Precision.
Courage. Agility.
"Three disciplines. One champion. Welcome to the ultimate test of horse and rider."
The Equestrian Triathlon
Eventing is the ultimate test of equine and human athleticism. Wandin Park hosts "Short Format" competitions—a condensed, high-stakes structure where the phases culminate in an action-packed cross-country finale.
The Golden Rule: Lowest Score Wins
Unlike most sports, eventing rewards the lowest score. Competitors begin with a penalty score based on the precision of their Dressage test. The objective for the remainder of the weekend is to add zero further penalties. The combination with the lowest final score takes the honors.
Dressage
Phase 01The foundation of the sport. Dressage tests the horse's obedience, flexibility, and harmony with the rider. The pair performs a predetermined sequence of intricate movements in an enclosed arena. Judges score each movement out of 10, which is then mathematically converted into the athlete's starting penalty score.
The Objective
Perform the entire test from memory, utilizing nearly invisible cues from the rider to create the illusion of effortless movement.
Basic Penalties
Errors in the course (such as forgetting a movement) result in immediate penalty points. Multiple errors lead to elimination.
Show Jumping
Phase 02In our short-format event, Show Jumping acts as the critical bridge to the finale. The horse must carefully navigate a tight, technical track of brightly colored rails in the arena. This phase proves that the horse retains its agility and carefulness after the dressage, preparing them for the Cross Country.
Knocked Rail
+ 4 Penalties if any part of the jump is knocked to the ground by horse or rider.
Refusal
+ 4 Penalties if the horse stops, steps back, or runs out at a jump.
Time Penalties
+ 0.4 Penalties for every second a competitor exceeds the allowed time.
Cross Country (The Finale)
Phase 03The heart-pounding climax of the weekend. Horse and rider navigate a winding track over solid obstacles at a galloping pace. Because the penalty points here are significantly larger than in Show Jumping, the leaderboard can completely turn upside down in a matter of minutes. It remains anyone's game until they cross the finish line.
First Refusal
+ 20 Penalties if the horse stops or runs past a jump. This heavily impacts the leaderboard.
Activating Frangible Fence
+ 11 Penalties There are many frangible jumps on the course. If a horse hits it with enough force it will activate and colapse.
Time Penalties
+ 0.4 Penalties for every second exceeding the optimum course time.
Designer's Insight
"To follow the action closely, watch the flags. Riders must pass exactly between a red flag on their right and a white flag on their left. Keep an eye out for frangible pins on our timber fences, this modern technology is designed to drop the solid fences safely if a horse makes heavy contact, prioritizing the protection of our athletes."
One more thing
A fall of horse or rider will result in elimination.
Two Unique Vantages
Panoramic Hills.
Immersive Quarry.
Wandin Park offers a viewing experience rare in world eventing. From our rolling hills, you can enjoy a panoramic view of nearly 90% of the entire course as it unfolds across the valley.