Welcome To Eventing

– for anyone wondering about this sport! –

Welcome to Eventing! Formerly known as “Combined Training” or “Three-Day Eventing,” the sport’s name was shortened several years ago. If it was difficult to explain to interested friends and relatives before, it’s even harder now. Hopefully, this primer will help you and your supporters have a fun and successful venture into Eventing. See the TEAM website at www.michiganeventing.org for broader information and suggestions.

First and foremost, if you intend to compete, you are strongly encouraged to obtain a copy of the US Eventing Association’s 2007 Rules For Eventing. READ the rules of the sport! This short primer can never replace that goldmine of information. Rules are  available at www.useventing.com, or you can request them from USEA at 525 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg, VA 20176 (703-779-0440). The rules may be a little hard to understand in places - if you have questions, find the organizer or the Technical Delegate at an event. These officials are there to help clear up any confusion. When in doubt, ASK!

Second, you are also strongly encouraged to attach yourself to a trained professional who understands this sport thoroughly and who has the time and interest to teach you. It is a complex sport, and it is inadvisable to pursue it without a good guide. You can look in the professional listing in the Omnibus or online in the TEAM website to find a trainer in your area. It will make the whole process so much easier and fun. It's nice to have someone you trust to calm your nerves between phases! At the very least contact a nearby TEAM member before a competition to give you a few pointers! Another idea is volunteering at an event. Organizers always need (and appreciate) volunteers. This is a great way to see the ins and outs of the sport without putting the pressure of competing on yourself.

Third: ask questions! You’ll find eventers to be friendly and helpful, especially when you show that you want to understand and that you’ve tried to prepare appropriately for your first efforts at eventing. Watch for an expanded version of this short primer to be posted in 2007 on the TEAM website. It includes essential tips and the most relevant rules for competitors, as well as information about the year-end awards and how to earn points.

We encourage you to train well (and smartly) for your first event by following the three preceding suggestions. Have a great time, and remember, we’re there to help you get started.

Function of TEAM

All TEAM competitions are conducted in accordance with the USEA rules and directives. This primer is just a guideline and does not replace your careful reading of the rulebook. TEAM is a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting and encouraging the sport of eventing in Michigan. TEAM does this through publication of its annual Omnibus, acknowledging certain eventing competitions in Michigan and providing information and education relative to the sport of eventing, such as through this primer. In addition, TEAM hosts a year-end membership banquet which includes awarding of high-point year-end awards.

One Important Tip

At the TEAM website (www.michiganeventing.org) you’ll find more precise information about the basic rules for eventing. For starters, safety is foremost. You’ll need an SEI/ASTM-approved safety helmet for riding, and also a safety vest for cross-country jumping. There are certain other tack stipulations, especially related to which bits are legal. There are dress codes for each of the three phases as well, some having to do with tradition, others with safety. You will also need to wear a medical armband (properly filled out), or risk disqualification.