Equestrian Sports Guide: Preparing for Your First Combined Training Event

When my daughter first decided that she would like to pursue combined training as her chosen equestrian sport, my wife and I knew little about eventing and weren't sure how to proceed. Combined training is a difficult and sometimes dangerous sport involving three phases: Dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country jumping. Most areas of the United States have local shows which can prepare you for competing nationally, and which have less stringent rules than USEF and USEA events.

Preparing for your first combined training event requires an understanding of the sport as well as a detailed analysis of your abilities as well as those of your horse. Not all horses can compete in combined training---it requires a significant level of athleticism---and for some riders, eventing is too much of a
strain, both mentally and physically.

Determine Your Level

Combined training experts recommend that beginning event riders compete at least one level below the one at which they are schooling. For example, if you have practiced beginner novice dressage tests and jumping heights (2"6'), then you might want to enter your first competition at the GAG level (green as grass) or elementary, as it is called in some parts of the country. This allows you to be more confident at the show and ensures that you won't be over-faced once you get on course.

Understand Dressage Fundamentals

You don't need to know extensive dressage when preparing for your first combined training event, especially since the green-as-grass test requires only walk and trot movements. The beginner novice test calls for 20-meter canter circles, but it isn't difficult. At this low level of three-day eventing, you need only work on keeping your horse calm, supple and responsive in the dressage arena, with a lower-level head set.

Jump Solids for Practice