The Long-Lost Classic-Format Three-Day Event
The steeplechase requires the horse and rider to maneuver over brush-type fences at a gallop. | Photo: Courtesy Courtney Calnan
Imagine taking your horse on a nice walk and trot, then galloping around a steeplechase course, complete with traditional brush fences, then having another quiet walk and trot before heading out on a several-mile-long cross-country course. Oh, and this is after you’ve completed a day consisting of flatwork and before taking on another day of jumping. Sound strenuous? Well, it is, but historically horses have trained for and excelled in this arena: the long-format three-day event.

The classic long-format has been replaced with what is referred to as the short-format event at the vast majority of competitions, from local and regional events to international competitions, such as the World Equestrian Games, Olympics, and annual Rolex Kentucky Three-day Event, currently underway through Sunday, April 26 at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington. Still, a handful of U.S. events still offer classic format competitions for interested riders.

The U.S. Eventing Association rulebook states that short-format events must include dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The long format, on the other hand, is comprised of dressage, endurance, and show jumping, and the endurance day consists of four phases:

  • Phases A and C, roads and tracks, are intended to help warm up and cool down between phases at a moderate pace for 16 to 20 minutes.
  • Phase B is steeplechase, which requires the horse and rider to maneuver over brush-type fences at a gallop.
  • Finally, Phase D—the cross-country phase—challenges horse and rider to maneuver over obstacles set in natural terrain.

Veterinarians must be on hand for both short- and long-format events

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