Dressage Lessons, Show Jumping Lessons & Cross Country Eventing, in DeLand!

The Olympic sport of eventing is best described as an equestrian triathlon. The sport originated as a cavalry test and is comprised of three phases: dressage, cross country and show jumping. You can take dressage lessons, stadium/show jumping lessons, and enjoy all three phases of cross country eventing at Hanover Stables, near downtown DeLand!

Three Phases

The first phase – dressage – shows the graceful partnership of horse and rider through a sequence of movements on the flat. The next phase – cross country – challenges bravery, fitness and determination as combinations navigate a series of solid obstacles, technical questions and varied terrain. In the final phase – show jumping – pairs must again prove their precision as they clear a course of fences. Let our Deland instructors help improve your cross country eventing goals with high level dressage lessons, show jump lessons and cross country jump lessons.

A True Test for Horse & Rider

Competitors accumulate penalty points in each phase. At the end of the event, the pair with the lowest score wins. Eventing tests horse and rider pairs more completely than any other discipline. Dressage Lessons play an important role in Eventing. Cross Country Eventing and SHow Jumping is often considered the most fun to our Deland Eventers, but to excel in the sport of Eventing, Dressage is often a top priority and focus!

3 Phase Eventing with Raegan Samson & McLaren

Cross Country Phase

Cross-country horse riding — sometimes referred to as just cross-country, “XC” or as Hunter trials — is an equestrian sport that sees rider and horse tackling a long course with jumps and other obstacles designed to simulate riding at speed across the countryside. It is one of the disciplines contested during eventing, along with dressage and showjumping.

The event is a test of the speed, endurance, and jumping ability of the horse, as well as obedience and conditioning. An expert cross-country rider will need to demonstrate their knowledge of pace and ability to ride technically for extended distances. As the rider and horse compete at higher levels, the courses will become more difficult, with higher, trickier fences and greater distances to tackle.

Dressage Phase

The dressage phase begins every eventing competition. In French, dressage means “training.” Originally designed to show the horse’s ability to perform intricate movements on the parade involved with reviewing troops, today the dressage test comprises a set series of movements performed in an enclosed arena.

Show Jumping Phase

The third and final test takes place in the show jumping arena. A show jumping course comprises a series of colored fences usually made up of lightweight rails that are easily knocked down. The test takes place in an enclosed ring and the course must be negotiated in order for the horse and rider to successfully complete the event. This final phase tests the stamina and recovery of the horse after the endurance phase and shows that it is fit enough to continue work.