olympic eventing race how long is the course

by Claudie Smith 4 min read

* Eventing is a mix of dressage, jumping and cross-country riding over a five-kilometre course with over 30 obstacles.Jun 20, 2021

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How long is the Olympic eventing course?

7 minutes and 45 secondsThe track has been shortened to 4,420m with an optimum time of 7 minutes and 45 seconds after recommendations from vets and experienced officials - it's not blink and you'll miss it, but certainly, there will be little opportunity for horses to take a breathe, settle and regroup if something hasn't gone quite to plan.

How long is an eventing course?

approximately two and three quarter to four milesThe cross-country course is approximately two and three quarter to four miles (6 km) long, comprising some twenty-four to thirty-six fixed and solid obstacles. Obstacles usually are built to look "natural" (out of logs, for instance), however odd materials and decorations may be added to test the horse's bravery.

How long is the cross-country course in Tokyo?

The course in Tokyo is 4420m long, so just shy of 4.5km.

How far is the Olympic cross-country course?

The men's competitions include a skiathlon (30 km), individual sprint freestyle, 15-kilometer classical, 4x10km relay, team sprint classical and mass start 50-kilometer freestyle.

How big are the Olympic eventing jumps?

The individual show jumping track must be shorter than the team track: It will include a maximum of 12 jumping efforts, compared to the team round's 16. But the fences can be 5 centimeters higher—up to 1.30 meters.

How many jumps in a cross-country course?

Every cross country course consists of r oughly 12 to 35 fixed and solid jumps. The jumps are made to look natural, being made out of logs, stone walls, tall grasses and water. Sometimes though, the jumps will be made to look unusual and scary to test the horse's bravery and courage.

How long is the Olympic cross-country ski course?

Cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympics comprises 12 events (6 for men, 6 for women): Men's 15 km (classic) Men's Skiathlon - (30 km) - first half of the event is skied in the classic style, the second half as freestyle. Men's 50 km mass start (freestyle)

How high are the XC jumps in the Olympics?

1.20 meters highJumps can be up to 1.20 meters high, because the course is built to four-star specifications.

What height is Olympic cross-country?

International Eventing CompetitionStar LevelCross-CountryFive StarsHeight: 1.2 m Distance: 6270-6840 m Speed: 570 mpm Time: 11-12 minutes Obstacles: 40-45Olympic GamesHeight: 1.2 m Distance: 5600-5800 m Speed: 570 mpm Time: 9:50 – 1:10 minutes Obstacles: 38-424 more rows

How long is the Olympic cross-country sprint?

Sprint: 1.5km for men and women. For qualification, athletes will compete in a time trial format with the 30 best times advancing to the final stages. Skate skiing will be the technique used for the Sprint at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. Individual: 10km for women, 15km for men.

How long is the cross-country sprint?

Sprint races are maximum 1.8 kilometres and are competed in either classic or free technique. In ordinary World Cup races, 100 points are awarded to the winner, 80 for second place, 60 for third place, winding down to 1 point for 30th place.

What's the difference between cross-country and eventing?

According the the USEA, "The cross-country phase typically takes place on the second day of competition, but always after the dressage phase. Cross-country is the cornerstone of eventing, and proves the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse over varied terrain and solid obstacles.

What is eventing in horse racing?

Eventing is a test of the skill, versatility, courage, and endurance of horse and rider. Three-day eventing is held over three days and consists of three disciplines: cross country jumping, dressage and stadium jumping. The cross-country phase takes place over a course of natural and man-made objects.

How many obstacles are there in the Olympic equestrian race?

There can be up to 40 obstacles that horses must jump or go through over the course that is up to four miles long. Scores are based on refusals, coming in under or over a set time, and falls of the rider. Read more about Olympic Equestrian Rules and Scoring .

What are the rules for dressage and jumping?

Rules for tack, clothing, and arena for dressage and jumping are similar to these individual sports. The cross country course consists of jumps made of very solid natural type obstacles. During the cross country phase, riders will be seen wearing jerseys and helmet covers in their team colors, an ASTM/SEI helmet, gloves, and body protector. Riders wear eventing watches with a large readout that allows them to keep track of their time and alert them when 'optimum time' has been reached.

