What is eventing, and how is it scored?

• The definition: "three distinct tests during which an Athlete rides the same Horse throughout, namely: Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping".
• Dressage: the judges' marks are converted into penalty points.
• Cross-country: penalties for faults at obstacles are added to penalties for excess time and any others.
• Jumping: penalties for faults at obstacles and for excess time.
• The winner: "the Athlete with the lowest total of penalty points from the three tests".
• Elimination: "Elimination from one of the tests entails immediate elimination from the Competition."
• Dressage first: the dressage test always comes first. The order of the other two depends on the format.
• The rider's responsibility: the rider is ultimately responsible for knowing the rules and complying with them.
• Welfare: the ground jury has "the right and the duty" to eliminate any horse that is lame or unfit to continue, at any time.
• Levels: one star to five star, with five star needing "the maximum level of training and experience".

The glossary has eventing, cross-country, the dressage test (eventing) entry, the eventing jumping test entry, the final classification and the penalty points entry.

Eventing began as a test for cavalry horses: obedient on parade, bold across country and still sound enough to jump the next day. Adding all three scores on one horse keeps that idea. A pair cannot win on one strength, and a rider has to bring the horse through the whole competition fit.