The Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace represents the pinnacle of eventing, testing horse and rider across dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Renowned for their demanding courses and elite competitors, these championships showcase the epitome of equestrian athleticism, skill, and partnership, captivating audiences worldwide with their thrilling displays of horsemanship. Peak horse and rider combinations will compete for the top prize.

What Is Eventing?

Eventing is the ultimate equestrian challenge comprised of dressage, show jumping and cross country. It can be likened to a triathlon, with horses and riders demonstrating a range of skills across the three disciplines. To compete successfully in eventing combinations must show harmony and rhythm in the dressage, balance and precision in the show jumping and accuracy and bravery in the cross country phase. The combination with the lowest penalty score at the end of the event is the winner. (Source: British Eventing)

Dressage:

Always the first phase of the event, dressage requires a horse and rider to perform a series of set movements, each scored out of 10 by a judge. These Scores are combined to produce a penalty score.

The concept of dressage is to produce an obedient, supple and responsive test which essentially originates from the military -the better schooled your horse, the better he would be in battle. However, this was also combined with a desire by the nobility to be seen ‘about town’ on magnificent steeds with exaggerated movement which clearly demonstrated their ability as horsemen. And so ‘dressage’ was born. (Source: British Dressage)

NZL-Jonelle Price rides Full Monty de Lacense during the 1st day of Dressage for the CCI4*-S. 2024 GBR-Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Thursday 19 September 2024. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Cross Country:

This is a timed phase that challenges the horse and rider to navigate a course with natural and man-made obstacles, including jumps, ditches, and water. It tests the speed, endurance, and jumping ability of the horse, as well as the rider’s courage and skill. (Source: British Equestrian)

Showjumping:

Show jumping is the final phase of horse trials, where horse and rider navigate a series of fences within an arena. This phase tests the horse’s agility and the rider’s precision. Penalties are incurred for knocking down fences, refusals, and exceeding the time limit. (Source: British Equestrian)

NZL-Caroline Powell rides Legally Grey during the Showjumping for the CCI4*-S. 2024 GBR-Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Saturday 21 September 2024. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography