FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
A Horse Trial or Eventing is a test for Horse and Rider consisting of 3 phases: DRESSAGE, CROSS COUNTRY and STADIUM JUMPING. Dressage is the first phase, which tests the gaits, suppleness and obedience of the horse through a series of prescribed movements. While judging of the Dressage Test is based on specific criteria and movements, it is also an evaluation of beauty, movement and obedience.
The Cross-Country phase is an exercise in speed, stamina, athleticism, courage and boldness. This phase tests the horse’s ability and rider’s knowledge of “natural” obstacles, such as “fallen logs”, water, ditches and banks.
The Stadium Jumping phase takes place in a closed-in arena/ring and tests the horses athletic ability and conditioning. Traditionally, in three-day eventing, this phase is run last, on the third day, to provide a test of the horses fitness the day after endurance day (Cross-Country). These days, most one-day Horse Trials run the Stadium phase before XC as it is a nice warm-up for the XC phase and allows for a tighter schedule. During this phase, the horse must cleanly jump a series of obstacles, which when knocked down incur penalties, in a timely fashion.
venting in Canada follows the Equestrian Canada Rule Book, Section D: Eventing: Horse Trials and Two and Three Day Events. It can be viewed and downloaded from the Equestrian Canada website.
For what memberships are required for attending a recognized event in Ontario, please see our Membership Information page.
For the dates and locations of events in Ontario, please see our Event Calendar.
Event listings and omnibus information is available online through the Event Calendar.
Follow the directions in the Omnibus clearly for each event on how to enter. Each Organizer is different. Most use Event Entries which provides an easy online way to enter an OEA sanctioned horse trial
Choose a method to make an entry: MAIL or ONLINE
The Secretary listed in the Omnibus is your #1 “go to” for information, questions and where to send the entries if using Mail or Courier. Unless otherwise stated, entries are always mailed to the Secretary. Organizers are busy with Event preparations to be managing Entries as well. Don’t forget to include your cheque and a photocopy of all membership cards. Many Events are now using Evententries.com to accept online entries. It is quick and easy and requires a one-time registration. Payment can then be sent online or through the mail, but remember, Events don’t Accept your entry until payment is received.
Check the Equestrian Canada Participation Policy. Please note that CEC (Canadian Eventing Committee) rule modifications now require riders to qualify in order to move up to the next higher division. Please Note – Horse and Rider combinations who have achieved repeated success at year-end at a particular level and who do not wish to move up to the next level of competition are strongly encouraged to compete in the Open Division at that level in subsequent competition seasons.
A Junior rider is one who is under 18 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. A Junior rider may not compete a stallion.
Pre-Entry is a local division offered at some Events in Ontario. For more information, please visit this page.
All dressage tests for Equestrian Canada events can be found here. All dressage tests for FEI events can be found here.
Medical Armbands are no longer required unless you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Both Medical Armbands and Pinny’s are available through the OEA. Please email us to purchase.
The Equestrian Canada Rule Book: Section D
An OEA Director….look through the Committee list and see if one pertains to your query.
Your Coach. Looking for a Coach? Check our Coaches Directory
Still not sure? Use the form below to contact us.