What is the dressage arena?

Olympic dressage is held in a flat 20 X 60-meter arena. The horses wear minimal tack which are usually black in color. At the Olympic level, bridles will be a curb bit with a bridoon (sometimes called a double bridle). A plain cavesson, flash, figure-eight, or drop noseband may be used. Saddles will be dressage style with a straight flap and a white square saddle pad. No boots or wraps may be used.

How is show jumping determined?

Show jumping placings are determined by the fewest knock-downs, penalties and fastest times if there is a jump-off. Dressage placings are determined by the highest scores with 100 percent being the ideal score. Eventing medals are determined by the combined scores for all phases.

How many riders are there in dressage?

Each country may have a maximum of three riders competing for individual medals in the dressage competition. There may be four riders from each country in jumping and five in eventing competing for individual medals.

What is dressage in horseback riding?

Dressage is the systematic training of a horse to carry a rider with ease and grace. Dressage competitions demonstrate the level of training a horse and rider team have attained together. During the test, you will see the horse ridden at different paces and different speeds within those paces. The horses will be asked to fluidly move in straight lines and circles. The horses will also be asked to move smoothly and obediently sideways, diagonally and in place. You will see horses in "collection" where the horse is moving with a higher elevation of back and legs, and "extension" where the horse is reaching further with its legs while still carrying its neck and back in an elevated frame. Olympic level dressage competition highlights the most advanced and refined riding skills. It is often called the ballet of horseback riding.

Who competed in the 2012 Olympics?

Markus Schreiber / AP. Karen O'Conner of the United States competes with her horse, Mr Medicott, in the equestrian eventing dressage competition during the equestrian eventing dressage competition at Greenwich Park at the 2012 Summer Olympics, on July 28, 2012, in London. Email.

What is the most dangerous sport in the Olympics?

Welcome to eventing — the equine equivalent of the triathlon — which combines the disciplines of dressage, show jumping and cross country. It is also a sport enjoyed frequently by the wealthy and sometimes even by royalty. But for all its trappings of refinement, eventing is perhaps the most dangerous sport in the Summer Olympics—to both horse ...

Is it dangerous for horses to be put in events?

Animal advocates say this is unacceptable. “Horses are being put into dangerous situations,” says Animal Aid’s Stanstall, who rejects the idea that horses choose eventing and its risks. “They are programmed to do this. From a very early age, they’re taken from their mothers and are trained to do the three disciplines.

How many days is eventing?

Eventing is an equestrian triathlon, in that it combines three different disciplines in one competition set out over one, two, or three days, depending on the length of courses and number of entries. This sport follows a similar format in Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom and the United States and is recognized internationally by the FEI .

What is eventing in horse racing?

Eventing (also known as three day eventing or horse trials) is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

What is the dressage phase?

The dressage phase (held first) consists of an exact sequence of movements ridden in an enclosed arena (20×60 m for International 3DE but usually 20×40 m for ODE). The test is judged by one or more judges, who are looking for balance, rhythm, suppleness, and most importantly, the cooperation between the horse and rider. The challenge is to demonstrate that a supremely fit horse, capable of completing the cross-country phase on time, also has the training to perform in a graceful, relaxed, and precise manner. Dressage work is the basis of all the other phases and disciplines within the sport of eventing because it develops the strength and balance that allow a horse to go cross-country and show jump competently.

What is combined training?

The term "Combined Training" is sometimes confused with the term "Combined Test", which refers to a combination of just two of the phases, most commonly dressage and show jumping.

How many riders died in the 2008 eventing season?

Between 1997 and December 2008, at least 37 eventing riders died as a result of injuries incurred while competing in the cross-country phase of eventing at national or international level or at Pony Club. Of these, 18 riders died in the period 2006–2008. These 37 fatal falls have been at all levels of the sport, from domestic one-day events up to regional championships level, and they have occurred in most of the recognized eventing countries around the world, with concentrations in the United Kingdom (14) and the United States (8). At least 25 of these 37 deaths have resulted from a somersaulting (rotational) fall of the horse, with 11 of the 16 deaths in 2007 and 2008 being reported as having resulted from rotational falls .

What is the final stage of horse jumping?

