What is Eventing?

Eventing is the ultimate test of horsemanship. It is distinctive in that male and female riders compete against each other on level footing for equal rewards.

Eventing consists of three equine disciplines - Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping. The penalty scores from each discipline are combined to produce an overall total. The combination with the lowest total penalties is the winner.

In addition to being the governing body which regulates the sport in Ireland, Eventing Ireland also organises and schedules all events which run across the country during the competition season from March to October each year. To participate within Eventing Ireland competitions, owners and riders must be members of the organization, and their horses must also be registered.

At National events there are various classes to compete in. Each horse starts at Training/Pre-Novice and the ultimate goal is to progress to Advanced level and International competition. The level at which you compete is decided by the grade of your horse. Therefore, you often find Novice riders competing alongside Advanced and International riders who may be training their younger horses in lower classes. This fascinating feature makes eventing inclusive and aspirational to all, independent of level.