Horse Trials | Pony Club Victoria

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 Phase

Obedience and harmony tested in an arena

The dressage phase is the first part of eventing. It assesses the horse’s obedience and the rider’s control in executing a prescribed sequence of movements within a designated arena. Unlike traditional dressage scoring, penalties are subtracted from a maximum score, with lower penalties indicating a higher ranking.

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Cross-Country Phase

Jumping fixed obstacles over varied terrain within a time limit

Typically the second phase at high-level events, however the third phase at most Pony Club events, cross country involves navigating a challenging outdoor course of solid fences at a fast canter. The objective is to complete the course cleanly within a specified time frame. Penalties are incurred for refusals or run-outs at fences, monitored by fence stewards stationed along the course.

Black jumping horse with face looking to the ground - Free ...

Showjumping Phase

Clearing coloured fences in an arena without faults

The final phase of eventing, showjumping tests the horse and rider’s precision and agility over a series of fences in an arena setting. The goal is to clear the jumps without incurring penalties, with faults for knocked-down rails, time or refusals.

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 Include:

Combined Training

Dressage
Showjumping

Combined Short Course

Dressage
Mixed Jumping

Supercross or Jump Trials

Showjumping
Cross Country

Derby

A single combined course of Showjumping & Cross Country Fence

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.

Harmony and precision in dressage movements

Courage, balance, and control of pace

Accuracy and technique

Assessing horse fitness and soundness

Time management and strategic pacing

Horsemanship

Resilience, concentration, and determination under pressure

Teamwork in rallies and events, plus sportsmanship

Competition

Competitions are one or two day events using the same horse-rider combination across all phases. Events range from club and zone trials through to the annual PCV Horse Trials State Championships 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, refusals, and time faults). Obstacle heights and required speeds increase with grade.

To compete in Pony Club Horse Trial Competitions, riders must be at least 8 years old and horses must be at least 4 years old. Pony Club sections require riders or guardians to submit a grading request form to club DC. If successfully graded, DC will record on membership card. Membership cards can then be presented to the Event Office at competitions to prove eligibility in Pony Club graded level.

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 competitions to gain exposure with minimal penalties.
Pony Club sections require riders or guardians to submit a grading request form to club DC. If successfully graded, DC will record on membership card. Membership cards can then be presented to the Event Office at competitions to prove eligibility in Pony Club graded level.
Pathways lead from zone events to state championships, with top riders eligible for Team Vic squad selection and national representation.

Progression

Grading Guidelines for Horse Trials

6

Grade 6

Rider can stop horse effectively in open area, jump a variety of Grade 6 XC fences at trot and in sequence, control pony in a variety of terrain, basic knowledge of walking a XC course, meet competency of Grade 6 dressage grading requirements, jump a minimum of 8 Showjumping efforts at 0.35m in height and spread prior to showing competence on XC. Rider is age 8 or older to be eligible to compete in Horse Trials competition. The combination is to complete the course unassisted. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

5

Grade 5

Combination can execute a variety of Grade 5 XC fences at trot and in sequence. Upon cantering, rider can safely bring horse/pony back to slower gaits. Combination to meet competency of Grade 5 Dressage grading requirements. Combination can complete a minimum of 8 Showjumping efforts at height and spread of 0.50m and base 0.65m. Water is now optional in courses at this level. If water is used, an option not involving water must be provided as per Rule E7. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

4

Grade 4

Combination can jump a variety of Grade 4 fences at trot and canter, jump obstacle into water with drop (max 0.15m) and enter water complex via ramp or drop of max 0.50m. Rider is not interfering with horse when jumping, developing a steady light seat. Combination can complete a minimum of 8 Showjumping efforts at height and spread of 0.65m and base of 0.80m and meet competency of Grade 4 Dressage grading requirements. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

3

Grade 3

Combination can jump a variety of Grade 3 fences in varied terrain at canter, confidently drop into water complex and jump obstacle into water with or without a drop max 0.30m. Rider does not interfere with horse when jumping, has good 2-point seat over fences and control of canter between fences. Rider knows how to recognise if the horse is becoming tired or stressed, knows how to care for horse to ensure recovery after the course has been ridden and knows how to correctly fit any gear used. Combination can complete a minimum of 9 Showjumping efforts at height and spread of 0.80m and base of 1.00m and meet competency of Grade 3 Dressage grading requirements. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

2

Grade 2

Combination can jump a variety of Grade 2 fences in varied terrain at canter, confidently drop into water complex and jump obstacle into water with or without a drop max 0.50m. Rider can shorten and lengthen the horses canter as approaching obstacles, rider position correct over fences and appropriate canter speed between fences, correctly represent to fence if a refusal or run out occurs. Combination can complete a minimum of 9 Showjumping efforts at height of 0.95m and spread of 1.00m and maximum base of 1.50m and competent with all Grade 2 HT Dressage requirements. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

1

Grade 1

Combination can jump a variety of Grade 1 fences in varied terrain, confidently drop into water complex max 1.40m and jump obstacle into water with or without a drop max 0.80m. Combination can complete a minimum of 9 Showjumping efforts at height of 1.05m and spread of 1.30m and maximum base of 1.80m and confident with all HT Dressage requirements for Grade 1. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

A

PCV 110

Combination can jump a variety of Grade PCV 110 fences in varied terrain, confidently drop into water complex max 1.60m and jump obstacle into water with or without a drop max 1.10m. Combination can complete a minimum of 9 Showjumping efforts at height of 1.10m and spread of 1.40m and maximum base of 2.10m and confident with all HT Dressage requirements for PCV Advanced Dressage. Refer to full PCV Grading Guidelines for further details.

Horse Trials Rules

PCV Horse Trials 2025

Horse Trials Resources

Dressage Tests

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, focus on welfare, with veterinary checks and safe courses.

PCV events calendar on ponyclubvic.org.au, including championships and clinics.