Some Facts About “Eventing,” AKA the ‘Triathalon’ of the Equestrian World

Written By Rachel Novak

Horse trials, otherwise known as “Eventing,” are often called the equestrian “triathalon.” The sport, which originated in cavalries in Europe as a way of gauging riding mastery, is a hugely popular sport and events can be found around the country and across the globe, in places like Germany, England, and Dubai – to name a few.

The competition consists of three days of events: dressage, cross-country (otherwise known as endurance) and show jumping. The rider with the lowest number of combined penalty points in all three events wins the ribbon.

The average person does not typically think of “eventing” when they talk about equine sport in NY. Most people automatically think of thoroughbred racing in Belmont, Aqueduct, Saratoga, the Finger Lakes and other racetracks. These people would be surprised to learn how many event locations and “triathalon” training centers dot the map of the Empire State.

Millbrook, NY’s “Milbrook Horse Trials,” for example, are recognized by the United States Event Association. Even closer to the update region, equine training centers like Winterwood Farm in the town of Milton, and Larkin Hill Farm in North Chatham, have been around for years and attract serious riders and their talented and stunning mounts for training and preparation for competition.

In eventing, horses are coaxed, pampered and patiently brought along as they gain mastery of difficult and beautiful movements. Their manes and tails are coifed and groomed into elaborate braids. Riders are required to wear elegant attire, consisting of cutaway coats, ruffled shirts, tight white, black or navy jodphurs and highly polished riding boots.

The horses chosen to train and compete for this sport are usually thoroughbreds or exotic breeds from Spain, Portugal and other countries. At Winterwood Farm, for example, regal Spanish Normans, known across Europe as the warhorses of the ages, are treated like royalty as they progress through jumps and other graceful movements.

While both horses and riders are trained and groomed to perfection, just as in any equine sport, the right equine hardware is critical to the safety of riders, trainers, horses and spectators. That is where Henssgen can help. Our company has been servicing the equine industry for nearly 40 years and we carry a complete line of snap hooks, quick links, panic snaps and other hardware.

In 2013, Rachel Shaw Novak purchased the business from her parents and went on to obtain a Women’s Business Enterprise/Woman Owned Small Business certificate.

We invite you to visit our website and check out our catalog for a complete listing of products we offer.

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