The dressage phase of a one-day event is like a ballet for horse and rider. It's a judged performance where they showcase their harmony, obedience, and athleticism within a rectangular arena.

Imagine a giant coloring book on the ground, filled with circles, serpentines, and other patterns. The rider guides the horse through these movements with precise control, demonstrating their ability to:

Move with balance and rhythm. Think of a waltz – the horse should move smoothly and in time with the rider's aids.

Respond to subtle cues. A gentle leg touch might ask for a faster gait, while a slight shift in weight might request a turn.

Perform various maneuvers. This could include piaffe (trotting on the spot), passage (a very collected and elevated trot), or flying changes of lead (switching the leading leg at a canter).

Judging the Performance:

A panel of judges observes the horse and rider combination, awarding points based on their execution of the movements. Accuracy, obedience, and overall impression all contribute to the score.

Why Dressage Matters:

This first phase sets the stage for the entire competition. A strong dressage performance not only showcases the horse's training and the rider's skill but also helps build a foundation of trust and communication, which is crucial for the more demanding phases to come (show jumping and cross country) in a one-day event.

The show jumping phase of a one-day event is a thrilling display of precision and athleticism. Riders and their horses navigate a course of colorful jumps, showcasing their control, communication, and ability to execute quick turns.

Imagine an obstacle course designed for horses! Here's what to expect:

Jumps: These come in various heights and styles, demanding accuracy and controlled jumping from the horse.

Faults: Touching or knocking down a jump results in penalties. Refusing a jump (stopping or swerving) also incurs penalties.

Time: Riders are against the clock, aiming for a clear round (no faults) within a set time limit. Exceeding the time limit adds penalties.

The rider with the fewest penalties after show jumping is in a strong position to win the overall event! So, keep an eye out for smooth jumps, clear strides, and a harmonious connection between horse and rider in this exciting phase.

Penalties:
First disobedience - 4pts
Second disobedience - Elimination (CCI4*-S- CCI2*-S)
Second disobedience - 8pts (CCN1*-S - 65cm)
Third disobedience - Elimination (CCN1*-S - 65cm)
Knocking down an obstacle - 4pts
Fall of horse or rider - Elimination
Error of course not rectified - Elimination
Retaking an obstacle already jumped - Elimination
Jumping obstacle in wrong order - Elimination
For every second over allowed time - 0.4pt

The cross country phase is the heart-pounding finale of a one-day event, where riders and their horses tackle a challenging obstacle course designed to test their athleticism, bravery, and teamwork.

Imagine a racecourse set amidst rolling fields, but instead of a flat track, it's filled with jumps, logs, water hazards, and banks. Riders must navigate this course at a specific pace, ensuring their horses clear each obstacle safely within the allotted time.

Think of it as an equestrian steeplechase: speed meets precision as riders race against the clock, showcasing their horses' stamina, jumping power, and trust in their handler. Penalties are incurred for missed jumps, refusals, or exceeding the time limit.

The cross country phase is a crowd favourite, filled with drama, excitement, and a true display of the incredible bond between horse and rider.

Penalties:

1st Refusal, run out or circle of horse at jump - 20 pts
2nd Refusal, run out or circle of horse same jump - 40 pts
3rd Refusal, run out or circle of horse same jump - Elimination
3rd Refusal over whole course - Elimination (CCI4*-S-CCI2*-S)
4th Refusal over whole course - Elimination (CCN1*-S-65cm)
Fall of horse or rider - Elimination
Error of course not rectified - Elimination
Omission of obstacle- Elimination
Jumping outside flags & not rectified - 15 pts
Jumping obstacles in wrong order - Elimination
Retaking of an obstacle already jumped - Elimination
More than 20 seconds under time 0.4pts /per second (CCN1*-S-65cm)
Exceeding the time limit - Elimination
Activating frangible device- 11pts