What is Arena Eventing and what are the rules?
What is Arena Eventing?
Arena Eventing is an exciting equestrian event that merges the show jumping and cross country phases of traditional eventing into a single course, taking place in an arena setting. It does not include a dressage phase, which is one key difference between arena eventing and traditional eventing.
An arena eventing course includes a combination of standard show jumps that progress directly onto rustic working hunter style fences and solid, fixed cross country fences.
During the first part of the course, expect to be met with colourful showjumping obstacles that could include uprights, combinations and oxers. The latter part is where you will find your rustic fences, inspired by cross-country obstacles – bridges, brushes, water elements and logs.
How is Arena Eventing Scored?
Arena Eventing is scored according to penalty points, with the goal being to get as few penalty points as possible. Penalties can be accrued for:
- Knocking down obstacles
- Refusals/runouts
- Exceeding the optimum time allowed
- A rider fall (resulting in an elimination of the horse and rider combination).
Achieving a clean round is the ultimate objective for both horse and rider.
Arena Eventing is a two-phase competition and scores across the showjumping and cross country element are calculated accordingly:
| Arena Eventing Rules | Show Jumping | Cross Country |
| First Disobedience | 4 penalties | 20 penalties |
| Second Disobedience | 8 penalties | 40 penalties |
| Third Disobedience (same obstacle) | Elimination | Elimination |
| Four Refusals Around the Course | Elimination | Elimination |
| Knock Down of Obstacle | 4 Penalties | 4 Penalties |
| Fall of Horse | Elimination | Elimination |
| Fall of Rider | Elimination | Elimination |
| Error of Course not Rectified | Elimination | Elimination |
| Every Commenced Second in Excess of Optimum Time | 0.4 Penalties | 0.4 Penalties |
| Every Commenced Second in Excess of 5 Seconds Under the Optimum Time | 0.4 Penalties | 0.4 Penalties |
| Exceeding Time Limit (Twice the Optimum Time) | Elimination | Elimination |
| Error of Course | Elimination | Elimination |
| Retaking Obstacle Already Jumped | Elimination | Elimination |
| Starting Before the Bell | Elimination | Elimination |
| Crossing of Tracks or Circles | Disobedience | Disobedience |
Preparing for an Arena Eventing Competition
Before competition day, it’s essential that your horse is well-practiced and familiar with a variety of fences. Your horse should feel confident and bold whether facing brightly coloured show jumps or more natural, cross-country style obstacles. Whenever possible, getting out onto a cross-country course can be hugely beneficial - it not only builds fitness but also allows your horse to experience solid fences in a safe, controlled environment. The more exposure your horse has to different jump types, the more comfortable and confident they’ll feel on competition day.
Arena eventing demands not just jumping skill, but also strength and endurance. Hacking work including trotting and cantering over varied terrain or gymnastic grid work prior to an event, can help condition your horse and build fitness.
Walking an Arena Eventing Course
It is important you take the time to walk your arena eventing course, planning your lines and your approach carefully, as this will help you to give your horse clear guidance and help them to navigate the course confidently, to achieve a clean and faultless round.
Arena Eventing FAQ's
Q: Is arena eventing suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, it’s a great introduction to eventing because courses are in a controlled arena environment, and usually shorter than traditional cross-country courses.
Q: How long is an arena eventing course?
A: Typically, courses last 2–3 minutes depending on the level and speed required.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: A correctly fitted, up to standard peakless riding helmet and body protector are essential.
Q: What equipment does my horse need?
A: Standard riding tack and protective boots for your horse will help prevent injuries from solid fences.
Q: How is arena eventing different from traditional eventing?
A: Arena eventing takes place in a controlled arena, does not include a dressage phase, and the cross country phase will lead straight on from the show jumping with no break in between.
If Arena Eventing sounds like the perfect event for you and your horse, why not take part in the National Arena Eventing Championships – with Arena Eventing Qualifiers held across the country and your chance to join us at Eland Lodge for the finals.