Stadium or show jumping is the final phase of eventing competition and tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider, including suppleness, obedience, fitness, and athleticism. In this phase, 12–20 fences are set up in a ring.

What is the sport of eventing?

Country or region. Worldwide. Olympic. 1912. Play media. eventing training. Eventing (also known as three day eventing or horse trials) is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

What is eventing in sports?

Comprised of three phases, eventing is a sport that encompasses three separate equestrian events dressage, cross-country, and show jumping ( source ). Originally devised to test the skill and athleticism of the cavalry, ...

What is cross country eventing?

The cornerstone phase of eventing, cross-country is a test of speed and endurance. Horse and rider pairs navigate a difficult jumping course through a countryside setting – with elevation changes and various kinds of natural obstacles.

How old do you have to be to ride a horse?

Riders must be 16 or older, horses must be 6 or older, and the qualifications become more strict. Horse and rider teams must have 3 MERs at the Preliminary level, plus an additional MER at the Preliminary level with no more than 20 jumping penalties on the cross-country course.

What is the dressage test for horses?

In the dressage phase, riders are asked to perform a dressage test that includes a good performance of a walk, trot, canter, 20m circles, and/or half-circles.

How many obstacles are there in cross country?

In cross-country, obstacles are more difficult (bigger banks and water fences), and can reach 2’11” in height. There are between 16 and 20 obstacles, over a course distance of 1600 to 2200 meters. Horses are expected to achieve a speed of 350 to 400 mpm to successfully complete the cross-country portion.

What is a beginner novice?

Beginner Novice. This is the first level of eventing, designed to attract horses and riders who are new to the sport in a safe and friendly way. Events are available to riders of any age, horses over 4 years of age, and qualifying events are not necessary.

What is the first phase of horse training?

The first phase, dressage, tests a horse’s natural grace, athletic ability, and training. Dressage (which derives from the French word for training) is a display of horsemanship and skill from the rider, and obedience and willingness from the horse.

What is eventing in sports?

Eventing. Eventing is a combined competition that includes phases of stadium jumping, dressing, and cross country jumping. Rules for the stadium jumping and dressage phases of eventing are similar to those used for the individual events.

What are the rules of equestrian?

The rules used in Olympic equestrian competitions are the international rules established by the Fédération Equestre Internationale ( FEI ). They are the same rules used in international competition for all FEI-sanctioned events, such as the World Equestrian Games.

What is dressage competition?

Dressage competition includes the dressage event and the dressage phase of the eventing competition. Judging for dressage is perhaps the most subjective of all the Olympic equestrian sports. FEI rules outline the standards for each gait and element of the dressage test.

What is the ideal score for dressage?

The ideal score is 100 percent. Rules regarding the type of tack and dress that may be used are very strict. Competitors are disqualified if all four hooves land outside of the dressage ring, the horse refuses to perform for over 20 seconds, or the horse or rider falls.

Is dressage based on timing?

While some portions of the competition, such as dressage, are based on subjective judging, others are based on timing and faults or penalties.

Can you finish cross country earlier than the optimum time?

General Rules. For the cross country phase, an "optimum time" is established. There is no benefit to finishing earlier than the optimum time, but penalties are given if the rider exceeds the optimum time. Riders may remount after a fall.

How many road races will be held in 2020?

There will be two individual road races at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Men’s event and the Women’s event, involving riders from 57 different nations. Two individual road races will take place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games - the Men’s event and the Women’s event, involving riders from 57 different nations.

When is the 2021 Men's Road Race?

Riders from the same country compete as a team but aim to win medals individually. The Men’s individual road race will take place on Saturday 24 July 2021, ...

When is the Women's Road Race 2021?

The Women’s Individual road race will take place on Sunday 25 July 2021 at the later time of 13:00 hours JST (00:00 hours EST in New York; 9 pm PST on Saturday 24 July in Los Angeles). A total of 67 riders will be participating - there will be a total elevation of 2,692m in the women’s race on a route which is almost identical to the Men’s race, ...

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The Competition

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There are six Olympic Equestrian events that take place in a number of venues: 1. Eventing, Team Competition 2. Eventing, Individual Competition 3. Dressage, Team Competition 4. Dressage, Individual Competition 5. Jumping, Team Competition 6. Jumping, Individual Competition All Olympic equestrian disciplines are governed …
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What Are The Olympic Equestrian Events?

