Eventing Equipment: Cross Country, Dressage, and Show Jumping Guide
Eventing, also known as Three-Day Eventing, is the most demanding discipline in Olympic equestrian sport: it combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This diversity of phases requires specific equipment for each one. We explain everything you need.
Phase 1: Dressage in Eventing
The dressage phase in eventing follows the same rules as individual dressage, although generally with lower technical requirements in amateur categories.
Rider's Equipment
- White or beige breeches
- Dark or navy blue jacket
- Certified helmet
- Black boots
- Gloves
Horse's Equipment
- Permitted dressage bit (snaffle, baucher, or double bridle)
- Dressage bridle (no flash noseband in advanced categories)
- Dressage or eventing saddle
Phase 2: Cross Country (The Star Phase)
Cross country is the most spectacular and dangerous phase of eventing. The obstacles are fixed and are ridden in an open field. Safety is a priority.
Rider's Cross-Country Equipment
- Certified MIPS or ASTM helmet — Maximum protection. Mandatory
- Airbag vest — Mandatory in FEI 2* competitions and above. Highly recommended at all levels
- BETA Level 3 body protector — If you are not wearing an airbag. Mandatory in cross country
- Cross-country jersey or shirt (club or national colors)
- Durable riding breeches (with grip)
- Sturdy boots or paddock boots
- Gloves
Horse's Cross-Country Equipment
- Durable cross-country boots — For all four legs. They must withstand impacts against obstacles
- Cross-country wraps — Rigid wraps + liners. Maximum tendon protection
- Jumping or eventing saddle — With front knee rolls for better two-point position
- Stronger control bit — Cross country requires more control than dressage
- Martingale or draw reins — For horses that escape control by raising their head
- Bib number
Phase 3: Final Show Jumping
The show jumping phase in eventing is performed over knockdown obstacles. The objective is to confirm that the horse is in good physical condition after the cross country.
Rider's Equipment
- Same clothing as in dressage or specific jumping apparel
- Certified helmet
- Competition jacket
Horse's Equipment
- Standard jumping boots (with strike plates)
- Jumping saddle
- Jumping bit
Budget for Eventing Gear
| Equipment | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Airbag vest | €300-700 |
| ASTM helmet for cross country | €80-300 |
| Cross-country boots x4 | €80-200 |
| Dressage clothing | €150-400 |
| Cross-country clothing (jersey + breeches) | €100-200 |
| Black boots | €100-400 |
To fully equip yourself for eventing, check out our catalog of body protectors, horse boots, and competition gear.
