"Cross Country" is a style of riding generally associated with the second day of a Three Day Event. Three Day Eventing is a particular kind of horse show that includes Dressage, Cross Country, and Show or Stadium Jumping. Competitors must train specifically for each day of the Three Day Event, and it is a testament to the skill, endurance, and flexibility of both rider and horse to be able to compete and win in each of the three styles of riding.

When you're talking about the second day in...

Often referred to as an "equestrian triathlon" eventing involves a horse and rider combination competing over three phases : dressage, cross country and showjumping. Originally designed as a military test for a charger, eventing now attracts interest from all ages, experiences and walks of life. The aim of eventing is to complete all three phases with the lowest penalty points.

Dressage : The dressage phase is the first test of the competition. Dressage consists of a set sequence of moveme...

Since the time of the early Greeks, horses have been used in military maneuvers. This early use of the horse brought about the need for extensive training before they could be maneuverable enough to be considered military ready. The training and discipline these horses endured was documented by the early Greek General Xenophon, who wrote the training documentation that was the earliest writing of the principles of dressage.

Created around 350 B.C. in Greece, his writings conveyed the impor...