  • Dressage
    Dressage is the systematic training of a horse to carry a rider with ease and grace. Dressage competitions demonstrate the level of training a horse and rider team have attained together. During the test, you will see the horse ridden at different paces and different speeds within thos…
  • Show Jumping
    Show jumping tests the ability of the horse and rider to jump over a series of obstacles inside a riding ring. You will see horses and riders jumping over a preset course of 10 to 16 jumps that are up to 6ft 6in (2m) high or wide. Courses are designed with many tricky turns and colorful obstacl…
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Equipment and Venues

  • Dressage
    Olympic dressage is held in a flat 20 X 60-meter arena. The horses wear minimal tack which are usually black in color. At the Olympic level, bridles will be a curb bitwith a bridoon (sometimes called a double bridle). A plain cavesson, flash, figure-eight, or drop noseband may be used. Sad…
  • Three Day Eventing
    Rules for tack, clothing, and arena for dressage and jumping are similar to these individual sports. The cross country course consists of jumps made of very solid natural type obstacles. During the cross country phase, riders will be seen wearing jerseys and helmet covers in their team colors, …
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How Do They Win?

  • Each country may have a maximum of three riders competing for individual medals in the dressage competition. There may be four riders from each country in jumping and five in eventing competing for individual medals. Show jumping placings are determined by the fewest knock-downs, penalties and fastest times if there is a jump-off. Dressage placings are determined by t…
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Phases

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Eventing is an equestrian triathlon, in that it combines three different disciplines in one competition set out over one, two, or three days, depending on the length of courses and number of entries. This sport follows a similar format in Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and the United States. It is recognized internatio…
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History

  • Olympic beginning
    Eventing competition that resembles the current three-day were first held in 1902, at the Championnat du Cheval d'Armes in France, and was introduced into the Olympic Games starting 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden. Dressage originally demonstrated the horse's ability to perform on t…
  • Format
    The original format, used in the 1912 Olympics, was spread over several days: 1. Day 1: Endurance test comprising 55 km (34 mi) (with a time allowed of 4 hours, giving a speed of approx. 230 meters per minute) immediately followed by 5 km (3.1 mi) of a flagged cross-country course at …
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International Competition

  • International events have specific categories and levels of competition and are conducted under the rules of the FEI. CCI(Concours Complet International, or International Complete Contest) is one such category and defines a three-day event that is open to competitors from any foreign nation as well as the host nation. 1. CCI: International Three-day event (Concours Complet Intern…
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National Competition

  • Eventing rules and the recognized levels in various nations are similar, but not always identical. While rules usually follow the FEI to some degree, history and tradition of various nations has also influenced competition rules within a given country. In addition to recognized events that prepare the best riders for international competition, many nations also offer eventing for beginner, yout…
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Horse

  • In the lower levels, it is possible for any breed of horse, if it has the talent for it, to do well in eventing. Thoroughbreds and part-Thoroughbreds currently dominate the sport at the top levels because of their stamina and athletic ability, although many warmbloods and warmblood-thoroughbred crosses also do well. In the UK, Irish sport horseshave been popular for many year…
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Riding Attire

  • Riding attire is different in each of the three phases. Dressage and stadium jumping feature the traditional turnout for each of those disciplines, requiring conservative attire. However, as of 2017 lower level divisions in the United States allow for more flexibility in the rider's attire. Cross-country attire and equipment emphasizes and requires safety protocols be followed, but has les…
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Turnout of The Horse and Tack

  • Turnout and grooming
    Event horses are turned out similarly to dressage horses, with the legs and face (muzzle, jaw, sides of ears, bridle path) neatly clipped. The tail is usually "banged" (cut straight across), usually to a length between the fetlock joint and lower hock. Additionally, most event riders clip the side…
  • Tack
    Most event riders have a jumping saddle as well as a dressage saddle since each places them in a position better-suited for its purpose. At the lower levels, however, a rider can ride all three phases without difficulty in a well-fitted jumping saddle. At the upper levels, riders usually have a saddle …
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