‘EVENTING FOR DUMMIES’ – GETTING TO GRIPS WITH OUR NEW FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE

We’ve always enjoyed eventing, but after watching Badminton last year, the addiction to the sport has become VERY real in the HQ office. To ensure we’re all up to speed, we’ve put together this quick crash course on eventing for all those keen to learn more about this fascinating (and highly addictive) discipline!

A crash course in eventing

Governed by Eventing South Africa (ESA), the sport adheres to a comprehensive set of regulations designed to ensure fair competition and prioritise the horse’s welfare.​

Governing bodies and rule structure

ESA operates under the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) umbrella and aligns its regulations with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) standards. The ESA Rulebook, effective from January 1, 2024, serves as the foundational document outlining the rules and standards for eventing competitions within South Africa. ​

Eventing SA Vision Statement

“Eventing constitutes the most complete combined equestrian Competition, demanding of the Athlete considerable experience in all branches of equitation and a precise knowledge of their Horse’s ability, and of the Horse a degree of general competence, resulting from intelligent and progressive training.

The Cross Country Test constitutes the most exciting and challenging all-round test of riding ability and horsemanship where correct principles of training and riding are rewarded. This test focuses on the ability of Athletes and Horses to adapt to different and variable conditions of the Competition (weather, terrain, obstacles, footing, etc.) showing jumping skills, harmony, mutual confidence, and in general ‘good pictures’.

This test requires, by all involved, special awareness and acceptance of a certain level of risk inherent to the particular challenging and exciting nature of the test. Every effort must be made to ensure that, at each level, responsible Athletes are participating with progressively trained Horses in order not to be exposed to a higher risk than which is strictly inherent to the nature and level of the Competition.” – Eventing South Africa Eventing Rules 2024

Competition levels and standards

Eventing competitions in South Africa are categorised into various levels to accommodate a range of skill sets and experience:​

• Ev60: Cross-country course of 1000 to 1500 metres with 10-15 efforts at a maximum height of 60cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 65cm.
• Ev70: Cross-country course of 1500 to 2200 metres with 15-20 efforts at a maximum height of 70cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 75cm.​
• Ev80: Cross-country course of 1800 to 2400 metres with 18-24 efforts at a maximum height of 80cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 85cm.​
• Ev90: Cross-country course of 2000 to 2600 metres with 20-26 efforts at a maximum height of 90cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 95cm.​
• Ev100: Cross-country course of 2200 to 2800 metres with 22-28 efforts at a maximum height of 100cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 105cm.​
• CCN Intro*: Cross-country course of 2000 to 3000 metres with 20-25 efforts at a maximum height of 105cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 110 cm.​
• CCN2*: Cross-country course of 2600 to 3120 metres (Short Format) or 2640 to 4680 metres (Long Format) with 25-30 efforts at a maximum height of 110cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 115cm.​
• CCN3*: Cross-country course of 3025 to 3575 metres (Short Format) or 4400 to 5500 metres (Long Format) with 27-32 efforts at a maximum height of 115cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 120cm.​
• CCN4*: Cross-country course of 3420 to 3990 metres (Short Format) or 5700 to 6270 metres (Long Format) with 30-35 efforts at a maximum height of 120cm; showjumping at a maximum height of 125cm.​

NOTE

National Federation levels Ev65 to Ev95 are designed to prepare horses for one-star competition through progressive levels of height and difficulty.

Formats

Formats define some of the technical aspects of the competition (e.g., the duration of the Competition, the intensity of the Cross-Country Test, and the order of tests).

Long Format Competition (CCIs-L)

A Long-Format Competition may take place over three or more days. The Dressage Test will be spread over one or more consecutive days, depending on the number of competitors. It will be directly followed on the next day by the Cross-Country Test, which will be directly followed on the next day by the Jumping Test.

When multiple Competitions are running simultaneously, a gap day between the Dressage Test and the next Test is permitted, with the approval of the FEI, to accommodate the timetable. In National Federation competitions, a gap day between Dressage and the next Test is allowed to accommodate the timetable.

In the Long Format Competitions, the cross-country course will be of such a length that the horse is required to be supremely fit, and stamina will be required for success. The Cross Country Test will always take place before the Jumping Test.

Short Format Competition (CCIs-S)

A Short-Format Competition may take place over one or more days. The Dressage Test will always take place first, followed on the same or following days by the Jumping and Cross-Country Tests.

When multiple Competitions are running simultaneously, a gap day between the Dressage Test and the next Test is permitted, with the approval of the FEI, to accommodate the timetable. In National Federation competitions, a gap day between Dressage and the next Test is allowed to accommodate the timetable.

In the Short Format Competition, the level of difficulty of the Cross Country course is similar to the Long Format according to the star system, but the course is shorter, and the intensity of efforts will be higher. The Cross Country Test will preferably take place after the Jumping Test.

Unified format Competition (CC1*-Intro)

CCI1*-Intro may take place as a Short or Long format according to the order of tests and Horse Inspection requirements.

NOTE: Eventing 65 (Ev65), Eventing 75 (Ev75), Eventing 85 (Ev85) and Eventing 95 (Ev95) are Short Format competitions that may take place over one or more days, according to the provisions of Art. 502.1.3.

