Eventing was derived from the testing horses underwent when being selected for the cavalry. Horses for the cavalry needed to be strong, fast, balanced and well-disciplined. This reflects the objective of today's eventing. Event horses must be very well-disciplined in all aspects of there riding. As eventing is an English equestrian sport, it is most common in Europe and certain parts of the U.S.A and Australia. One of the first events (or a competition which closely resembles our modern events) was held in France in 1902 at the Championnat du Cheval d'Armes. Again, this was to test the cavalry horses for fitness and suitability. Dressage was used to show the horses' suitability for parades and to ensure they had the ability to perform well. This proved obedience. Cross-country was used to display stamina, courage and bravery. The horses must prove that they can cope over hazardous and challenging terrain, representing the battlefield. Finally, the show jumping on the last day proves the horses' fitness after the cross-country and dressage days. After this, eventing became an Olympic sport for the first time in 1912 and, from then on, became increasingly more popular. The individual events have changed slightly through the years, but have ultimately resulted in the three disciplines in modern eventing.
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| Lieutenant Adolph van der Vooort van Zijp Gold medalist at the 1924 Olympics in individual and team eventing |
Sources: www.discovereventing.com
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