumping phase in which the teams must jump a course of brightly colored jumps in a ring.
Things You'll Need
- Riding helmet
- Protective riding safety vest
- Saddle
- Bridle
- Flat riding surface
- Horse jumps
- Fields or wooded riding trails
- Galloping boots
Instructions
Start your conditioning program two to three months before your first event, and plan which competitions you will enter. Most of the conditioning program will involve work on the flat, or dressage, which should be done four to five days each week for 30 to 40 minutes per day.
̶0;Flatwork is key,̶1; Fout explained. ̶0;It establishes an important level of communication between horse and rider.̶1;
The goal during these training sessions is to establish basic stretching and bending with the horse, straightness, transitions between gaits and relaxation. Fout suggests the following exercises:
̶6; Target a fixed point at the end of the exercise arena and ride forward and straight toward that point.
̶0;It is important to vary the exercise pattern using these guidelines throughout the work session,̶1; she says. ̶0;If your horse is not relaxed, make the exercises simple and do lots of downward transitions. Be very patient and clear as to what you are asking for next.̶1;
Dressage requirements at the novice level include working gaits, with the test being done on 20-meter circles, across the diagonal or on the centerline. In addition, the test calls for stretching of the horse's frame on a long rein. Horses must be four years of age or older to compete at the novice level.
Riders should add in some jumping to their routine once or twice a week. Jumps at this level are no higher than 2̵7;11. The goals for jumping at the novice level include developing communication between horse and rider and a straight approach and landing to jumps. Fout suggests the following exercises:
̶6; Work on a circle at the trot and cancer, and include a fence in the circle.
To prepare for the cross country phase, take your horse on trail rides or short rides around fields or open spaces to get them used to traveling at different paces over uneven terrain. These trail rides will also serve to condition your horse so that they have the stamina to complete not only the cross country phase but the entire three phases.
Conditioning for the horse at this level should include some work on varied terrain to build up their fitness level. Fout suggests the following exercises:
̶6; Longe a horse that is tense when going out in the woods or fields alone.
̶6; Spiral in and out of 20-meter circles in both directions at the trot and canter, using well-planned transitions to change from one gait to another.
̶6; Perform small gymnastic exercises with two jumps and varied striding to help the horse learn how to collect and extend over the jumps.
̶6; Mix up the routine by doing 20 minutes of dressage followed by 10 to 15 minutes of light jumping.
̶6; Trot and walk up and down hills to build stamina.