Dressage Phase

The Dressage Test evaluates the horse and rider’s ability to perform a series of predetermined movements, demonstrating precision, smoothness, and harmony. Tests are specified for each competition level and are judged by ESA-approved officials. ​

Cross-country Phase

The Cross-Country Test challenges the endurance and jumping ability of the horse, as well as the rider’s judgment and knowledge of pace. Courses are designed with a variety of obstacles and terrains, adhering to strict safety standards. The Technical Delegate is responsible for inspecting and approving the course to ensure compliance with ESA regulations. ​

Cross-country scoring codes

Showjumping Phase

The Showjumping Test assesses the horse’s fitness and agility post-cross-country. The course consists of a series of obstacles set within specified dimensions corresponding to the competition level.

Scoring

Scoring in eventing is cumulative, with penalty points accrued across all phases; the competitor with the fewest penalties at the end is declared the winner. Here’s a breakdown of how scoring works in each phase:

Dressage Phase scoring

In dressage, the horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements evaluated by judges. Each movement is scored on a scale from 0 to 10, with zero being the lowest and 10 the highest. Half marks (e.g., 6.5) may also be used. The individual movement scores are summed, and collective marks assessing overall impression—such as gaits, impulsion, submission, and rider’s position—are added. This total is then converted into a percentage. To determine the penalty points for the dressage phase, subtract the percentage score from 100. For example, a dressage score of 70% results in 30 penalty points (100 – 70 = 30). Higher performance yields a lower penalty score, which is advantageous in eventing.

Cross-Country Phase scoring

This phase tests endurance, speed, and jumping ability over the course of solid obstacles. Penalties are incurred as follows:

• Refusals or run-outs:
  • First refusal or run-out at an obstacle: 20 penalties.
  • Second refusal at the same obstacle: 40 penalties.
  • Third refusal on course: Elimination.
• Missing a flag: 15 penalties
• Activating a frangible device: 11 penalties.
• Time penalties:
  • Exceeding the optimum time: 0.4 penalties per second over.
  • Exceeding the time limit (twice the optimum time): Elimination.
• Falls:
  • Fall of rider: Elimination.
  • Fall of horse (shoulder and hindquarters touch the ground): Elimination.

The objective is to complete the course clear of jumping faults and within the optimum time to avoid accumulating penalties.

NOTE: A horse is considered to have run out (20 penalties) if, having been presented with an element or obstacle on the course, it avoids it in such a way that the body of the horse (head, neck, shoulders and pelvis – legs are not included) fail to pass between the extremities of the element or obstacle as originally flagged. Continuing on course without representing will incur elimination.

On the other hand, a horse is considered to have missed a flag (15 penalties) if the horse jumps the dimension of the obstacle and the majority of the horse’s body (specifically the head, neck, shoulders and pelvis) passes through the flags, but some part of the body is not inside the flags (e.g. one shoulder, or one shoulder and part of one hip).

The horse will have successfully negotiated the fence if the body of the horse (i.e. the head, neck, shoulders and pelvis) has passed the fence as originally flagged (i.e. if the body but not all the legs pass inside the flags, the horse is considered clear). 

Showjumping Phase scoring

This final phase assesses the horse’s agility and the rider’s precision over a course of coloured fences within an arena. Penalties are assigned as follows:

• Knocking down an obstacle: 4 penalties.
• Refusals:
  • First refusal: 4 penalties.
  • Second refusal: Elimination.
• Time penalties: Exceeding the time allowed results in 0.4 penalties per second over.
• Falls and errors:
  • Fall of rider or horse: Elimination.
  • Jumping an obstacle in the wrong order or error of course: Elimination.

Overall scoring

The penalty points from all three phases are aggregated to determine the final score. The competitor with the lowest total penalty points is the winner. This scoring system emphasises consistent performance across all disciplines, rewarding versatility and partnership between horse and rider.

What is a frangible device?

Frangible devices are safety mechanisms strategically installed on certain cross-country fences where their deployment can effectively mitigate accident severity. When a horse makes a significant impact with such an obstacle, the device activates, causing part of the fence to collapse and thereby reducing the likelihood of a rotational fall. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has approved various frangible technologies and provides detailed specifications for their implementation to ensure consistency and safety across competitions.

In South Africa, the main devices used are frangible pins. These are mechanical pins designed to break when struck with sufficient force, causing the fence to collapse in a controlled manner.

Safety and welfare

The welfare of the horse is paramount in all ESA competitions. Protective headgear is mandatory for all three phases, and body protectors are required during the cross-country phase. Courses are designed to challenge competitors while prioritising safety, and officials have the authority to stop a tired or distressed horse. ​

Conclusion

Eventing in South Africa offers a comprehensive test of equestrian skill, governed by a robust set of regulations that ensure fair play and the well-being of both horse and rider. Competitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the ESA Rulebook and stay updated with any amendments to maintain the integrity and enjoyment of the sport.

Now you’re a pro at the rules, stay tuned for all the action from Badminton, which runs from the 7^th to the 11^th of May 2025 in Gloucestershire, England!