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Combined Training (also called eventing) is one of the most dangerous
equestrian sports for both horse and rider. It consists of three separate events: dressage,
cross country, and show jumping.
The dressage portion of the event is meant to test a horse's balance, training, suppleness,
and control. The test will differ based on the level of the event.
The jumping portion of the event is meant to test a horse's scope, ability, and power. It also
tests a horse's endurance and conditioning since it is often held on the last day of the event.
The most spectacular (and dangerous) part of this is the cross country portion of the event.
The cross country section often includes several sections (or phases),
two of which are Roads and Track and
Steeplechase. This is what is often pictured for eventing. The jumps for the cross country
portion of the event are often intimidating and dangerous for the unlucky horse and rider.
Upper level events always include water jumps, where the horse often must jump both into and out
of deep water, uphill and downhill jumps which can have drops of over six feet and may even
drop into water, combination jumps, very wide oxers, jumps through hedges, sharply angled and
blind jumps.
 | These jumps are meant to test a horse's bravery, stamina, and heart. |  |
The jumps are usually solid and will not give or fall if they are hit. This is truly a test of nerve and heart on the part of both horse and rider, and accounts for more injuries than either the dressage or show jumping sections.
