Eventing traditionally includes dressage, cross country, and show jumping phases, but not every rider or horse is suited for the demanding cross country segment. This list covers popular eventing levels and formats that exclude cross country, focusing on dressage and show jumping combinations. Whether you’re a beginner, returning rider, or simply prefer to avoid cross country, these options offer competitive and educational experiences within eventing.
1. Combined Test (Dressage and Show Jumping Only)
The Combined Test is a popular eventing format that features just dressage and show jumping phases, omitting cross country entirely. This format is often used at lower levels and allows riders to focus on precision and control without the added risk and complexity of cross country obstacles. It’s ideal for riders building confidence or those whose horses might not be suited for cross country’s demands.
2. Eventing Dressage and Stadium Jumping (Starter and Intro Levels)
Many local and schooling event organizations offer Starter or Intro combined levels that include only dressage and stadium jumping. These levels typically feature simple dressage tests such as USEA Intro A or B and show jumping courses with fences up to 2’6″. This setup is perfect for newcomers to eventing or horses in early training phases, emphasizing flatwork and jumping basics.
3. Dressage and Show Jumping at Horse Trials Without Cross Country
Some horse trials and eventing competitions have divisions or special classes that eliminate the cross country phase, allowing riders to compete in dressage and stadium jumping only. These are often labeled as “Combined Tests” or “Mini Events” and provide a lower-risk alternative while still awarding scores and placings. They’re especially useful for riders recovering from injury or those with horses that perform better in controlled environments.
4. Eventing Without Cross Country for Adult Amateur Riders
Adult amateur divisions at many eventing competitions sometimes offer combined tests without cross country to accommodate riders balancing time constraints and safety concerns. These divisions maintain the competitive spirit of eventing but reduce the physical and financial demands associated with cross country training and equipment. They allow adult amateurs to participate fully in eventing communities without the full commitment of traditional three-phase competition.
5. USEA Novice and Training Levels with Modified or No Cross Country
While USEA Novice and Training levels typically include cross country, some events offer modified courses or divisions without cross country for horses and riders not ready for full courses. These modified divisions retain dressage and show jumping phases, often with lower fence heights and simplified tests. This approach helps horses and riders gain experience incrementally before tackling the full three phases.
6. Dressage and Show Jumping at Combined Driving Events
Though combined driving is a separate discipline, it shares similarities with eventing and often excludes cross country-like phases. These events focus on dressage tests and stadium-style obstacle courses, providing a competitive outlet for horses and drivers who prefer not to engage in cross country. This alternative is especially relevant for riders transitioning from traditional eventing or looking for different challenges without the risk of cross country.
7. Hunter Trials Without Cross Country
Hunter Trials sometimes offer divisions that remove the cross country portion, focusing instead on dressage and stadium jumping phases. This format appeals to riders interested in the hunt seat style of riding but who prefer to avoid the endurance and technical demands of cross country. It also serves as a stepping stone for horses transitioning from hunter/jumper disciplines into eventing.
8. Dressage and Stadium Jumping at Pony Club Rally Events
Pony Club rallies and competitions frequently include combined tests that exclude cross country phases for younger riders or those with less experienced horses. These events emphasize foundational skills in dressage and show jumping, encouraging safe progression while still fostering team competition and camaraderie. They are excellent for juniors seeking eventing experience without full exposure to cross country risk.
9. Schooling Shows Offering Eventing Divisions Without Cross Country
Many schooling shows now offer eventing divisions that include only dressage and stadium jumping, designed for riders who want to compete at home or in less formal settings. These shows often have flexible rules and lower entry fees, making them accessible for new competitors or those who prefer a less intense environment. They provide valuable practice under show conditions without the logistics of cross country.
10. Western Eventing Without Cross Country
Western Eventing is a growing discipline combining western riding with eventing concepts, often excluding traditional cross country phases. Instead, the focus is on dressage, trail obstacles, and sometimes stadium jumping adapted to western tack and style. This variation offers eventing enthusiasts an alternative that emphasizes horsemanship and versatility without the hazards of cross country fences.
How to Choose
When selecting an eventing format without cross country, consider your horse’s training and temperament first. Horses that are sensitive, young, or recovering from injury may benefit from combined tests or schooling shows that exclude cross country. Rider goals also matter: if you aim to build confidence and precision, entry-level combined tests are ideal, while adult amateurs might prefer divisions tailored to their schedule and safety concerns. Accessibility and location play a role too—local schooling shows and Pony Club rallies can offer convenient, lower-pressure options. Finally, think about your long-term objectives; if you plan to eventually include cross country, choose options that prepare you incrementally rather than excluding it indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I compete in recognized eventing competitions without doing cross country?
Some recognized events offer combined tests or divisions without cross country, but most traditional eventing competitions require all three phases. Check the event’s prize list for specific divisions.
Q: Is it safe to avoid cross country if I want to compete in eventing?
Yes, focusing on dressage and stadium jumping reduces risk and still provides valuable skills and competition experience. Many riders choose this path for safety or personal preference.
Q: How does training differ when skipping cross country?
Training focuses more on flatwork, precision, and technical jumping rather than endurance, speed, and boldness over solid obstacles. Conditioning is still important but less intense.
Q: Are scores from combined tests without cross country comparable to full eventing scores?
Scores are calculated differently since cross country is omitted, so while useful for progression, they don’t directly compare to full three-phase eventing results.
Q: Can a horse that excels without cross country transition to full eventing later?
Yes, many horses start with combined tests to build confidence before safely progressing to cross country phases when ready.
Q: Do eventing insurance policies cover competitions without cross country?
Coverage depends on the policy, but generally, competitions without cross country present lower risk and may have different requirements. Always verify with your insurer.
Final Thoughts
Eventing without cross country offers a practical and rewarding alternative for riders and horses not ready or willing to take on the challenges of the cross country phase. From combined tests to specialized divisions for adult amateurs and youth, these options maintain the spirit of eventing while prioritizing safety, skill development, and accessibility. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a long-term eventing path that fits your lifestyle and horse’s needs, exploring eventing levels without cross country can open new doors to competition and horsemanship.
Related
- 5 Theraband Exercises to Improve Senior Balance Safely
- Safety Glasses With Prescription vs Without: Key Differences Explained
- When Not to Wear Safety Glasses: 10 Important Situations