Eventing originally evolved from the training and selection of cavalry horses.
Each of the three disciplines is designed to test the horses ability - dressage shows how trainable the horse is and its basic paces in walk, trot and canter. The cross country tests stamina,
speed, jumping and bravery while the show jumping shows athleticism, control and accuracy. The sport is rather like the pentathlon in that it combines different disciplines in one competition
and is run on a cumulative penalty basis. The competitor with least penalties at the end is the winner.
The Festival of British Eventing takes place at:
Gatcombe Park,
Hampton Fields,
Minchinhampton,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire
GL6 9AT
This renowned event takes place at Gatcombe Park, spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family and incorporates the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships.
20th - 22nd March 2008 - Land Rover Gatcombe Park Horse Trials (near Minchinghampton) -
01453 887730
1st - 3rd August 2008 - The Festival of British Eventing
The Festival of British Eventing is unique in that it incorporates the British Championships of the three levels of Eventing - Novice, Intermediate & Advanced (also known as the British
Open Championships).
A One Day Event is just that - it means that each horse and rider combination must complete the 3 phases of the event in one day - Dressage, Show Jumping & Cross Country - although, due
to the number of competitors here some competitors will do their dressage one day and the Show Jumping & Cross Country the next.
DRESSAGE
The examination of a horse & rider's ability to work together. Dressage is judged on the bearing, demeanour, discipline and elegance that the partnership brings to the arena. The test consists
of a sequence of movements to test the suppleness and obedience of the horse.
SHOW JUMPING
A test of agility, precision and control of both horse and rider over a course of show jumps, taking place in the main arena at the centre of the Event
CROSS COUNTRY
The most exciting part of the One Day Event. riders must negotiate a course of approximately 30 timber built solid obstacles within the time limit designed to test the fitness, technique and all round ability of the combination.
ARENA ATTRACTIONS
FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST 8am GATES OPEN
8.50am Pony Club Inter-Branch Team Jumping
11.30am approx Burghley Young Event Horse Final Judging & Prize Giving - 4 year olds
5.00pm approx Burghley Young Event Horse Final Judging & Prize Giving - 5 year olds
SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST 8am GATES OPEN
7.45am Show Jumping - Advanced Sections 1 & 2
11.45am Show Jumping - Novice Championship
2.00pm Ye Olde Red Tail Falconry Display
2.20pm The Devils Horsemen Cossack Riding Display
2.45pm Shetland Pony Grand National
3.15pm Parade of Royal Agricultural College Beagles
3.30pm Dressage to Music
3.50pm Natural Horsemanship Display
4.10pm The Interservices Tug of War Competition
4.25pm The Devils Horsemen Cossack Riding Display
4.50pm Shetland Pony Grand National - Final
5.15pm Prize Giving
SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST 8am GATES OPEN
8.30am Show Jumping - Intermediate Championship
12.00pm Show Jumping - Open Championship
2.00pm The Devils Horsemen Cossack Riding Display
2.30pm Shetland Pony Grand National
3.00pm Parade of the Duke of Beauforts Hounds
3.15pm Dressage to Music
3.35pm Natural Horsemanship Dispaly
3.55pm Ye Olde Red Tail Falconry Display
4.25pm The Devils Horsemen Cossack Riding Display
4.55pm Shetland Pony Grand National - Final
5.15pm Prize Giving
1st May to 4th May 2008 The Badminton Horse Trials
Top International Equestrian event featuring Dressage, Jumping and Cross-Country competitions Badminton, Near Tetbury. Tickets:
(01454) 218375. www.badminton-horse.co.uk
6th August 2008 - 10th August 2008
Mitsubishi Motors Hartpury Horse Trials
The collaboration between Hartpury and Mitsubishi Motors UK has grown from strength to strength. In just five years the Gloucestershire-based horse trials (previously known as the Hartpury
Three Day Event) has developed into one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar, with sporting action ranging across one, two and three star levels. Last year saw the inaugural three
star competition which was supported by many of the world’s leading competitors. The 10,000 strong crowd witnessed top eventing stars in action, including World and European Champion Zara Phillips, Andrew Hoy, Mary King, Matt Ryan and Andrew Nicholson.
Website: www.hartpury.ac.uk
Blenheim International Horse Trials -
11th - 14th September
2008
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the world's premier three star three day events. Set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim
Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and
with the Palace as the backdrop for the main arena activities, the horse trial offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of the world's finest event riders and horses compete against one another
in a truly spectacular location.
The 2008 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials takes place on
11th - 14th September 2008. Contact: Tel: 01993 813335
A One Day Event is just that - it means that each horse and rider combination must complete the 3 phases of the event in one day - Dressage, Show Jumping & Cross Country - although, due
to the number of competitors here some competitors will do their dressage one day and the Show Jumping & Cross Country the next. 
