Horse Trials
Horse Trials (also known as Eventing) is an all-round test of horse and rider – combining the elegance of dressage, the thrill of cross-country, and the precision of showjumping. It’s the ultimate equestrian challenge that builds versatility, fitness, and partnership.
What is Horse Trials?
Horse Trials — also known as Eventing — is a three-phase equestrian competition that tests horse and rider across different terrains and disciplines. The three phases are:
- Dressage — obedience and harmony tested in an arena
- Cross-Country — jumping solid obstacles over varied ground within a time limit
- Showjumping — clearing coloured fences in an arena without faults
Unlike single-discipline events, penalties accumulate across all three phases — the lowest total score wins. The format is designed to encourage safe, progressive training and strong horse welfare, drawing from Olympic-level eventing but adapted for young riders.
Combined event variations also include Combined Training (Dressage + Showjumping), Combined Short Course (Dressage + mixed jumping), Supercross (Cross-Country + Showjumping), and Derby (a single combined jumping course).
Pony Club Victoria rallies incorporate all three disciplines, with coaching focused on safety, fun, and building confidence at every level.
Skills you’ll learn
Horse Trials builds a broad range of equestrian and life skills, with a strong focus on horse welfare, preparation, and safe riding. Skills develop progressively in line with the Pony Club Australia Syllabus of Instruction.
Competition
Competitions are one-day events using the same horse-rider combination across all phases, with a minimum 30-minute break between each. Events range from club and zone trials through to the annual PCV State Horse Trials Championships (held at venues such as Werribee Park and Ballarat) and qualifiers for Pony Club Australia Nationals.
Scoring is based on cumulative penalties: Dressage (100 minus percentage score), Cross-Country (faults for refusals, falls, and time errors), and Showjumping (knocks, disobediences, and time faults). Obstacle heights and required speeds increase with grade — Grade 6 has lower fences and slower paces, while PCV110/Advanced presents the highest challenges. Veterinary inspections after cross-country ensure horse welfare throughout.
Progression
Pony Club Victoria uses seven competition levels: PCV110 and Grades 1–6, each graded per horse-rider combination based on ability (see PCV Grading Guidelines).
- Beginners start at Grade 6 — smaller arenas and straightforward obstacles
- Progress by completing qualifying events with minimal penalties
- Pathways lead from zone events to state championships, with top riders eligible for Team Vic squad selection and national representation
- Riders must be 8 or older; horses must be 4 or older
- No ungraded riders may compete — progression follows PCV Bylaws and the Syllabus of Instruction
Annual clinics and rallies provide structured, step-by-step development at every stage.
Horse Trials Rules
Horse Trials Resources
Upcoming Horse Trials Events
FAQs
Dressage first, then Cross-Country and Showjumping (order may vary but specified in programme). Minimum 30-minute break between phases.
Achieve specific results in prior events (e.g., for PCV110: two events with low penalties, one in the championship year). Entries verified by Zone Rep.
Follow PCA Gear Rules; whips limited by grade (e.g., max 120cm for Advanced-Grade 3). No abuse or non-permitted items – elimination for violations.
Yes, with graded levels starting low. No riders under 8; focus on welfare, with veterinary checks and safe courses.
PCV events calendar on ponyclubvic.org.au, including championships and clinics.
