Eventing: Spring Horse Trials at The Ark

Horse trials are a test of both horse and rider. Not for the faint of heart, the sport of eventing, evaluated through horse trials, incorporates three distinct phases with varying degrees of difficulty. Combined they demonstrate the ability, versatility and readiness of horse and rider. Eventing is also sometimes referred to as combined training.

Horse trials can take one, two or three days, depending on the field and organization of the competition. Each is composed of dressage, cross-country and show jumping tests.

The very elegant sport of dressage requires horse and rider to execute a series of prescribed classical movements on the flat in an enclosed arena. Judges look for a smooth, balanced, relaxed horse and rider…

Read the entire story by Lori Roets
Date: 2-12-2009
By: www.examiner.com