Eventing

Eventing

Eventing involves working with the same horse both on the flat and over jumps, analogous to an equestrian triathlon. There are three phases in this Olympic sport. Each phase is scored by awarding penalty points. The horse and rider combination that completes all three phases with the lowest combined score wins.

The first phase is dressage, in which a set series of movements is performed in an enclosed arena. This is the only subjective phase of the competition and the competitor receives a penalty point total based on the judge's impressions. Generally, the judges look for a smooth, flowing, and precise test. Judging standards are essentially identical to dressage-only competitions, with each level performing more difficult movments.

The second phase is cross-country, where the horse and rider gallop over an outside course of solid fences, which the horse has never seen before. Each competitor is judged solely on the combination's jumping ability and how well they stay within the time allowed to complete the course.

The third and final phase is show jumping. This is also a timed event, and takes place in a jumping arena with twelve to fifteen jumps. This final phase tests the stamina and fitness of the horse after the cross-country phase. The horse and rider in addition to being timed are judged on the precision of their jumping efforts. Penalty points are assessed for knocking down rails, or disobediences. The lowest combined score from the three phases wins the competition.

Training Case Histories

Below you will find a case histories of horses which have been started and trained by Doug.

Cornerhouse

Cornerhouse 'aka Killer' was purchased in June of 2002, in Ireland. At the time Doug was looking for a horse, but due to limited funds, he could only afford a horse with little to no experience. Through the time with Doug, he went from barely broken to winning the American Eventing Championships in 2005, just 3 years later.

Cornerhouse is known around the barn as Killer. His name hardly describes his personality, he is very much more like a dog than a ravenous beast. He was found turned out in a field, untouched for the perevious three months. Killer was not yet officially for sale; he along with one other horse was eating grass in an attempt to gain some weight. Doug rode him for 15-20 minutes, walk, trot, canter, and jumped 2'6" or so, bought him on the spot. Below you will see a picture of him from that day, the subsequent follow in chronological order.

Killer was born June 6, 1996; by Edmund Burke out of Dunnman's Night.

Killer was purchased in the spring of 2005 by Josephine LaCosta, he continues to compete with her.

Killer in Ireland - 6/02

Southern Pines 2003

Pleasant Hollow 2003